Back Against the Wall
B J Thomas Lyrics
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All those people at my feet
Yeah
I was so smug in my prime
Up at the height of my conceit
Oh, I thought I would never fall
Oh, I got to tell you all
I got my back up against the wall
You know this ain't the first time
I got my back up against the wall
It's been a long fight
I didn't know I'd have to make no
And I'm so afraid
It's gonna be more than I can take now baby
You know what I mean
I thought I'd never fall
Oh, I got to you all
I got my back up against the wall
I ain't jokin' y'all
I got my back against the wall
Sometimes I find myself with my back against the wall
I got my back against the wall
Just like a lot of good people now
They love me all around the world
I can't understand you girl
I wonder why the pure in heart
Oh, they got to have a judgment day
I wonder why
And I wonder what the Lord has made
Now that he plans to throw away
I wonder, what did he really say
I thought I would never fall
Oh, I got to tell you all
I got my back against the wall
Sometimes you find yourself down on the street
Yeah you do
I got my back against the wall
Sometimes no matter how hard you try
You still take a fall, oh yeah
I got my back against the wall
Last night I started to cry
And I cried all night long
Yes I did
I got my back against the wall
Last night I started to pray
And I prayed all night long
And that's when I got that feeling y'all
Down in my soul
It's just a part of life
It's just a part of your life
In BJ Thomas's song "Back Against the Wall," the lyrics describe the struggles and hardships of life. The singer acknowledges how he took his success for granted and believed he would never fall. However, now he finds himself in a difficult situation with his back up against the wall, fighting a long fight that he didn't know he'd have to make. He's afraid that it's going to be more than he can take and wonders why good people have to endure hardships and face judgment day. The lyrics suggest that sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you still take a fall, and it's just a part of life.
The use of the phrase "back against the wall" suggests being trapped and having no way out. It's a metaphor for feeling helpless and powerless in a difficult situation, which can be relatable to almost everyone. The song is about facing obstacles and how one responds to adversity. It's a call to persevere and have faith, even in the darkest moments.
Overall, the lyrics of "Back Against the Wall" by BJ Thomas convey a sense of resilience and determination, reminding listeners that no matter how hard things get, there's always a way to keep going.
Line by Line Meaning
They held up as long as they could
People tried their best for as long as they could
All those people at my feet
People were admiring me and looking up to me
I was so smug in my prime
I was very arrogant and self-satisfied when I was successful
Up at the height of my conceit
At the peak of my self-importance
Oh, I thought I would never fall
I believed I would always be on top and never fail
I got my back up against the wall
I am in a tight spot with limited options
You know this ain't the first time
I've been in this position before
It's been a long fight
I've been struggling for a while
I didn't know I'd have to make no
I didn't know it would be this hard
And I'm so afraid
I am scared of what might happen
It's gonna be more than I can take now baby
It's going to be too difficult for me to handle
I thought I'd never fall
I never imagined I would fail
I ain't jokin' y'all
I'm not kidding or playing around
Sometimes I find myself with my back against the wall
Occasionally I am in a difficult situation with limited options
Just like a lot of good people now
Many good people are also struggling
They love me all around the world
People all over the world admire and respect me
I can't understand you girl
I can't comprehend why someone I love would betray me
I wonder why the pure in heart
I am curious why good-hearted people face difficulties
Oh, they got to have a judgment day
They will one day face judgment or reckoning for their actions
And I wonder what the Lord has made
I am questioning the decisions made by a higher power
Now that he plans to throw away
Now that a higher power intends to discard or condemn something or someone
Last night I started to cry
I became emotional and started to weep
And I cried all night long
I cried for an extended period of time
Last night I started to pray
I began to pray to a higher power
And I prayed all night long
I prayed for an extended period of time
And that's when I got that feeling y'all
I experienced a strong emotion or intuition at that moment
Down in my soul
Deep within my being or essence
It's just a part of life
This is just a normal aspect of human existence
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRANDON HOLLEMON, AHMAD BALSHE, BRIAN HONEYCUTT, DANNY SCHOLFIELD, WINSTON THOMAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
kelso1947
Wow! BJ was really at the top of his game in this performance...just amazing.
Kerry Martin
There is so much to love about BJ Thomas. His humility has always struck me. Such a humble and kind guy - and he stayed that way throughout his career. RiP
Anne Rotella
So sad to hear of BJ's passing today. He's one of my favorite performers. Sending condolences to his family.
Joe Culpepper
I’ve been in this business for 50 of my 60 years ,, BJ by FAR has THE BEST CONTROL and tone of any singer past or present. I’d love to sing a harmony with him someday. Wow. Then and now BJThomas IS!
Rima Anabtawi
He had pure and perfect chops ! Rest his soul .
Ruth Kahler
So sad he’s left us but praise God he’s with Jesus! ♥️
kelso1947
B.J. can literally sing anything he wants … always giving us 100%%. Love him always.
Mary Ellen Bunney
WOW...BJ should have recorded more songs with this kind of beat. Sounds really great!
Rita McNabb
When you hear this clip from B.J., there is no doubt why he was Elvis' favorite singer! He is definitely one of the greatest!
Jeffery Bernard
Rita McNabb a southern girl on a summer night is in his top 3