‘Hold On, I'm Comin'’ (officially registered as "Hold On, I'm Coming", and shown on the original single release as ‘Hold On! I'm Comin'’ is a 1966 single recorded by soul duo Sam & Dave. Sam Moore and Dave Prater rose to fame in the mid-60s with a string of hits that have stood the test of time. Working with producers like Isaac Hayes and David Porter, the duo’s soulful sound captured the hearts of millions, cementing them as one of the greatest soul duos in history.
The song was written by the songwriting team of Isaac Hayes and David Porter, who came up with the title of the song spontaneously when Hayes was trying to get Porter to hurry out of the Stax Studios restroom and get back to songwriting. The original title was ‘Hold On, I'm Comin'’, but some radio stations objected to its "suggestive nature", and labels on most copies of the single gave the title as "Hold On! I'm A Comin'". Released as Stax 189 in the spring of 1966, the single peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot R&B singles chart and at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
Following the instrumental introduction, Sam sings the first verse and is joined by Dave for the chorus. Dave sings the second verse and is joined by Sam for the chorus. In the bridge section, Dave sings the first part and Sam sings the second part, which is followed by a brief instrumental passage. Sam sings the third verse and is joined by Dave for the chorus. The introduction is repeated in the chorus, with both Sam and Dave singing until the song fades out.
‘Hold On, I’m Comin'’ remains a song that resonates with people today, over 50 years since its release. Its message of support and encouragement is as relevant today as it was in the 1960s. The struggles of life may vary, but the power of friendship and the strength that comes from knowing someone has your back remains constant. The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, including B.B. King, The Blues Brothers, and even Prince. Its influence has even extended to other genres, such as rock and roll, with artists like Bruce Springsteen citing Sam & Dave as a major influence on their own music.
Label – Stax/Atlantic
Songwriters – Isaac Hayes, David Porter
Producer – Jim Stewart
SONG LYRICS
[Verse 1: Sam Moore]Don't you ever be sad
Lean on me when times are bad
When the day comes and you are down
In a river of trouble and about to drown
[Chorus: Dave Prater & Sam Moore]
Just hold on, I'm comin'
Hold on, I'm comin'
[Verse 2: Dave Prater]
I'm on my way, your lover
If you get cold, yeah, I will be your cover
Don't have to worry, 'cause I'm here
No need to suffer, baby, 'cause I'm near
[Chorus: Dave Prater & Sam Moore]
Just hold on, I'm comin'
Hold on, I'm comin'
Hold on, I'm comin'
Hold on, I'm comin'
[Bridge: Dave Prater & Sam Moore]
Lookie here, reach out to me
For satisfaction, yeah
Lookie here, Dave, that's all she got to do
Call my name, yeah, for quick reaction
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
[Verse 1: Sam Moore]
Now don't you ever be sad
Lean on me when the times are bad
When the day comes and you are down, baby
In a river of trouble and about to drown
[Chorus: Dave Prater, Sam Moore & Both]
Just hold on, I'm comin'
Hold on, I'm comin'
Just hold on (Don't you worry)
I'm comin' (Here we come)
Hold on (We're about to save you)
I'm comin' (Yeah)
Hold on (Don't you worry)
I'm comin' (Here I come)