"Hanging On" by Cornelia Jakobs is a song about longing, desire, and the emotional struggle of being without someone you deeply care about. The lyrics express the strong yearning the narrator feels for a person they miss, comparing it to how they miss the days spent in aphelion (the point in a planet's orbit farthest from the sun). The lyrics also mention the narrator's difficulty in sleeping and their need for the person they're missing, drawing a parallel to the sedative Valerian, which is often used as a sleep aid. The narrator admits to waiting for this person and finding solace in their presence, as it makes them feel whole again. However, the song also acknowledges the conscious effort the narrator makes to break free from this intense attachment. They tell themselves to "knock it off" and "shake it off," implying a desire to move on and let go. But despite their efforts, they can't help but continuously think about and long for this person. The chorus emphasizes the narrator's dependence on the person they miss, stating that they are on their knees and hanging on, desperately yearning for their return. The lyrics also mention a "rush of blood" that they can no longer afford, suggesting that this longing is taking a toll on their emotional well-being. The song conveys the idea that being without this person makes it hard to breathe, emphasizing the deep emotional impact their absence has on the narrator. The lyrics also mention the semi-ironic notion that even when the narrator plays or engages in other activities, they are still holding onto hope and waiting for this person to come back. The repetition of the line "I'm hanging on" throughout the song emphasizes the narrator's unwavering determination to hold onto the hope that this person will return. The lyrics describe their heart as "holographic," suggesting that it exists but feels fragile and intangible without the presence of the person they long for. Overall, "Hanging On" explores the complex emotions of longing and the struggle to break free from an intense attachment. It captures the emotional depth and power of missing someone and the fierce determination to hold onto hope until they come back.
