"Hold On to Your Friends" is a song by Morrissey, released as a single in May 1994. It was the second single taken from the number 1 album Vauxhall and I. Morrissey claimed, "It was written about somebody I know, in relation of their treatment towards me."

Reaching number 48 in the UK Singles Chart, the single became Morrissey's lowest charting single until "Glamorous Glue" in 2011, which reached number 69.

Track listings

7" vinyl and cassette

  1. "Hold On to Your Friends"
  2. "Moon River"

12" vinyl and CD

  1. "Hold On to Your Friends"
  2. "Moon River" (extended version)

Musicians

  • Morrissey: voice
  • Alain Whyte: guitar
  • Boz Boorer: guitar
  • Jonny Bridgwood: bass guitar
  • Woodie Taylor: drums

Reception

Ned Raggett of AllMusic thought the song featured a strong performance from the group but was "not one of the album's immediately strongest points", although it "isn't a bad listen at all." He was more impressed by the cover version of Moon River on the B-side which had a "surprisingly affecting" performance from Morrissey and a good production.

Live performances

The song was performed live by Morrissey on his 1995 and 1997 tours.

References


Hold On You YouTube

959,442 Hold Friends Images, Stock Photos & Vectors Shutterstock

Playlist Hold on to each other

Hold On YouTube

Which Friends Should I Hold Onto? by Laura Eshelman Medium