Song here:
https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=4223830
One of the things that impressed me about the life of the late Queen Elizabeth was her tenacity. She held onto her beliefs and convictions no matter what the world around her was doing. Her beliefs gave to her life a sense of meaning that expressed itself through a sense of duty that she maintained until the end came, as it must to us all.
I honestly can't describe myself as a royalist. Yet her passing has left a deep feeling that something irreplaceable is now over. While having strong reservations about the whole phenomenon of monarchy, I recognize that she pursued her role with tremendous dignity.
She was truly an inspiration to a great many. As prime ministers and presidents came and went, she remained an influential voice for moderation and common sense.
At the heart of her life appeared to be that crazy little thing we call love. Love for the God in whom she placed her faith. Love for her family. Love for her country. Love for the wider world.
Not that she ever claimed to be perfect. Or never made errors of judgment. Or that every day was wonderful and she lived without regrets. Everyone of us could say much the same. But I'm not sure all of us could handle the responsibility placed upon her shoulders with quite so much wit and style.
She did appear to have tried to see the good in everyone. And, thanks to Paddington, we now know, she carried a marmalade sandwich in her handbag, and was always ready to share.
Life goes on. And we all have to choose how we live within the beliefs that we hold most important. Yours are not mine and mine are not yours and that is the way it will always be. The future of many aspects of the monarchy are not clear. Things will inevitably change. The same can be said about so many areas of life.
There is a passage in a letter attributed to the apostle Paul, and directed to a church community in the city of Philippi. It contains the advice "Sisters and brothers, focus your thoughts on things that are true and honorable and just and pure and beautiful and respected. If there is anything that is morally excellent and worthy of praise, focus your thoughts on these things." (Adrian translation)
Not easy advice to truly follow, but well worth aiming at. Such is the inspiration behind this song offering. 'Hold on to the things that you believe in.'
I've shared it a number of occasions over the years. Sometimes it has been received well and folks have taken the time to say thanks. Though usually performed on an acoustic guitar (and on a couple of occasions with a band) this particular version features my Hayman electric guitar. Just something I liked about the tone and feel of it and set it apart from other folksy things I've written.
Times of change create moments for reflection.
Hold On (To the things that you believe in)
© Adrian J Pratt –1983
Hold On, Hold On
Don’t let nobody steal your love away
Hold On, Hold On,
To the love you hold in your heart this day.
People will push you around
People will drag you down
Just because of the things that you believe,
People they won’t understand,
The love you hold in your hand
They’ll turn your truth into dreams.
Hold On, Hold On ,
To the things that you believe in,
Don’t let nobody steal your love away
Hold On, Hold On,
To the love you hold in your heart this day.
Let nobody shatter your dreams
People they don’t always mean
The things that they say.
Just keep your flag flying high,
The truth can never die
And love can win the day,
Hold On, Hold On ,
Just walk in the light till the darkness is gone
Hold On, Hold On ,
Just walk in the light till the darkness is gone
You've just got to hold on
Don't be afraid to stand out of the crowd
Don't let doubt pull you down
Hold On, Hold On ,
To the things that you believe in,
Don’t let nobody steal your love away
Hold On, Hold On,
To the love you hold in your heart this day.
Hold On, Hold On ,
To the things that you believe in,
And don't let nobody steal your love away
Hold On, Hold On,
To the love you hold in your heart this day.