Rina Sawayama, Holy (Til You Let Me Go) | Bangerz N Bopz

In the 64^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz (2024), we highlight “Holy (Til You Let Me Go)” performed by Rina Sawayama. 

Bring on the bold, fierce songs! Bangerz N Bopz serves up background info and insight into songs of various styles, especially songs that raise eyebrows and stir the pot.  Featured records can be classic or brand new. In the 64th edition of Bangerz N Bopz (2024), we break down “Holy (Til You Let Me Go)” performed by Rina Sawayama.

“Heavenly, that was me / A vision at seventeen / Loves to read, loves to dream / The college of Magdalene.” The talented Rina Sawayama had tremendous ambition.  The singer, songwriter, and actress has accomplished a lot regarding her education and career.  However, in “Holy (Til You Let Me Go),” she’s been wronged –  judged, bullied, and made to feel less.  There aren’t specifics about how she was wronged given on the sixth track from her marvelous 2022 LP, Hold My Girl, but, she’s experienced pain.  In the second verse, she asserts, “Tried to pray the pain away / Just like you taught me (But something had changed).” The spiritual references are part of the charm of this gem penned by Sawayama, Nate Campany, Chris Lyon, and Stuart Price (“I was the martyr who paid for your life”).

The chorus is dynamic – the most memorable section of “Holy (Til You Let Me Go)”:

“I was innocent when you said I was evil

I took your stones and build a cathedral

Found my peace when I lost my religion

All these years I wished I was different

But, oh, no, now I know

I’m holy ‘til you let me go.”

That’s deep, Rina.  Notably, Sawayama is pansexual which goes against the grain of the heteronormative world. Also, per Variety, she shares that trauma inspired Hold the Girl. She was groomed at 17. “Holy (Til You Let Me Go)” conveys trauma and overcoming it.  Beyond the theme, lyrics, lovely melodies, and sickening vocals by Sawayama, the music is sweet. The instrumental intro is warm, fueled by piano and synths.  The production by Sawayama, Price, and For Those I Love is shimmering and sleek. “Holy (Til You Let Me Go)” is epic.

Rina Sawayama // Hold the Girl // Dirty Hit // 2022

Rina Sawayama, Holy (Til You Let Me Go): Bangerz N Bopz No. 64 (2024) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Dirty Hit; cottonbro studio, Harry Shelton, Kool Shooters, Lucas Pazeta, Mavluda Tashbaeva, Teddy Yang, Wesley Souza from Pexels]