Against All Odds
Adult Contemporary All-Stars Lyrics
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Just let you leave without a trace?
When I stand here taking every breath with you, ooh ooh
You're the only one who really knew me at all
How can you just walk away from me
When all I can do is watch you leave?
'Cause we've shared the laughter and the pain
You're the only one who really knew me at all
So take a look at me now
Well there's just an empty space
And there's nothing left here to remind me
Just the memory of your face
Take a look at me now
Well there's just an empty space
And you coming back to me is against the odds
And that's what I've got to face, oh
I wish I could just make you turn around
Turn around and see me cry
There's so much I need to say to you
So many reasons why
You're the only one who really knew me at all
So take a look at me now
Well there's just an empty space
And there's nothing left here to remind me
Just the memory of your face
Take a look at me now
Well there's just an empty space
But to wait for you is all I can do
And that's what I've got to face
Take a good look at me now
'Cause I'll still be standing here
And you coming back to me is against the odds
And it's what I've got to face
Take a look at me now
The lyrics of "Against All Odds" by Adult Contemporary All-Stars convey a deeply emotional and heart-wrenching story of unrequited love and longing. The singer finds themselves unable to let their love interest go, unable to accept their departure. The initial lines, "How can I just let you walk away, Just let you leave without a trace?" express the singer's inner turmoil and confusion in the face of the inevitable separation.
The singer acknowledges that the person they are speaking to is the only one who truly understood them, emphasizing the depth of their connection. The shared experiences of laughter, pain, and tears underscore the intimacy between them, making their departure even more difficult to bear. As they watch the person walk away, they are left with an empty space, devoid of any tangible reminders except the indelible memory of their face.
In the chorus, the singer pleads for the person to reconsider their decision, desperately hoping to bring them back. They express their vulnerability, wishing the person could see their tears and the immense amount of unsaid words they need to communicate. Once again, they reiterate the uniqueness of the bond they share, emphasizing that the person is the only one who truly knows them.
The longing and desperation intensify as the singer realizes that waiting for the person's return is their only option. The empty space symbolizes the void left in their life without the individual. The phrase "against the odds" demonstrates the almost insurmountable barrier between them, signifying the challenges they will face if they ever reunite.
Ultimately, the lyrics express the singer's steadfast determination to remain standing and face the difficult reality of their unrequited love. Despite the odds stacked against them, they find solace in the fact that they have held onto their love and will continue to wait, hoping for the person's return. The emotional depth and vulnerability in these lyrics make "Against All Odds" an emotive anthem of love, loss, and resilience.
Line by Line Meaning
How can I just let you walk away
I struggle with the idea of allowing you to leave my life
Just let you leave without a trace?
Letting you go without any evidence of our connection
When I stand here taking every breath with you, ooh ooh
I exist in this moment, sharing every breath with you
You're the only one who really knew me at all
Out of everyone, you truly understood and knew me
How can you just walk away from me
How can you simply abandon our relationship
When all I can do is watch you leave?
Feeling helpless, I can only observe as you depart
'Cause we've shared the laughter and the pain
We have experienced both joy and suffering together
And even shared the tears
We have even shed tears in each other's presence
So take a look at me now
I implore you to gaze upon my current state
Well there's just an empty space
A void has taken the place you used to occupy
And there's nothing left here to remind me
No remnants remain to evoke memories of you
Just the memory of your face
Only the recollection of your countenance lingers
Well there's just an empty space
Indeed, there is only emptiness and absence now
And you coming back to me is against the odds
The chance of you returning to me is improbable
And that's what I've got to face, oh
This harsh reality is what I must confront
I wish I could just make you turn around
I long to reverse your path and alter your departure
Turn around and see me cry
Witness my tears and emotional distress
There's so much I need to say to you
I have an abundance of words that require expression
So many reasons why
Numerous explanations for my feelings and actions
You're the only one who really knew me at all
No one else truly comprehended me as you did
But to wait for you is all I can do
My sole option is to patiently anticipate your return
And that's what I've got to face
I must confront and accept this reality
Take a good look at me now
Observe me closely in my current state
'Cause I'll still be standing here
Despite the circumstances, I will persist and remain
And you coming back to me is against the odds
The probability of you returning to me is unlikely
And it's what I've got to face
Nevertheless, I must confront and accept this reality
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Phillip David Charles Collins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind