"Keep Holding On " by Avril Lavigne
Reviewed by: Krystal Burns
Note: We focus on reviewing songs, and therefore cannot comment on the appropriateness of the album in its entirety. Please use your best judgment whenever purchasing or listening to music.
The Artist
The Canadian native released her debut album “Let Go” in ’02, but like so many other young stars Avril Lavigne was driven towards stardom from an early age. She sang Gospel at church and country at the fairs until her talent was discovered, and she began recording her first album in LA when she was only 16. Over 14 million albums sold, and Avril was nominated for 8 Grammy Awards. Two years later Avril released her second, wildly successful CD “Under My Skin.” Famous for her I-don’t-care attitude and image, she’s ready to to take off once again.
The Single
“Keep Holding On,” released in November of ’06, is the first peep of Avril we’ve heard in two years. The single delivers true Avril style -- melodic swings combined with the Punk Princess’ trademark raspy edge that makes even punk seem pop. As a song for the fantasy film “Eragon” (opening Dec. 15 ’06), it’s sure to grow her fan club of tweens and teens all over the globe that will be anxiously waiting for the full album that typically follows a single. But alas, they’ve a little longer to wait as her third album won’t debut for a few more months.
The Song
Friendship is an important aspect of our lives, and it’s nice to hear a song that pays tribute to that. In fact, one of the most valuable characteristics of a friend is loyalty. You want someone to share the good times with, but you need someone to help through the bad times.
It’s also refreshing to see an artist with a tougher image singing such positive lyrics. The words are simple and sweet, “Keep holding on/ Cause you know we’ll make it through… Just stay strong/ Cause you know I’m here for you.” And later, “Together we stand/ I’ll be by your side… When it gets cold/ And it feels like the end/ There’s no place to go/ You know I won’t give in.”
The idea behind these lyrics, particularly the chorus, echoes Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.”
It’s essential to have good friends, and the best way to earn true friends is to be one. Hang with your friends when they need you most and encourage them to get through the tough times in life. In return, when you need someone, a real friend will show you the same kind of love.
So What Do You Think?
1. Do you think a song like this will change Avril’s image?
2. Have you seen “Eragon” or read the book? If so, how does the song fit the plot?
3. At one point in the song she says, “Nothing’s gonna change destiny/ Whatever’s meant to be/ Will work out perfectly.” Do you agree with that statement -- why or why not?