The Southern rock band 38 Special brought their sound into the ’80s with radio-friendly hits, and “Hold On Loosely,” their 1981 release, was the first to break into the Top 40. The song warns that insecurity can lead to over-clinginess in relationships, which often causes them to fall apart. The famous opening lines, “You see it all around you, good loving gone bad,” set the stage for a cautionary tale about the dangers of holding on too tightly.
In his cover, Goodall captures the essence of the song’s message: while it’s easy to overprotect and smother someone you love, true connection requires trust and space. His performance breathes new life into the Southern rock classic, and fans are eager to experience it live.
Check out Richard Goodall’s incredible cover below!