Recorded with Northstar Music.
Against All Odds
David Osborne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
David Osborne's song Against All Odds is a heartbreaking ballad that carries themes of love lost, heartbreak, and the difficulty of letting go. The lyrics describe a man who is struggling to come to terms with a difficult break-up. He can't let go of his love interest, and he is tortured by the idea of her leaving without a trace. He recalls the shared memories, including the laughter, pain, and tears that the couple experienced together. Despite his best efforts to convince her to stay, she has already gone, leaving behind an empty space and only memories of her face.
The chorus offers an introspective look at the emotions that the singer is feeling. He has resigned himself to the fact that his love interest may never come back to him, and he faces the difficult task of moving on with his life. He has faith in his resilience, knowing that he will still be standing in the face of despair. The singer is left struggling with the thoughts of what could have been, and the agony of waiting for his ex-lover to return.
Against All Odds was written by Phil Collins, who also performed the original version of the song. David Osborne's cover was released in 2009 as a solo piano instrumental. The song is widely regarded as one of the greatest love songs ever written.
Line by Line Meaning
How can I just let you walk away,
Expressing dismay and regret at the thought of allowing someone to leave without a trace
Just let you leave without a trace?
How can I simply let you go without any clues or explanation, without a goodbye?
When I stand here taking every breath with you, ooh ooh
Acknowledging the intimacy shared with someone, the heavy breaths taken together in their presence
You're the only one who really knew me at all
Admitting that the person leaving was the only one close enough to truly understand the inner workings of their mind and heart
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
Repeating the earlier sentiments, questioning why someone would leave when so much has been shared between them
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
Reflecting on the emptiness left in the person's absence, remembering only a memory of their face
And you coming back to me is against the odds
And that's what I've got to face, oh
Realizing the unlikelihood of the person returning, but facing the fact that it is a possibility
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
Expressing a desire to be seen by the person leaving, to explain how they feel and why they are so important to them
But to wait for you is all I can do
And that's what I've got to face
Acknowledging that waiting for the person to return is the only option left, and accepting their decision to leave
'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
Reaffirming the persistent waiting and the challenge of accepting the odds of the person returning, and inviting them to see the changes in the artist's life since their departure.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Phillip David Charles Collins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rodney Mansfield
I could listen to you for hours ..... and sometimes do. Another masterpiece!
David Osborne
Please do! Thank you 🙏🏻
Mike Talent Scout
A genius interpretation of a difficult song to adapt in this unique arrangement. Bravo maestro!
Mike Talent Scout
Your welcome@David Osborne> By the way,'m a talent scout at Sessions and love what you're doing .You have committed to the performance well. We have a global audience of music fans watching our artists, and I’d love to get you an audition with one of our booking agents - we offer to pay you a $25 bonus for your first booked show! Are you interested? Keep an eye out for an email from us!
David Osborne
Thank you Mike, I appreciate you recognizing that!
Rick Morton
Great one, David. We enjoyed chatting with you last night at the lounge, and really loved standing "under" the piano for a few of your favorites.
David Osborne
Great seeing you Rick! Hope to see you again soon!
Luis Castillo
Hi David, You play one of the best music theme forever, awesome, spectacular!!! God bless you!!!! Congrats
David Osborne
Thank you Luis, this was when music was music
Karen Birch
Wow how beautiful one of my favourite songs. So glad I came across you from a comment on another channel. Very talented !!