[Intro – Strings and organ swell] (Clara Jean, softly) Mmm… hold me, baby… Don’t ever let me go… [Verse 1] When the night falls quiet and cold, I need your arms to keep me whole. When the world feels too far away, Your heartbeat’s where I wanna stay. Every whisper, every sigh, Feels like heaven when you’re nearby— So hold me, baby, nice and slow, And promise me you won’t let go. [Chorus – Call & Response] (Lead: Clara Jean) Hold me, don’t let go— (Backups) Don’t let go, no, no! (Lead) The world could change, but I’d still know— (Backups) Your love’s the place I call home! (Lead) Keep me close and never say no, (All) Hold me, don’t let go. [Verse 2] I’ve had love that came and went, Left my heart cracked and bent. But when you touch me, I believe, There’s more to love than make-believe. So don’t you turn, don’t you hide, Just stay right here by my side— Let the moonlight set the glow, Hold me, don’t let go. [Chorus – Full Harmony] Hold me, don’t let go (Don’t let go, no, no!) The way you move me, heart and soul— I need your warmth, your touch, your light, To guide me through the night. Hold me, don’t let go… Hold me, don’t let go. [Bridge – Key change, strings swell] (Clara Jean) When the morning comes, and love feels new, I’ll still be reachin’ out for you! (Darlene & Lottie) Ooooh, reachin’ out for you! (Clara Jean) Baby, don’t let time decide, What love was always meant to find! [Breakdown – Hammond organ, soft snare rolls] (Call & Response) Hold me tight! (Hold me tight!) Through the night! (Through the night!) Don’t you ever say goodbye! (No, no!) [Final Chorus – Soaring harmonies] Hold me, don’t let go (Don’t let go, don’t let go!) You’re the love I need to know! Every beat of my heart says so— Hold me, baby, don’t let go! [Outro – Fade with layered harmonies] (Ad libs) “Don’t let go…” “Hold me close…” “Through the night…” “Don’t let go…”
