About the song
Released in 1973, “We’re Gonna Hold On” stands as one of the most iconic duets in country music, performed by the legendary George Jones and Tammy Wynette. At the time, the couple was not only making music together but also navigating their personal lives as husband and wife. This song, which they co-wrote with Earl Montgomery, became a significant hit, marking their most successful release among their three chart-topping singles.
The timing of the song’s release was notably poignant. Just before the song came out, the couple had reconciled after Tammy filed for divorce due to George’s struggle with alcoholism. Their turbulent relationship was a frequent topic of public discussion, but “We’re Gonna Hold On” offered a heartfelt expression of their commitment to each other, despite the challenges they faced. The lyrics and the emotional delivery of the song seem to reflect their own journey through hardship and reconciliation.
George Jones, in a 1973 interview with Music City News, candidly shared his feelings about their relationship, expressing regret for the pain he had caused and a deep realization of the love they shared. This sentiment is beautifully captured in the song, which resonated deeply with audiences, staying on the country charts for an impressive fourteen weeks.
The inspiration for the song came from a personal experience of Montgomery, who felt a sense of embarrassment and personal reflection after a drunken incident on tour with Jones and Wynette. This real-life event contributed to the song’s authenticity and emotional depth.
“We’re Gonna Hold On” also marked Jones’ first number one hit since 1967 and was widely promoted with television appearances, including a memorable spot on “The Midnight Special.” The song remains a testament to the powerful blend of personal struggle and enduring love, reflecting the complex but heartfelt journey of George Jones and Tammy Wynette.
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Lyrics
We’re gonna hold on
We’re gonna hold on
We’re gonna hold on to each other
Life can be rough
Sometimes it’s kind
A real good life is hard to find
But the best love is the one we’ve known
And the faith we have between us makes it grow
Some love lives
And some love don’t
We’ve got the kind of love we want
It brings us happiness all through the day
And nothin’ can ever make it go away
We’re gonna hold on
We’re gonna hold on
We’re gonna hold on to each other
Time will tell
If you’re right or wrong
We know we’re right by holdin’ on
And the future is set for you and me
Filled with love, the way we both want it to be
We’re gonna hold on
We’re gonna hold on
We’re gonna hold on to each other
We’re gonna hold on
We’re gonna hold (we’re gonna hold) on
We’re gonna hold on