Eric Cohen, a name that connects with honesty and raw talent, has progressively risen the ranks of the Christian hip-hop industry. Being from Missouri in the United States, Cohen’s journey shows the transformative power of faith and song. Though his career has been marked by suffering and redemption, his music stands as the cornerstone of his faith. His latest single, “Held Together,” is a modern and detailed recounting of his journey that weaves together emotional lyrics and a fitting instrumental arrangement.
Cohen’s musical journey began in the midst of turmoil. His childhood was marked by poverty, addiction, and depression. Yet, it was in the darkest circumstances that he found the redeeming power of music. With a voice that echoes the agony and suffering of his history, Cohen’s lyrics are raw and honest but investigate human experience. His music is a light of hope, shining brilliantly amid the gloom, and “Held Together” is no exception.
Held Together
The song’s lyrics are very personal and introspective and examine Cohen’s battles with addiction, guilt, and salvation. With lyrics like “I hold it all together with a smile on my face, while deep inside afflicted and suffering in pain,” Cohen lays open his soul, exposing the depths of his battle. Yet, it is in the middle of this darkness that he finds refuge in his faith, reaching out to God for deliverance and restoration. Other lines, such as “Stains of my own selfishness, all the broken promises…” show this imagery of stains that signifies the remorse and shame associated with past mistakes and failures.
These stains, like the traces of addiction, can be difficult to erase. While others highlight the trials gone through, others serve as a desperate plea for relief and redemption from the Lord with lines like, “Oh Lord, please, oh Lord, please, take this pain away; I need peace; I need peace; take this pain away.” Serving as the repetitive plea and a call for divine intervention. It depicts the despair of someone who has exhausted all other options and seeks refuge in a higher power. This continues with the lyrics, “I’m calling for you, Jesus; hear my broken, lonely cries…” and directs appeal to Jesus, underscoring the crucial significance of faith in Cohen’s journey. It’s an acknowledgement of the insufficiency of human strength and a reliance on divine grace.
The lyrics further ruminate on Cohen’s journey to redemption, with lines like “Dancing on the edge, now we have a glimpse into a life of living; is it too late to try again?” portraying the perilous balance between life and death, hope, and despair and serving as a time of reckoning, a decision between surrender and renewal. This continues with verses like “Fall away, fade away, one more day, just let me stay, in Jesus’ mighty name, I pray,” a request for divine intervention that is a strong expression of hope. There is a conviction that even in the darkest of circumstances, there remains a possibility for salvation.
Aside from heartfelt lyrics being the primary point, the song’s production is basic yet effective, with a concentration on percussion and piano that provides a sense of closeness and vulnerability and matches the rhythmic flow of the rap verses.
With his increasing popularity, Eric Cohen is ready to make a huge influence on the Christian hip-hop scene. His unique style and approach to his music manage to resonate with fans from all over the world.
“Held Together” serves as a strong and heartbreaking depiction of Eric Cohen’s journey. He manages to convey ideas of redemption, hope, and tenacity with this song, making it a must-listen for fans of Christian hip-hop and anybody looking for music that speaks to the soul. As a 2025 Rhythm of Gospel Awards candidate, Cohen can be considered one of the most skilled and influential performers and rappers when it comes to Christian hip-hop. His music certainly has the capacity to inspire and encourage, and his story serves as a reminder that hope can be found even in the darkest of circumstances.
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