Introduction:
In 1973, country music’s royal couple, George Jones and Tammy Wynette, released their poignant duet “We’re Gonna Hold On”. This emotional ballad, written by acclaimed songwriter Bobby Braddock, became a defining song in their individual careers and a cornerstone of their collaborative work.
“We’re Gonna Hold On” falls under the umbrella of the honky-tonk subgenre of country music. Honky-tonk music originated in Texas dance halls in the early 20th century and is known for its themes of heartbreak, loneliness, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. These themes resonated deeply with both Jones and Wynette, whose personal lives mirrored the struggles depicted in many honky-tonk songs.
Billy Sherrill, a record producer known for his polished “countrypolitan” sound, was at the helm for “We’re Gonna Hold On”. Sherrill, despite being a proponent of the countrypolitan sound that often incorporated elements from pop music, allowed Jones and Wynette to retain the raw, emotional core of the song. This approach proved to be successful, as “We’re Gonna Hold On” struck a perfect balance between the heartache of honky-tonk and the broader appeal of countrypolitan.
The song itself features the instantly recognizable vocals of both singers. Jones, known for his powerful, expressive baritone, delivers a heartfelt performance that conveys the depth of the couple’s struggles. Wynette, equally powerful in her own right, counters with a vulnerable and emotive vocal that perfectly complements Jones’s. Together, their voices create a tapestry of raw emotion that resonates with listeners.
“We’re Gonna Hold On” was a massive success. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, solidifying Jones and Wynette’s place as country music royalty. The song’s critical acclaim was equally impressive, earning them a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. “We’re Gonna Hold On” continues to be a beloved classic, not only for fans of Jones and Wynette, but for country music enthusiasts in general. The song remains a powerful testament to the enduring human spirit and the enduring power of love, even in the face of challenges.
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Lyrics:
We’re gonna hold onWe’re gonna hold onWe’re gonna hold on to each other
Life can be roughSometimes it’s kindA real good life is hard to find
But the best love is the one we’ve knownAnd the faith we have between us makes it grow
Some love livesAnd some love don’tWe’ve got the kind of love we want
It brings us happiness all through the dayAnd nothin’ can ever make it go away
We’re gonna hold onWe’re gonna hold onWe’re gonna hold on to each other
Time will tellIf you’re right or wrongWe know we’re right by holdin’ on
And the future is set for you and meFilled with love, the way we both want it to be
We’re gonna hold onWe’re gonna hold onWe’re gonna hold on to each other
We’re gonna hold onWe’re gonna hold (we’re gonna hold) onWe’re gonna hold on