Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons – Let’s Hang On

The Four Seasons - Let's Hang On (1965) [Digitally Enhanced]

About the song

Background:

  • Released in 1965, “Let’s Hang On!” was a hit song by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.
  • It became a turning point for the group, showcasing a tougher, more soul-influenced sound compared to their earlier work.
  • The songwriters were Bob Crewe, Sandy Linzer, and Denny Randell.
  • It reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, their highest placement since 1964’s “Rag Doll.”
  • Interestingly, “Let’s Hang On!” was originally the B-side to another song, “Come on Mary Ann.”

Themes:

  • The song is a plea from a man to his significant other to save their relationship.
  • It avoids being overly sentimental, taking a more assertive approach with lyrics like “Let’s hang on to what we’ve got/Don’t let go, girl, we got a lot/Got a lot of love between us.”
  • The music reflects this theme with a driving beat, powerful vocals (including Frankie Valli’s falsetto), and a touch of rawness thanks to the use of fuzz guitars.

Legacy:

  • “Let’s Hang On!” remains a popular song, a staple on oldies radio and covered by artists like Barry Manilow.
  • It’s known for its catchy melody, strong vocals, and unique sound that blends pop, rock, and soul influences.

Video

Lyrics

There ain’t no good in our goodby-in’True love takes, a lot of tryin’ oh I’m cryin’
Let’s hang on, to what we’ve gotDon’t let go girl, we’ve got a lotGot a lot of love between us(Hang on, hang on, hang on)To what we’ve got(Do-do, do-do, do-do)
You say you’re gonna go and call it quitsGonna chuck it all and break our love to bits(Breakin’ up) I wish you’d never said it (breakin’ up)No, no we’ll both regret it
That little chip of diamond on your handAin’t a fortune baby but you know it stands(For your love) A love to tie and bind us (such a love)We just can’t leave behind usBaby (don’t you go) Baby (oh no no) BabySta-ay, let’s hang on
To what we’ve gotDon’t let go girl, we’ve got a lotGot a lot of love between us(Hang on, hang on, hang on)To what we’ve got(Do-do, do-do, do-do)
There isn’t anything I wouldn’t doI’d pay any price to get in good with you(Patch it up) Give me a second turning (patch it up)Don’t cool off while I’m burning
You’ve got me cryin dyin’ at your doorDon’t shut me out let me in once more(Open up) Your arms I need to hold you (open up)Your heart oh, girl I told youBaby (don’t you go) Baby (oh no no) BabySta-ay
Let’s hang on (girl) to what we’ve got (girl)Don’t let go girl, we’ve got a lotGot a lot of love between us(Hang on, hang on, hang on)To what we’ve got(Do-do, do-do, do-do)
Ahhh, ahhh, ahhh, ahhh, ahhh…