I'll Keep Holding On

Kim Burrell's “I'll Keep Holding On” takes its verses from the old hymn “Time Is Filled with Swift Transition,” a nineteenth century text that calls believers to build their hopes on eternal things. She wraps it in a gospel vamp where the title is sung over and over.

The first verse says that time is filled with swift transition and that nothing on earth can stand unmoved, so listeners are told to build their hopes on things eternal and hold to God's unchanging hand. The next verse tells them to trust in the one who will not leave them, whatever the years may bring. If earthly friends forsake them, the singer says she will cling more closely to him. After the hymn text the song turns into a driving chorus. Burrell calls out hold, hold on and urges the congregation to get a real good grip, with the choir answering no no no. The rhythm of the vamp makes the point as much as the words: the grip is something you do again and again, not once. Burrell's runs and shouts stretch the lines out, and the call and response gives the room a part to sing. It is a song for people who are tired and tempted to let go, and it fits closing moments of a service when the church wants to leave with a short phrase to remember.

God holding your hand is Isaiah 41:13. His promise never to leave is Hebrews 13:5, and being held by his right hand is Psalm 73:23.