 "Hold on to Me" was one of the earliest songs written for "America's Sweetheart", known to be written and performed as early as 2001.The song was one of the few that were featured on the original version of "America's Sweetheart", prior to its rerecording.The final version of the song – as featured on the album and single release – was recorded at Studio Miraval, a chateau in the south of France, in 2003.