Keep It, Hold It Lyrics – FKA twigs

Keep It, Hold It Lyrics Meaning

[Verse 1]
In this verse, the speaker expresses a desire to escape from their overwhelming emotions, feeling lost and disconnected. They experience emptiness in their solitude, often questioning their own direction in life. The line “I read a million people gotta feel this way” hints at the idea that others, too, might be struggling with similar feelings of isolation and confusion.

[Chorus]
The chorus revolves around the singer’s internal struggle for clarity and peace. They’re constantly wondering what they need to do, say, or learn to improve their situation. However, the repeated advice to “keep it walking” and “hold it close” suggests that even in confusion or hardship, the key is perseverance and staying grounded—holding onto something familiar to feel secure, even when everything else feels uncertain.

[Verse 2]
In this verse, the speaker feels overlooked and misunderstood by others. They’re aware that people speak about them as if they’re invisible, criticizing them unfairly. This leads to a sense of longing for escape, where the singer often looks out the window, perhaps imagining a safer, happier place. They reflect on the idea that their feelings of alienation may not be unique—others likely share similar emotional burdens.

[Chorus]
The chorus is an ongoing question about what the speaker should be doing to move forward or find resolution. Despite feeling lost, the repeated message to “keep it walking” and “hold it close” reinforces the importance of persistence, even if the way forward feels unclear. The speaker is seeking answers and growth, yet the chorus offers a reminder to stay present, hold onto the small things, and keep pushing through the confusion.

[Bridge]
The bridge shows moments of emotional exhaustion and disconnection. The singer feels distant and uninspired, as if they’re not even trying anymore. There’s a sense of wanting to break free, as seen when their feet “start dancing away.” The advice to “try dry your eyes” speaks to trying to find strength in vulnerability. There’s a reminder to find something real and true to hold onto, as only then can one feel truly strong and wild. The line “Don’t keep it, don’t hold it” implies a release of the emotional weight that’s been carried.

[Chorus]
This version of the chorus deepens the questions the singer has about their journey and growth. The repetition of “What have I got to do?” and “What have I got to learn?” reflects their sense of being lost, unsure of how to progress or what they need to change within themselves. However, the repetitive guidance to “keep it walking” and “hold it close” suggests that despite not having all the answers, the way forward is through persistence, staying present, and holding on to what matters, even if it’s unclear what that exactly is.

[Outro]
The outro seems to reinforce the themes of persistence and movement. The simple words “close,” “softly,” and “walking” suggest the continuation of the journey, even in silence or uncertainty. The repetition feels like a mantra, encouraging the listener to keep moving through life, even when things seem unclear or hard to grasp.