Against All Odds
COLLINS (Phil) Lyrics


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How can I just let you walk away,
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
And even shared the tears
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
Ooh, 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,

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

Now Take a look at me now
'Cause that'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 all odds




It's the chance I've got to take
Take a look at me now

Overall Meaning

"Against All Odds" by Phil Collins is a heart-wrenching ballad that talks about a man's inability to move on after a breakup. The singer is unable to let go of his lover, and he's left with an emptiness in his life. He's overwhelmed with emotion, and he's unable to watch his lover walk away without leaving a trace. The words "you're the only one who really knew me at all" reveal that this is someone who he's shared a deep connection with, and their departing leaves him feeling lost and alone.


The refrain "So take a look at me now" is like a plea, asking his former lover to come back into his life. It seems that he's still holding out hope to rekindle the relationship despite the odds against them. He pictures himself standing alone in the space where they once were together, pining for his loved one's return. He knows that the chance of reunion is slim, but he's still willing to take the risk.


Line by Line Meaning

How can I just let you walk away, 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 could I possibly allow you to walk out of my life and disappear completely? When I'm standing here sharing every breath with you, you're the only person who truly understood me.


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 And even shared the tears You're the only one who really knew me at all
How could you simply walk away from me while I am helplessly watching you leave? We've been through good times and bad together, and the tears we've shed have bonded us closely. You are the only one who knows my true self.


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 Ooh, 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
Look at me now, and you'll see nothing but emptiness - no trace of our relationship. All that's left is my memory of you. The chance of you returning to me is unlikely, and I have to face this reality.


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
I wish I had the power to make you turn around and see how much you've hurt me. There are so many things I need to say to you, so many reasons why you truly knew me better than anyone else.


Now take a look at me now 'Cause that'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 look at me now, and you'll still see emptiness. Waiting for you is all I can do, even though it's unlikely that you will come back. This is what I have to face.


Take a good look at me now 'Cause I'll still be standing here And you coming back to me is against all odds It's the chance I've got to take Take a look at me now
Observe me closely - I'll still be standing here, waiting for you. The probability of you returning is slim, but I'm willing to take this risk because I love you so much. Look at me now and see how much you mean to me.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: PHIL COLLINS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@MsMaxx88

2024 anyone? <3

@NisaaAmmara

April 2024

@charleselstubsongs

The man is 100% music talent, zero ego, all genius. Love you Phil.

@soniamattos4876

Concordo com a sua colocação.

@lebnajeudy9399

👍Fully agree👍 Thank you Phil Collins February 2024. Big hugs from France❤

@jjsifo1

Got that right !

@ryuka5730

Phill Collins is a true Master music...!!!

@globalclothes5859

Me encanta , la persona , sus canciones , cuantos buenos recuerdos ❤🎉💃🤗👌😍

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@SoftRockBallads_232

To all those who come across this message, may your days be bright, your dreams be big, and your heart be full.

@mickem4322

One of the Best songs ever written.. The Melody, emotion and pure talent is just beautiful !! Thanks Phil !! <3

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