I wrote this song in 2021. At this point in my life, I was just starting to find comfort in my gender, even though I had been transitioning for over a year. I wanted to write something that honored trans lives lost to senseless violence. Too often, trans people are not given the support they need.

This song signifies the reality that even after a trans person leaves our earth, they are still here, in memories, in feelings, in words and pictures and videos and tears and laughter. To all trans people: sometimes, we need to hold tight to one another.  I am holding you close, today and forever.

Listen here to “Hold Tight”

Lyrics

Time
Waits for nobody
But I wish that time was more kind and stopped you from arriving too soon

My
Knuckles are bloody
As I keep fighting for what should’ve been 50 more years of you

This was not in anybody’s plan
I won’t try to understand
I’ll just grieve, and believe you’re okay
And I swear I’ll fight for better days

You are not alone
I don’t know where you are, but I promise I’m here
Memories live on
And they’ll take you far, we’re with you, I swear
They still feel your hand
As they hold you and kiss you goodnight
And even though you’re gone
They still hold tight

She
Walks to the school yard
Whispers of “boy in a dress” as she clutches her necklace of beads

He
Is the new teacher
He sits down beside her, she looks up and finally sees

Someone who is like her
Not in her novels, but breathing the same air
As dreams are planted inside her
I hope she sees them grow fruitful forever

You are not alone
I don’t know where you are, but I promise I’m here
Memories live on
And they’ll take you far, we’re with you, I swear
They still feel your hand
As they hold you and kiss you goodnight
And even though you’re gone
They still hold tight

One day
We’ll reach a world where it’s okay
To show off your beautiful heartscape
And you’ll be celebrated for what you think is hated

Trust me
I know it’s not easy
But I swear we’re holy
You deserve to be celebrated, every day cuz

You are not alone
I don’t know where you are, but I promise I’m here
Memories live on
And they’ll take you far, we’re with you, I swear
They still feel your hand
As they hold you and kiss you goodnight
And even though you’re gone
They still hold tight

You can access this song on Spotify, Apple Music, and iTunes by clicking here.

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Keshet envisions a world in which all LGBTQ+ Jews and our families can live with full equality, justice, and dignity.  Stay connected by joining our email list and following us on social media.

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