Hold Me Tight – Knight of Wands
(Lennon/McCartney)
With the Beatles, 1963
“Hold Me Tight” has been disparaged by critics and even both Lennon and McCartney as an uncharacteristically weak Beatles song, Paul, the primary composer, admitted it was a failed attempt to write a single but ultimately ended up as “acceptable album filler”. John went so far as to call it a “poor song” that he never had any interest in. Say what they will; “Hold Me Tight” has its charms. It’s an example of a no-frills rocker from the Beatles’ early days, featuring a catchy riff, driving backbeat, and an effective call-and-response refrain.
The subject of “Hold Me Tight” is as simple as its melody: The singer is urging the girl he likes to show him affection. The primary reason for the song’s lackluster reputation is probably its lame lyrics, including rhyming “only one” with “lonely one” and “loving you” with “only you”. Still, the song’s strengths lie in its feel. “Hold Me Tight” has upbeat energy and a propulsive tempo that you can dance to.
Universal Marseille Tarot
If the song feels a little monotonous through its first couple verses and choruses, we do get some tension in the bridge sections. Notice as Paul sings the line “don’t know…what it means to hold you tight” that the track shifts from major to minor key. The singer expresses disappointment that she hasn’t reciprocated his advances yet. But soon enough his mojo returns. They’re alone together and the opportunity for romance has presented itself. As he exclaims “it feels so right!”, the song shifts back into major key and goes back into its uplifting, rhythmic groove.
With the song’s energy as its primary feature, the tarot card that best corresponds to “Hold Me Tight” is the Knight of Wands. The tarot’s Knights represent extreme expressions of their suit’s element, and the suit of Wands symbolizes the element of Fire. Fire is energy, passion, inspiration, and enthusiasm. Fire is also sexual drive, and it’s easy to see that’s the singer’s real motivation. The line “making love to only you” was very risqué in 1963; If the song had been released as a single it would certainly have been banned from being played on BBC airwaves.
Many versions of this card picture a knight on horseback, powerfully surging forward. It’s an image that evokes motivation and confidence. When you draw this card, you’re invited to embody these fiery characteristics within yourself. When we’re the Knight of Wands, we’re filled with energy and move ahead boldly. We get into our groove, and it feels so right!
Notable Lyric:
“Don’t know
What it means to hold you tight
Being here alone tonight with you
It feels so right.”
This is song #98 of the Beatles Song Tarot Project. Click here to learn more about this magical, mystical trip through the Beatles catalogue.
