Barely Holdin' On Explained

Barely Holdin' On
Cover:Barely Holding On.jpeg
Type:single
Artist:Polo G
Album:Hood Poet
Released:August 18, 2023
Length:2:54
Label:Columbia
Prev Title:Heartbroken
Prev Year:2023

"Barely Holdin' On" is a song by American rapper Polo G. It was released on August 18, 2023, as a single from his fourth studio album, Hood Poet. The song was produced by Southside, Dr. Luke, and Noah Goldstein.

Background

On August 15, 2023, Bartlett officially announced his next album, Hood Poet. He announced the single for release the following Friday, with the album to release on September 15, 2023.[1]

Composition

The song features tranquil guitars and keyboards and a fidgety beat.[2] Throughout the song, Polo raps about his mental-health and gunplay, with lines such as: "Ain't hard to figure him out 'cause all his thoughts was tweeted/ We blew some shots to shut him up, that’s why his top was leakin'."[3] In the first verse, Polo G mentions his childhood friend who was shot and killed in a drive-by on September 18, 2014,[4] while in the second verse he raps about his upbringing, in which he raps about his heavy trauma.

Critical reception

Alexander Cole of HotNewHipHop called the track "an uplifting yet emotional song that speaks to some of the trauma Polo G has faced throughout his life."[5] Vibe said that the song "soundtracks the visual, but paints a picture of the artist attempting to rationalize his own trauma, as well."

Music video

Polo G released the song's music video on August 18, 2023. It was directed by Araad and shows scenes of Polo G at a piano as well as with living individuals who each go through their own struggles.[6] [7]

Credits and personnel

Technical

Charts

Chart (2023)! scope="col"
Peak
position
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[8] 4

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bartlett . Taurus . Polo G - HOOD POET (Album Trailer) OUT SEPTEMBER 15 . YouTube . 16 August 2023.
  2. Web site: Partridge . Ken . Aug 18, 2023 . Polo G Finds Strength Amid Tragedy On New Song "Barely Holdin' On" . August 19, 2023 . Genius.
  3. Web site: Breihan . Tom . August 18, 2023 . Polo G – "Barely Holdin' On" . August 19, 2023 . Stereogum.
  4. Web site: Griffin . Marc . August 18, 2023 . Polo G Shows Empathy To Those "Barely Holdin' On" In New Visuals . August 19, 2023 . Vibe.
  5. Web site: Alexander . Cole . August 18, 2023 . Polo G Returns With Lead "Hood Poet" Single, "Barely Holdin' On" . August 19, 2023 . HotNewHipHop.
  6. Web site: Grant . Shawn . August 18, 2023 . Watch: Polo G Delivers New Video For "Barely Holdin' On" . August 19, 2023 . The Source.
  7. Web site: Duong . Pual . August 18, 2023 . Video: Polo G "Barely Holding On" . August 19, 2023 . Rap Radar.
  8. Web site: NZ Hot Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. August 28, 2023. August 26, 2023.