HOLD ON (TO WHAT YOU GOT)

I worked hard, bay, night and day
The things I had, somebody took away
They took away everything I earned
But there's one lesson that I have learned

You've got to hold on, little girl, to what you've got
You've got to hold on, little girl, to what you've got
You've got to hold on, little girl, to what you've got
You've got to hold on, little girl, to what you've got

I've been pushed and I've been knocked down
But I picked myself right back up off the ground
And baby there's one thing that I have found
Fighting is the only way so stand your ground

You've got to hold on, little girl, to what you've got
You've got to hold on, little girl, to what you've got
You've got to hold on, little girl, to what you've got
You've got to hold on, little girl, to what you've got

I've been used, I've been abused
I've had, baby, my regrets
I've been lost, I paid the cost
But there's one thing I ain't forget

I've heard some hard lines, I've seen some crying times
Bad luck and trouble, they been friends of mine
Got to stand straight and stare right at your fate
And play it hard before it's too late

And then just hold on, little girl, to what you've got
You've got to hold on, little girl, to what you've got
You've got to hold on, little girl, to what you've got
You've got to hold on, little girl, to what you've got

You've got to hold on, little girl, to what you've got
You've got to hold on, little girl, to what you've got
You've got to hold on, little girl, to what you've got
You've got to hold on, little girl, to what you've got

Written by Bruce Springsteen for Gary U.S. Bonds' LP On The Line, 1982. The LP was recorded in early 1982 with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.