You and Me Against the World
Paul Williams Lyrics


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You and me against the world
Sometimes it feels like you and me against the world
When all the others turn their back 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
An lookin' 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 the odds were on our side
And when one of us is gone
And one is left alone to carry on
Then remembering will have to do
Our memories alone will get us through
Think about the days of me and you
Of you and me against the world

Life can be a circus
They underpay and overwork us
Though we seldom get our due
And when each day is through
I bring my tired body home
And look around for you

You and me against the world
It feels like you and me against the world
And for all the times we've cried
I've always felt that God was on our side
And when one of us is gone
And one is left alone to carry on
Then remembering will have to do
Memories alone will get us through




Think about the days of me and you
You and me against the world

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Paul Williams's song You and Me Against the World is a touching ode to devotion and love. The chorus first sets the mood, where it feels like it's only you and your partner against the world. The verses follow with a flashback to a simple moment when the circus came to town, and the singer was afraid of the clown. It was then they realized it was nice to have someone to turn to, "someone who was big and strong." Later in the song, Williams acknowledges that life can be a circus too, and though they may be overworked and underpaid, having each other still makes it worth it.


The song seems to be addressing a beloved partner or family member, and the idea of leaning on each other despite adversity runs throughout. The lyrics suggest that memories are, at times, all we have left, but they can be enough to get us through hard times. A poignant line "I always felt the odds were on our side" reassures the listener that, even when it may seem like the whole world is against them, they can count on the support of their loved ones. Williams's emotive voice carries the song's message of hope.


Line by Line Meaning

You and me against the world
It's just you and me facing challenging situations.


Sometimes it feels like you and me against the world
At times it seems like we're out there on our own, with no one to help us.


When all the others turn their back and walk away
When everyone else abandons us and leaves us stranded.


You can count on me to stay
I'll always be there for you, no matter what.


Remember when the circus came to town
Recall a time when a spectacle arrived in our midst.


And you were frightened by the clown
You were scared by one of the performers, especially the clown.


Wasn't it nice to be around
Didn't you find it comforting to have someone familiar nearby?


Someone that you knew
Having a person one is familiar with nearby.


Someone who was big and strong
Someone who exuded power, muscular energy.


An lookin' out for you and me against the world
This person acted as a protector, someone looking out for us.


And for all the times we've cried
Despite all the occasions we've wept or lamented over something.


I always felt the odds were on our side
I always had the impression that we would come out on top.


And when one of us is gone
If one of us is no longer here.


And one is left alone to carry on
The other is forced to carry on in solitude.


Then remembering will have to do
Recalling fond memories will have to suffice.


Our memories alone will get us through
Only our memories will be able to sustain and support us.


Think about the days of me and you
Remember the good old days when we were together, having each other's back.


Life can be a circus
Life is full of surprises; it is mysterious and unpredictable.


They underpay and overwork us
They don't pay us enough and load us with too much work.


Though we seldom get our due
We barely get what we deserve.


And when each day is through
When every day comes to an end.


I bring my tired body home
I return home, drained and weary from the day's work.


And look around for you
I seek comfort in your presence.


It feels like you and me against the world
It seems as though we are alone, with nobody else to rely on.


I've always felt that God was on our side
I had a feeling that a divine being was watching over us.




Contributed by Jeremiah J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@jeannemurray3050

I always liked this song. It has a whole new meaning to me now as I lost my best friend to COVID in August. After being friends for 50 years it feels as if part of myself is just gone. It's a bittersweet song but I will cherish everything that reminds me of her.

@thepub245

Hey, sorry for your loss.

@cesarhumphreya.7668

It's a sad event, but thank God there is this beautiful song that allows us to subside

@kimtonearts

Im sorry for your loss. I can totally relate and empathize with what you're feeling. Remember the good old days and how much of a gift the time you had together was. That's worth alot. Love lives on.🕊️

@jjames2161

one of the greatest composers of our generation-----what a great time in history to be alive ---compassionate music and hope for tomorrow----thank you Paul !!

@nelsonanthony213

Hi James

@LoneWolfCrooner

Paul Williams came out in a cameo role in BABY DRIVER. It was good to see him. He's looking trim.

@bstz44

Amen!

@maggieperry4525

I've been listening to Paul Williams since the 70s. Nowadays it makes me cry its so beautiful.

@BAP5579

Truly one of the greatest composers of our generation! Terrific songs that take you back and bring a tear to your eye...

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