Life's Too Short
Diane Birch & Daryl Hall Lyrics


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I let you escape, slip through my fingers
We made our mistakes, but memories linger
Each time I turn a corner I swear I see your face
But I'm standing here alone in the wonder
What I really needed, what made me run away?
Was it just somebody's spell I was under

[Chorus: x 2]
We all love on borrowed time, tomorrow's flying blind
And life's too short to be living without you
You laughed at my jokes, broke down my defenses
It's like my heart just awoke, and brought back my senses
I've got my motor running, it's all that I can do
'Cause every road I'm taking, is leading back to you

We all love on borrowed time, tomorrow's flying blind
And life's too short to be living without you
And life's too short
And life's too short

I give in I can't go it alone, yeah I'm done now I know that you're gone
I need someone to save me and life's too short, too short
I give in I can't go it alone
Life's too short to be living without you
Life's too short

I give in I can't go it alone
Life's too short can't be living without you
Life's too short
I give in I can't go it alone

I can live without you
Life's too short




I give in I can't go it alone
Life's too short to be living without you

Overall Meaning

The song "Life's Too Short" is a duet between Diane Birch and Daryl Hall about the regret one can feel after breaking up with someone they loved. The lyrics describe how the singer allowed their loved one to slip away and how they are haunted by memories of them. Even though they think they see their former partner in every corner, they are standing alone, wondering what made them run away. The chorus repeats that tomorrow is uncertain, and it is not worth living life without the person they love.


While the verses describe the singer's struggle to move on, the chorus provides a hopeful note. They recognize that they cannot go on alone and that they need someone to save them. The song ends with a repetition of the phrase, "I can't go it alone," underscoring the notion that life is too short to waste without a fulfilling relationship.


Overall, the lyrics speak to the idea that one should not take for granted the love they have in their life. It can be easy to let it slip away or to become complacent, but the consequences of doing so can be dire. Life is too short not to pursue love and happiness.


Line by Line Meaning

I let you escape, slip through my fingers
I allowed you to get away from my grasp


We made our mistakes, but memories linger
Our relationship was not perfect, but the memories of it remain


Each time I turn a corner I swear I see your face
I cannot escape the memories of you, as they haunt me at every turn


But I'm standing here alone in the wonder
Despite the haunting memories, I am alone and questioning


What I really needed, what made me run away?
I question what I truly desired and why I chose to leave


Was it just somebody's spell I was under
I wonder if my decisions were truly my own or influenced by others


[Chorus: x 2]
The chorus serves as a recurring reminder that life is finite and unpredictable, and that love is worth pursuing


You laughed at my jokes, broke down my defenses
You were able to get past my emotional barriers and make me happy


It's like my heart just awoke, and brought back my senses
With you, I feel alive and aware once again


I've got my motor running, it's all that I can do
I am trying my best to move forward despite my desire to be with you


'Cause every road I'm taking, is leading back to you
No matter where I go or what I do, I find myself drawn back to you


I give in I can't go it alone, yeah I'm done now I know that you're gone
I have come to terms with the fact that I need you and cannot move on alone


I need someone to save me and life's too short, too short
I understand that life is short and I should not waste it waiting for something that may never come


I can live without you
Although it may be difficult, I know that I am strong enough to carry on without you




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DARYL DAVID HALL, JOHN WILLIAM OATES, BILLY MANN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@MHB77Bensley

Love hearing them together, one of the best LFDH guests and shows!!!

@sueblanton

My favorite Daryl’s house. I want Daryl and Diane to make an album. They are so good together.

@hyokonzhiang

My favorite. Diane Birch should join Daryl Hall again.

@VOByRobbins

This episode is lightning in a bottle, my absolute favorite!!!!

@dterrydraw

Birch is just........charm incarnate....and apparently quite sincerely so.

@daveb9551

Keep coming back to this one, excellent.

@bluepine7969

This is such a great song...

@user-re1ol6no8l

Why these two virtuosos didn’t go into the studio after this collaboration is a mystery to me

@judereierson8519

This turned out so good!

@marjoriedougherty8814

I love this song

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