Against All Odds
Genesis - Phil Collins Lyrics
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Just let you leave without a trace?
When I stand here taking every breath with you, 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
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 gotta 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
The lyrics of "Against All Odds" by Phil Collins express the deep pain and heartbreak of a person who is struggling to accept the end of a significant relationship. The singer is grappling with the sudden departure of their loved one, unable to comprehend how they could just walk away and leave without a trace. The connection between these two individuals was profound, and the singer acknowledges that the person who left was the only one who truly knew them in their entirety.
As the song continues, the singer reflects on the emptiness they now feel in the absence of their loved one. There is nothing left but memories and the image of their face. They yearn for the person to turn around and see their anguish, longing to express all the things left unsaid and the overwhelming reasons why they were a crucial part of the singer's life.
Despite the pain and emptiness, the singer is still holding onto a glimmer of hope, waiting for the person to return. They acknowledge that the odds of this happening are slim, but it's a chance the singer is willing to take. They affirm their commitment to remain standing, even if it means enduring the agony of waiting. "Against All Odds" encapsulates the profound vulnerability and resilience in the face of lost love.
Line by Line Meaning
How can I just let you walk away
I am struggling to understand how I could simply allow you to leave
Just let you leave without a trace?
To let you go without any evidence of your presence
When I stand here taking every breath with you, ooh
As I remain in this spot, inhaling each breath alongside you
You're the only one who really knew me at all
You possess the sole understanding of my true self
How can you just walk away from me
I struggle to comprehend your ability to simply depart from me
When all I can do is watch you leave?
As all I can do is observe your departure
'Cause we've shared the laughter and the pain
Since we have experienced both joy and sorrow together
And even shared the tears
And even shed tears together
So take a look at me now
Therefore, observe me in my current state
Well there's just an empty space
There exists only a void here
And there's nothing left here to remind me
There are no remaining reminders in this place
Just the memory of your face
Except for the recollection of your visage
Ooh, take a look at me now
Oh, I implore you to observe my current condition
Well there's just an empty space
For indeed, there is merely a void present
And you coming back to me is against the odds
Furthermore, the possibility of your return is highly unlikely
And that's what I've got to face
Yet, this is the reality I must confront
I wish I could just make you turn around
I desire the ability to make you change your direction
Turn around and see me cry
To face me and witness my tears
There's so much I need to say to you
There is an abundance of thoughts I must express to you
So many reasons why
Countless justifications abound
Now take a look at me now
Now, I request you once again to observe my present state
'Cause that's just an empty space
For that space remains vacant
But to wait for you is all I can do
However, all I am capable of is patiently awaiting your return
And that's what I've gotta face
And that is the truth I must confront
Take a good look at me now
Take a thorough examination of my current self
'Cause I'll still be standing here
For I will continue to remain in this spot
And you coming back to me is against all odds
Moreover, your return to me defies all probabilities
It's the chance I've got to take
Nevertheless, it is the risk I must undertake
Take a look at me now
Therefore, I urge you once more to observe my current state
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Phillip David Charles Collins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@maddieb2763
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
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
'Cos 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, oh there's just an empty space
And there's nothin' 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
Instrumental
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 nothin' left here to remind me, just the memory of your face
Now take a look at me now, 'cos 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, 'cos I'll still be standin' here
And you coming back to me is against all odds
It's the chance I've gotta take
Instrumental
Take a look at me now
@andrewmark3682
I'm a 52 year old man, I close my eyes, and this 80s classic takes me back to a
better time.... my teenage years. Memories I will treasure forever.
@mikejohnson22
I'm 36 and this was the number 1 song when i was born
@blythkd9017
You and me too brother. Like high school dances and holding your sweetie close and feeling like the whole world wasn't nuts like it seems now. Maybe we were just naive back then, idk.
@familjenholst9586
woah dude im 54 ggwp
@juha2031
Sad to hear your latter years aren´´t as good as earlier ones.
@craiglewis6145
I'm the same age as you. Such amazing memories of the 80s and the people from back then.
I'm lucky that I'm still in touch with most of the people that I had important relationships with. However my wife, who I didn't meet until 2000 is the best thing that ever happened to me.
@Smartass_Jedi
The man's greatest song ever. Still hits after 40 years
1984: masterpiece
2024: masterpiece
@lauramcaz
Yes it does❤
@pinSjon79
2224: Masterpiece
3224: Masterpiece
@Deanzphx
this song is 5 years older than me. it's great