The song "Hanging On" by Ellie Goulding tells the story of a toxic and failing relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of longing, pain, and frustration experienced by the singer. In the beginning, Ellie sings about wanting to escape the troubles of the relationship and calling out to her partner. However, they continually turn away and ignore her, causing her emotional pain and confusion. Tinie Tempah's verse adds another perspective to the song, expressing a sense of dissatisfaction and detachment in the relationship. He acknowledges feeling trapped and overwhelmed, comparing his feelings to being wrapped up and mummified. Despite the challenges, he acknowledges having strong feelings for the woman in his life. Overall, the song depicts a turbulent and complicated relationship where both parties are struggling to hold on. The lyrics convey a sense of desperation and confusion, highlighting the difficulties faced in maintaining a healthy and fulfilling relationship.