You and Me Against the World
Helen Reddy Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Tell me again, mommy

You and me against the world
Sometimes it seems like you and me against the world
When all the others turn their backs and walk away
You can count on me to stay

Remember when the circus came to town

And you were frightened by the clown
Wasn't it nice to be around someone that you knew
Someone who was big and strong and looking out for

You and me against the world
Sometimes it feels like you and me against the world
And for all the times we've cried I always felt that
God was on our side

And when one of us is gone
And one of us is left to carry on
Then remembering will have to do
Our memories alone will get us through
Think about the days of me and you
You and me against the world

And when one of us is gone
And one of us is left to carry on
Then remembering will have to do
Our memories alone will get us through
Think about the days of me and you
You and me against the world

I love you, mommy
I love you too, baby

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song "You and Me Against the World" by Helen Reddy is about the close bond between a mother and her child. The song is an ode to the unwavering love, trust, and support between the two, even when everyone else seems to turn their backs on them. The song starts with the child asking his mother to tell him again that it's only the two of them against the world. The child feels safe and secure in the presence of his mother, who has always been there for him.

The second part of the song is a beautiful reminiscence of a memorable time when they went to the circus together. The child was frightened by the clown, but he felt much better once he realized that his mother was there for him. The song then moves into the present, where the two reflect on their memories together. Though things might not always be easy, they both know deep down that they can count on each other, and their memories will keep them going even when one of them is gone.

Overall, "You and Me Against the World" is a heartwarming song about one of the deepest bonds a person can experience - the bond between a mother and her child.

Line by Line Meaning

Tell me again, mommy
Please remind me, mommy

You and me against the world
We are in this together, facing life's challenges as a team

Sometimes it seems like you and me against the world
At times, it feels like we are the only ones who can rely on each other

When all the others turn their backs and walk away
When everyone else abandons us and leaves us alone

You can count on me to stay
You can always rely on me to be there for you and not give up on our bond

Remember when the circus came to town
Recall that time when the circus visited our town

And you were frightened by the clown
You were scared of the clown's appearance and antics

Wasn't it nice to be around someone that you knew
Wasn't it comforting to be in the company of someone familiar to you

Someone who was big and strong and looking out for
Someone who was powerful and protective and watching over you

And for all the times we've cried I always felt that
Despite all the occasions when we shed tears, I always believed that

God was on our side
God was supportive of us and our relationship

And when one of us is gone
In the situation where one of us is no longer present

And one of us is left to carry on
And the other person has to move forward and cope with the loss

Then remembering will have to do
We will have to rely on memories to get us through this difficult period

Our memories alone will get us through
Only our shared recollections will provide solace and comfort

Think about the days of me and you
Reflect on the times when we were together as a family

I love you, mommy
I have deep feelings of affection for you, mommy

I love you too, baby
I love you as well, my dear child

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kenneth Lee Ascher, Paul H. Williams

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@lilyparas7214

2y↑1

You and me against the world
Sometimes it seems like you and me against the world
When all the others turn their backs and walk away
You can count on me to stay

Remember when the circus came to town
And you were frightened by the clown
Wasn't it nice to be around someone that you knew
Someone who was big and strong and looking out for

You and me against the world
Sometimes it feels like you and me against the world
And for all the times we've cried I always felt that
God was on our side

And when one of us is gone
And one of us is left to carry on
Then remembering will have to do
Our memories alone will get us through
Think about the days of me and you
You and me against the world

And when one of us is gone
And one of us is left to carry on
Then remembering will have to do
Our memories alone will get us through
Think about the days of me and you
You and me against the world

I love you, mommy
I love you too, baby

All comments from YouTube:

@jrspurs

4y↑373

This was my mom’s song to me - she passed away today after a short but brutal battle with cancer. She, at the time, was a single mom with me as her son. We’ll always be each other’s first true loves. I love uou, mom.

@teeteelovebug7489

4y↑19

Hello jrspurs, I'm so sorry for your loss... That was my mom's song to me as well, and hearing the song again, has me crying... Cancer took her years ago, but this is now my song to her. :) :)

@lillianlipscomb8164

4y↑16

You are a sweetheart the way you cherish your mom so sad and sorry for your loss may god bless you💝💝

@SUGAR_XYLER

4y↑10

@T'mon Lovebug
💔 Rip Helen, we lost her

@danielbrosky

4y↑10

jrspurs - My condolences to you for your loss. I, too, lost both my parents a few years back (Mom in March, Dad followed in December). This was one of my teenage 'anthems' for is simple beauty and message of hope.
May your mother's soul rest in eternal peace.

@jjsiegal1

4y↑10

My Father told me once that no-one will ever love you like your Mother! (smartest thing he ever said). She will always be in your heart and memory. Forever Live Mom !

58 More Replies...

@annachamblee4840

1y↑1

She is truly a gem she's got a lovely voice this song my Dad loves this song is for you Dad.
☺🤗☺

@carolleonard4010

1y↑49

I sang this at my baby sisters funeral yesterday. She battled cancer and I was right along aside her. She was a brave brave warrior..
I will miss her forever 💙. Love you Sooz✝️🙏🏻

@dannyjones3840

45w

😭😭😭😭

@KohalaLover

41w↑1

Truly sorry for your loss.

@sydneyzaremba8018

35w↑1

I'm just now seeing this and the simple beauty of Helen Reddy and her words. Losing a sister is so very difficult. I know as one who lost my big sister earlier on. My condolences to you. You will never regret being right there for her. Bless you.

@icujts

1y↑26

This song never fails to bring me to tears. Growing up in the 70s. Mom Dad all my brothers and sisters. The Osmonds, Carpenters. So many great performers.

@NoToObamaSocialism

31w↑1

An incredible talent who picked the perfect songs to showcase her singing skills.

@johnbarone8948

4y↑43

There will never be another Helen Reddy, her talent and class, she was the total package. She paints a portrait when she sings, like a song bird does but even more beautiful.

@markberryhill2715

49w↑2

Totally agree.

@stephenfricke9298

50w↑2

This song was my mothers theme song. We both loved Helen and this song was for us. Thank you and I think about her the time

@lucygoosey9777

3y↑29

I don’t know how she sang this without crying. I’m at home now crying singing this thinking about my mom 😢💕

@stephenfricke9298

50w↑1

Me too

@tonysaldana6071

4y↑16

RIP, Miss Helen Reddy. And many thanks to Mr Paul Williams for writing this beautiful song and for many other great tunes that serve as the soundtrack of my younger days.

@Toywithme200

3y↑19

Why can't music be this pure and good again. Seems like the 60's, 70's, and 80's were some kind of golden age that we'll never see again!

@stephenfricke9298

50w

In so many ways!!!!

@noah6311

2y↑2

I dedicate this song to my dad who passed in January 2022😢, God I love 💕 him and miss him so much.

@rodjohnson2534

3y↑35

The most underrated female singer of all time!

@ashleymendoza28

50w↑1

My mom used to sing me this song when I was little, now I’m 40 and just listening to the original now. I love my mom so much, it’s always been her and I against the world.

@drummermommy1

2y↑18

I lost my momma 2/28 & miss her so much. My mom raised me by herself from the age of 5 up. The last 6 years I moved home as her health quickly deteriorated. We listened to this song one last time about a week before she passed. I’ll always cherish this song as I can still hear her sing this to me as a small little girl. Rest in paradise momma. See you again when we are resurrected ❤️🙏

@markberryhill2715

49w↑1

Sweet!

@Monster_Mover_Stocks

3y↑46

She had a very distinctive voice which is a sign of greatness in a singer.

@wagiedasuliman0611

2y↑2

I grew up listening to these songs...brings back beautiful childhood memories...

@lauraanneshonkabaynes5939

3y↑9

This was the song my mom sang to me. It has been swirling in my head since Aug 2020. Thank you for posting it.

@rhansen1969

4y↑72

I just found out that Helen Reddy passed away. I had to hear this beautiful song once again, because it always reminds me of my son and me when he was growing up.
Helen, you gave us such beautiful music and your voice was breathtakingly beautiful. That you sweetheart for all the years. May God richly bless you, and I pray your children will get through this difficult time. ❤🙏❤

@matthewwold8112

4y↑137

Stunning song. Brings back so many memories. She will be so missed.

@xavierdh2000

3y↑2

Amen 🙏

@mollymorrison7185

2y↑3

Sorry to here she passed I lost my son and this is my song to him

@mgebi1

37w↑2

For us now old folks. We remember Helen was all over the radio and hit chars in the 70s. Miss those days. ❤☮️🎼✌️

@imsocuteimsorich4952

You and me against the world,beautiful ,her voice was so listenable and easy to the ear,rest in peace Helen💟💙✌😘🌈🌹God bless you amen🌹

@emilyanselm8097

2y↑2

My first marriage was really rough the whole family on his side judgemental and hurtful I cried alot and so did my daughter I would play this and it was our song it helped alot

@MJLeger-yj1ww

4y↑64

"...When one of us is gone, and one of us is left to carry on, then remembering will have to do....."
I love this song and Helen singing it. That line ALWAYS chokes me up. It could apply to a child, a spouse, a lover, even a beloved pet, anything you want it to, but it is beautiful in thought and song! Helen Reddy has a beautiful voice and I listen to her often.

@brucewehner9677

3y↑1

My fiance passed away last week. The song has taken on a whole new meaning. Memories will have to do.

@Andapanda4321

4y↑110

This has always been mine and my Mom's song. Being 49 and my Mom 71, I can't even imagine life without her. I'm so lucky to have her as my Mom and my best friend.

@featherstone8093

4y↑6

Andrea Roberts Blessings to you both!!

@Andapanda4321

4y↑6

@Featherstone - Thank you so much. Blessings to you and yours as well.

@featherstone8093

4y↑6

Andrea Roberts Thank you so very much...at 64.... I'm alone....so very kind of you...honestly....Blessings!

@catcampion

4y↑6

Meeeee tooooo! (48 and 80 - it's our theme song)

@blue12night2

3y↑3

Me too🥰

4 More Replies...

@brentstebbings3166

4y↑18

One of my all time favorite artists. Rest in Peace Helen Reddy!

@dennishagwood7762

3y↑14

Grew up listening to her music. Her voice was very distinctive and beautiful. I loved her as Nora in Pete's Dragon. She will truly be missed by all who knew her and her music.

@zoltank3915

2y↑4

Beautiful Voice, Beautiful Lady, Beautiful Song that pulls at my heartstrings and brings a tear to my eyes. Rest in Peace Helen 🙏 you too Glen

@starguard4122

2y↑3

I haven't hear this song in a very very long time. Its a shame that no one makes songs like this anymore

@Swampzoid

6y↑110

No once else sounds like she does. Truly one of kind.

@Siggkins

4y↑3

True. A very distinct voice.

@peterjones6870

3y↑1

A truly unique and talented woman. Her voice is so soothing and beautiful.

@michaelfolickman6320

3y↑2

you are so right

an awesome singer with great range and control.

@xavierdh2000

Amen 🙏

@fransmith645

One not once

@raymondmonterola7553

4y↑23

Rest in peace dear...your beautiful voice and your songs remain in our hearts forever

@glynisroberts5029

4y↑10

This song makes me cry, RIP Helen Reddy, your voice was sensational

@nomiddlenamenmn427

3y↑1

After my dad died, my mom dedicated this song to us. Today Death took her. Mom, I remember your comfort. God is on our side. I am left to carry on. Memories of you and me against the world. I love you so much. You taught me love is never past tense. (1928 to 2021)

@memyselfandi7529

4y↑6

Holding back my tears as i listen on ... thank you, Helen Reddy forbyour incredible vocals 🥺
May you RIP

@cindyland6273

2y↑5

HONOR THIS TALENTED SINGER INTO KENNEDY CENTER.

@donvito2682

2y↑1

This song was released in 1974..I was 14 at the time. This song will always remind me of my mom. She would sing this song to herself when it was on the radio. I knew she was thinking of my dad.
My dad died in 1971 of cancer. He was 40.

@cocomayers9221

26w↑1

My mom lived this song and she would play for me. My mom passed away 2 years ago but it feels like just yesterday. It was like me and mom against the world. Gone too soon! Love aways! Coco

@tortillamiracle

4y↑5

Thank you for empowering us with your voice. Journey well.💫❤️🕯❤️💫

@janebrewster9618

4y↑4

A great lady and incredible singer. I saw her at the first American Music Awards in '74- Saratoga.

@johnwilkerson2195

2y↑3

I grew up listening to Helen's awesome talent what a beautiful lady!

@Multi1628

4y↑8

~ Much love to icon Helen Reddy and her wonderful family ~ Such a voice will be cherished forever ~ Cheers, DAVEDJ ~

@jennifergossmann7252

7y↑79

This is one of my Favorite songs! Could be because this was mine and my moms song as I was growing up! Still tear up and get chills when I hear this song now!! Will always have a special place in my heart for this song!

@raelincalderon7224

4y↑3

Jennifer Gossmann , me too and I just lost my mom this week.

@studiopbjphotography

Me too, my folks got divorced in the early 70's and it hit home.

@mbucci9536

4y↑3

Hers was the first concert I saw. What a voice. Loved her. RIP Helen Reddy. 💔

@MrSoxfan56

36w↑1

This song will stand forever. Countless people will feel this way every day. Helen sang this like no one else could.

@clay3935

4y↑12

Rest in Peace, Helen, you were a wonderful person in this world, you will be missed but never forgotten.

@bozomonster

7y↑43

What an incredible voice. So pure and natural. God Bless you Helen.

@storey8965

bozomonster you’re dumb clown face

@storey8965

bozomonster dumb clown face

@christinec.2372

4y↑7

Thank you for the music Helen. I grew up listening to your music. Rest In Power beautiful.

@patriciagriffin1505

3y↑4

They both are missed so much. She was an astonishing brilliant women

@susanhervey8599

1y↑1

I was extremely lucky to see Helen Reddy and Don McLean in concert ❤️

@paulpipkin3554

3y↑7

I love ❤️ your voice and your soul Helen ❤️

@MsLoriGold

4y↑8

RIP Helen. ❤️🙏❤️
This song has been my anthem for a long time about my dog and I.

@shonlee5584

4y↑4

her voice is simply beautiful

@unhooked25

2y↑3

This is such a beautiful soulful song. So sad to hear of Helen Reddy's passing, she had such an elegant voice. Rest in peace dear Helen Reddy you are sadly missed.....heart felt condolences from Canada

@dawnhennig4323

2y↑3

RIP Helen I loved her voice so distinctive and I loved her in Pete's Dragon such a wonderful movie and the songs she sang in that movie gave me goosebumps

@mathsmethods8438

4y↑4

Helen, you sang the Anthem of my teen years. I remember your Mother on the cast of Bellbird. So wonderful that your story is coming to the screen!

@southernlainey9270

I used to sing this to my daughter. She is 42 know, but this song still is for her. Especially as she is having problems with her health! I love you Dolly!

@angeliquedomini7259

4y↑5

R.I.P. Helen, we love you since the 60's and it will be for always. Thank you for all the joy you gave us with your songs.

@hurricanehilde2744

4y↑8

RIP Helen Ready. Such a GREAT song.

@errolnicholson9448

4y↑7

A Great Singer and her music will live on forever in our memories.

@SuperStar-1-

4y↑6

What a pretty voice ... that won't be forgotten. RIP.

@rosalielukkari9080

4y↑7

She's one of my fave artists, May she rest in Peace.🙏🙏🙏🌹🌷

@ameliaugay3499

3y↑6

Absolutely exquisite, velvety voice!

@leeannhelvenston5435

4y↑7

Yet another beautiful song by the wonderful Paul Williams. I grew up listening to brilliant music by him and Helen Reddy. A bygone era of good songs.

@lilyparas7214

2y↑1

@jeng1395

2y↑1

I was enjoying this video so much, remembering my brother in law, who died by suicide, and my father, who died 23 days later, due to his Dementia. Glen Campbell’s joke at the end about suicide was like someone dumped a bucket of ice water on my heart. Rip James, 6/24/20, and Dad, 7/18/20. I love you both so much.

@t.lucalake8963

39w

The Legendary Helen Reddy was a very Classy lady. In her 70's, she could still sing her hits in the original key. She was part of my childhood.

@doreenvanlee2424

4y↑6

She got down for her crown...I love this song...Rest Well...Helen...Job Well Done.

@artistphx

4y↑24

My father is rarely sentimental about anything. This song touched his heart.

@sarahevans-politte4756

4y↑6

I grew up on your music, Helen Reddy. Thank you for all of the songs. RIP

@angelacamello8539

2y↑8

Playing that song reminds me of my mother and me. So many memories.

@ritarone7369

4y↑3

It always makes me think of the years that my daughter and I were alone. "The days of me and you...." Loved her so much. RIP, Helen Reddy.

@elena2426

1y↑2

I used to sing this to my first born child and he is 37 now. That was back in the 80's. This still makes me cry. I dedicate it to my 3 children now who are all grown up. I'm alone now and I miss them being small.

@lindafinster1546

4y↑8

Didn't expect to have to carry on without you, Helen. RIP - thanks for the memories

@Janet1968

4y↑5

One of my mother’s favourite songs. I grew up listening to Helen Reddy. I was so very sorry to hear of her passing. She will be missed.

@cowsongs

3y↑4

I was 12 when this song hit the radio. So picture a 12 year old kid in 1974 who really only wanted to listen to the Beatles, The Eagles, and The Who, Led Zeppelin, etc. And this "schmaltzy" ballad is on the radio... but when she sang that line, "And when one of us is gone, and one of us is left to carry on", that was it... That made me sit up and listen. It is such a beautiful, clever line, it cuts right to your heart.
Songs like this are so well written lyrically and melodically, and matched to a singer so perfectly, that they can cut through to anybody - even a 12 year old rock n roll kid.

@patriciabarker4733

39w↑1

This was my song with my son when he was growing up.We both loved music. As he got older at times I would hear him upstairs in his room playing it.

@sissibee91

4y↑7

I just loved her. The music was as beautiful as she was, voice, smile, attitude. Such a loss. RIP❤🙏

@waltkaiser3854

4y↑3

At the age of 73 I have grown to appreciate this song, it is truly my wife and I against the world, RIP Helen Reddy

@linherz1028

4y↑7

Rest in Peace, Helen Reddy. Thanks for the many memories and wonderful songs and music. Gone way too soon. <3 Our memories of you will get us through. So sad that she had dementia. I'll never forget you, Helen.

@richardschilling2414

4y↑29

R.I.P Helen Reddy, such a beautiful, elegant voice. Another 2020 loss.

@etpahoresky2872

45w↑1

Mom was strong our world fell apart when I was 10. Her faith was strong and love. We made it through. Love you Mom

@JimFothergill

4y↑6

We will miss you lady!!! You were great and touched so many people!!

@rickrodrigues2219

Beautiful & talented lady!
Amazing...imaginative that someone can come up with such heart felt lyrics! It can last a life time...
...& much more!

@caretaker158

4y↑14

Fly high sweet angel... RIP Helen.... and Mac Davis. The world has lost two shining lights, but their music WILL live on!

@josephespinosa706

She is one of the best female singer of all those times.

@brenda-yk9sm

52w

❤❤❤ Love this song,reminds me of my struggles in life and how it felt after my.kuds were born,RIP Miss Helen Reddy Thank you for Beautiful music you left behind for All of us God Bless to you and yours

@angelagrogan6627

4y↑6

This song describes my son and I. RIH Helen Reddy. With the deaths of both this wonderful singer and Mac Davis my childhood is officially gone. 😥

@jmarshallist

7y↑28

My daughter and I danced to this at her wedding, was not a dry eye in house during this...... I raised her from the age of 7, we use to sing this to each other all the time... :'(

@Nellie824

4y↑8

Gone but never forgotten, Helen Reddy💕💕

@peterjones4621

1y↑1

This song always reminds me of my twin brother, he and I were so close, we did everything together as kids and as we grew older our bond never faltered. I miss him every day, he was robbed and murdered by a sick twisted murderer. I think of him everyday and how life would be so much better with him still with me. I love Helen, she had this beautiful, soft voice, she never strained to hit the notes, she and Karen Carpenter were of the same mold, love you Helen, rest well dear heart.

@summershipula5613

My theme song, my motivation, for my life and my kids. Never knew then that this would be MY mantra. Loved this song, over 40 years ago. Now it comes back to haunt ME. Wish I could sing it to my Mother and kids. Life ain't no punk.

@marshall5897

3y↑5

A really beautiful song so well sung.
How I feel it now

@gordonfairbrother8421

4y↑8

RIP Helen always loved your songs😪

@kimslater1212

4y↑6

Farewell, Helen! You will never be forgotten! 😢

@starcrib

4y↑13

If you ever really loved someone profoundly. This song is yours. The 70s, a moment in time and space: a few days and years of magic and music. 🌿🕊🌿🌿🕊

@frankkrogh7791

4y↑1

You are so right...

@marswmnwhoever2188

3y↑1

Yes it obviously about parent and child relationship but it could be anyone you loved deeply👍

@mikeengland7468

4y↑4

Beautiful and poignant. Once heard never forgotten.

@rebeccataylor5135

Never never

@thereseschoenwandt1685

1y↑1

My mom passed 2/16 and this was our song, single parent since I was an infant. The song we danced to at my wedding. Miss you mom

@iluvrain2012

25w

Best memories

@anthonycamomilli8554

7y↑12

She still can sing. Thank God I was just 13 when this song hit the charts. At 75, she still nails it. love her.

@KohalaLover

41w

My mother and I loved this song. I was so young when we went through her divorce and the loneliness and pain that went with it. Helen Reddy was a dazzler.