Past masters: Alex Chilton and Chris Bell

“The Ballad of El Goodo.” Written by Chilton and Bell, recorded by their band Big Star in 1972. The middle eight, the bridge, whatever you want to call it.. “Hold on.. Hold on”.. is one of the most haunting refrains in pop music.

Years ago, my heart was set to live, oh
But I’ve been trying hard against unbelievable odds
It gets so hard at times like now to hold on
My guns, they’re waiting to be stuck by
At my side is God

And there ain’t no one going to turn me ’round
Ain’t no one going to turn me ’round

There’s people around who tell you that they know
The places where they send you, and it’s easy to go
They’ll zip you up and dress you down
Stand you in a row
But you know you don’t have to
You can just say no

And there ain’t no one going to turn me ’round
Ain’t no one going to turn me ’round
Ain’t no one going to turn me ’round
Ain’t no one going to turn me ’round

I’ve been built up and trusted
Broke down and busted
But they’ll get theirs and we’ll get ours
Just if we can
Just, ah, hold on
Hold on
Hold on
Hold on

Years ago, my heart was set to live, oh
But I’ve been trying hard against strong odds
It gets so hard at times like now to hold on
Well, I’ll fall if I don’t fight
And at my side is God

And there ain’t no one going to turn me ’round
Ain’t no one going to turn me ’round
Ain’t no one going to turn me ’round
Ain’t no one going to turn me ’round

Hold on
Hold on
Hold on
Hold on