Just Look At You Now
Howard Jones Lyrics


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I've known you since you were a girl
When things just didn't work out for you
I said don't crack up and see both sides
But you kept on blaming the world for everything

I tried to tell you that you were in control
But you didn't seem to listen to a word I say
But I'm never giving up, giving up on you
I try to help you see the world in a different way

Hey, yeah, just look at you now
Riding on a silver wave
That keeps on going

Through the sun and through the rain
Through the good and the bad times
Through the joy and through the pain
Hey, look at you now
See what you've become

Now look me in the eye, now and tell me straight
Did you find it hard to tell me everything
I said things can only get better dear
But they won't if you don't lift a finger to help me

What's the point in taking this human form
If we can't understand the point of living here
Who would ever want to live alone
Without sharing this world with everyone and everything

Just look at you now
Riding on a silver wave
That keeps on going

Through the sun and through the rain
Through the good and the bad times
Through the joy and through the pain
Hey, look at you now
See what you've become

Hey, just look at you now
Riding on a silver wave
That keeps on going

Through the sun and through the rain
Through the good and the bad times
Through the joy and through the pain




Hey, look at you now
See what you've become

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Howard Jones's song Just Look At You Now describe a person's journey from a point in their life where they felt helpless, blaming the world for their problems, to a point where they've taken control of their life and embraced all the ups and downs that come with it. The singer of the song is someone who knows this person since they were young and has tried to help them see things differently but has faced resistance initially. The opening lines reflect the singer's familiarity with the subject- "I've known you since you were a girl"- and a sense of concern for their well-being. The line "when things just didn't work out for you" suggests that the person faced setbacks in life, and instead of taking ownership, they chose to blame others.


In the second verse, the singer highlights their efforts to make the person understand that they have control over their life. "I tried to tell you that you were in control / But you didn't seem to listen to a word I say." Despite this, the singer claims to never give up on the person and continues to guide them towards a better perspective. The line "try to help you see the world in a different way" suggests that the singer wants the person to change their outlook towards life.


The chorus of the song emphasizes the transformation that the person has undergone. The lines "Riding on a silver wave, that keeps on going / Through the sun and through the rain" suggest that the person has experienced both the highs and lows of life but has been able to ride through them. The line, "See what you've become," acknowledges the person's growth and achievements. The final verse is a call to the person, urging them to open up and communicate. The line "Did you find it hard to tell me everything" suggests that the person has bottled up emotions and has difficulty sharing their feelings. The singer emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's existence and living in harmony with others.


Line by Line Meaning

I've known you since you were a girl
I have been acquainted with you since you were a young person


When things just didn't work out for you
When circumstances didn't go your way


I said don't crack up and see both sides
I advised you not to become overwhelmed and to consider both perspectives


But you kept on blaming the world for everything
You persisted in attributing all of your problems to external forces


I tried to tell you that you were in control
I attempted to convey that you had agency and influence


But you didn't seem to listen to a word I say
However, you appeared to ignore my advice


But I'm never giving up, giving up on you
Nevertheless, I refuse to abandon you


I try to help you see the world in a different way
I endeavor to assist you in perceiving the world from an alternative perspective


Hey, yeah, just look at you now
Now, observe where you are currently


Riding on a silver wave
Riding on an advantageous streak


That keeps on going
That endures


Through the sun and through the rain
Through both the pleasant and unpleasant times


Through the good and the bad times
Through both the beneficial and detrimental times


Through the joy and through the pain
Through both the happy and unhappy moments


Hey, look at you now
Observe how far you have come


See what you've become
Recognize the person you have developed into


Now look me in the eye, now and tell me straight
Directly address me and speak honestly


Did you find it hard to tell me everything
Was it difficult for you to be fully honest with me


I said things can only get better dear
I declared that things can only improve, my dear


But they won't if you don't lift a finger to help me
However, they will not improve if you do not make an effort to assist me


What's the point in taking this human form
What is the purpose of assuming a human body


If we can't understand the point of living here
If we cannot comprehend the reason for being alive in this existence


Who would ever want to live alone
Who would want to be alive without companionship


Without sharing this world with everyone and everything
Without communing with all individuals and entities in this world




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: HOWARD JONES, ROBBIE BRONNIMANN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Corey Scott

I have loved your music since the very first note. Thank you so much for the many years of joy you've shared.

Sparkina

Lovely song from a talented fellow. Been a fan of Howard’s music since I was a teen in the 80s. Way to go, HoJo

teresa pannells

Howard, your voice is still beautiful,even after all these years. You are a lovely person.

Nutrition Theory

Howard, this is one of the best songs of the 2000s. It is a hidden masterpiece. The second verse, in the studio version, is sublime. That elegant piano accompaniment.

PS

Love how HJ’s songs are always positive. Have loved him from the very first time I heard New Song. Lots of warm wishes from Down Under!

Jaki de Dassel

I totally love this song.wow.just tonight I heard it on my little local radio station.its so inspiring.i was a chef and had a massive career and now I own an art gallery.i feel very positive vibes now after hearing this awesome song.xx

Davide Consonni

Pure talent and emotion. Wonderful show, congrats to all!!!

Dianix

Love Howard Jones music! 😍🎼🎶

willkoff

Should have been a top charts single!I wonder,why it was not played anywhere much at all?Great song!

Deibu-San

I was at this show. What a great night. I also played this song at my wedding 12 years ago. Shame the marriage didn't work. But I love this song still.

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