You've got me on a string. 
And I don't mean a thing to you. 
I'm holding on to no one, 
I'm a long-time lover, 
And my long-time love is gone. 

If my man beats me, robs me blind, 
Long as he don't leave me, I don't mind. 
I would beg and I would crawl, 
Though it does no good at all. 
My man been gone so long, 
And I keep holding on. 

And if he needed me, I'd be there. 
I don't care. 
I would get down on my knees, 
I tried so hard to please. 

My man been gone for so long, 
And I keep holding on. 

Empty windows, boarded doorways, 
Choose your prison, 
When I'm with him. 
And I'm a fool for loving you. 
And, well, I know, 
How the head says, "No." 
And the heart says, 
"Go down on your knees, woman, 
And keep on holding on."