Lyric discussion by Genn 

Cover art for Hold On lyrics by Sarah McLachlan

To me it seems that this song is about coming to grips with the fact that "the man I love is leaving", facing the reality that every day he survives is a gift which may stop at any time ("I lie awake and pray that you'll be strong tomorrow and will see another day...").

Facing the imminent death of a loved one sure does hurt like hell.