Some songs hit you like a tidal wave; others seep into your soul like a gentle drizzle. Drey’s “Holding On To You” does both.
With her signature blend of heartfelt storytelling and modern sonic textures, the Alabama-born singer-songwriter has delivered a ballad that feels like clutching a fraying thread of love—beautiful, tender, and oh-so-heart-wrenching.
From the moment the first delicate notes play, “Holding On To You” wraps you in its melancholic embrace. The production is understated but lush, balancing soft, cinematic strings with subtle electronic flourishes that reflect the push-and-pull of the emotions Drey so vividly describes. Her voice, equal parts velvet, and vulnerability, carries the weight of every unspoken word and imagined future, making it impossible not to feel every aching syllable.
The lyrics are where Drey truly shines. Painting vivid imagery of intimate moments, like sitting on Adamson Square or petals falling from her hair, she transports listeners to those fleeting, bittersweet memories we all hold onto. It’s a masterclass in evocative songwriting: specific enough to feel personal yet universal enough to resonate with anyone who’s ever clung to a love they knew might not last.
The refrain—aching, desperate, and hauntingly beautiful—is a gut punch. It captures the universal truth about love’s fragility: sometimes, it’s not enough. And yet, Drey makes you want to hold onto it anyway, savoring every moment, even when you know it’s slipping through your fingers.
Drey cites influences like Fleetwood Mac and Lana Del Rey, and you can hear their fingerprints in the song’s DNA. The nostalgic haze of Lana and the timeless storytelling of Fleetwood Mac merge seamlessly into Drey’s unique sound—a little vintage, a little modern, and entirely her own.
But what sets “Holding On To You” apart is its emotional honesty. Drey isn’t trying to tie things up with a neat bow or offer solutions to heartbreak. Instead, she invites you to sit with the messiness, the longing, and the bittersweet realization that love, no matter how powerful, doesn’t always get a fairytale ending.
This isn’t just a song—it’s a quiet moment of connection, a reminder that we’re all human, fumbling through the highs and lows of love. Drey’s hope for listeners to find comfort in her music rings true; “Holding On To You” feels like a warm hug on a cold day, a hand reaching out to say, I’ve been there too.
So, turn it up, let yourself feel all the feelings, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself sitting in your own version of Adamson Square, holding onto this song like a memory you never want to let go.
You’ve mentioned drawing inspiration from artists like Fleetwood Mac and Lana Del Rey. How do those influences shape your approach to storytelling and the emotional core of your music?
Fleetwood Mac and Lana Del Rey have a way of making their music feel like a world you can become part of. Both remind me that music is about evoking emotions, not just telling a story. That’s something I try to channel in every song, making the listener feel like they’re living inside the moment I’m singing about.
“Holding On To You” captures the ache of love that feels both beautiful and doomed. What personal experiences or reflections influenced the raw emotion behind this song?
“Holding On To You” came from a place of wrestling with the bittersweet parts of love, the kind where you know something might not last, but you cling to it anyway. I think we’ve all had moments of trying to preserve something that’s slipping away. For me, this song grew out of reflecting on past relationships and even moments in my marriage where growth brought challenges. It’s a love letter to the kind of connection that’s messy but worth fighting for.
Your lyrics are vivid and intimate, like sitting on Adamson Square or petals falling from your hair. Are these moments drawn from real life, and how do you decide which memories to weave into your songwriting?
Yes, they’re rooted in real moments or at least feelings tied to real experiences. Adamson Square is a place in my town where I’ve spent time reflecting, and the petals are a metaphor tied to a memory of fleeting beauty. I always try to ground my lyrics in small, tangible details because they make emotions feel more universal. I choose moments that feel like anchors so they carry weight for me emotionally and give the listener something visual to hold onto.
This song explores being stuck between the past and the present. How has that feeling of longing or reflection impacted your personal growth as an artist and as a person?
It’s taught me to embrace duality. The fact that it’s okay to feel nostalgic for the past while still moving forward. As an artist, it’s pushed me to be more honest and introspective, to write songs that sit in the tension between where I’ve been and where I’m going. Personally, it’s helped me appreciate the beauty in change, even when it feels hard. Reflection fuels growth, and I think both my music and my life are richer because of it.
You’ve described “Holding On To You” as a comfort for those dealing with similar emotions. What’s next for you, musically or personally, as you continue to explore such vulnerable themes in your art?
Musically, I want to keep leaning into vulnerability but also explore new textures and sounds that match the depth of my lyrics. I’m experimenting with looping equipment and live performances to bring more intimacy to my shows. Personally, I’m focusing on finding balance. I’m learning to honor my emotions without letting them define me.
There’s beauty in sharing raw truths, and I want to keep creating music that feels like a safe space for both me and my listeners.