Against All Odds
Phil Collins - Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) 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
"Against All Odds" is a ballad by Phil Collins that was released in 1984 for the soundtrack of the movie of the same name. The song features Phil Collins pleading to a lost lover "how can I just let you walk away / Just let you leave without a trace?" and reminiscing on their shared experiences, pain, and laughter. Collins acknowledges that his lover is the only person who really knew him and that he can only wait for them to return despite the odds being against him.
The emotions conveyed in the lyrics are powerful and heartfelt, making them relatable to anyone who has experienced heartbreak and loss. The song deals with themes such as love and loss that connect with the audience on an emotional level. It is a classic example of an 80s love ballad, complete with a powerful vocal performance, emotional lyrics, and a soaring melody.
The song has been covered by many artists and is a timeless classic that still resonates with people today. It speaks to the timeless nature of human emotions and how love, heartbreak, and loss are universal experiences that we can all relate to.
Line by Line Meaning
How can I just let you walk away
Phil Collins is questioning himself as to how he can allow his loved one to leave him without saying anything.
Just let you leave without a trace?
He is wondering how he can let his loved one leave without a sign or trail.
When I stand here taking every breath with you, ooh
Phil Collins mentions that he is breathing the same air as his loved one as they stand together.
You're the only one who really knew me at all
He acknowledges that his loved one is the only one who could understand and know him for who he really is.
How can you just walk away from me
Phil Collins questions how his loved one can just walk away from him without any explanation.
When all I can do is watch you leave?
He feels helpless and can only watch his loved one leave while he can't do anything to stop them.
'Cause we've shared the laughter and the pain
He knows that they have been through both good and bad times together.
And even shared the tears
They have cried together and have shared their deepest emotions.
So take a look at me now
Phil Collins asks his loved one to see him now and take a good look at him.
Well there's just an empty space
He mentions that he is feeling empty and incomplete without his loved one.
And there's nothing left here to remind me
There are no reminders of his loved one, and he feels like everything has changed now that they're not around.
Just the memory of your face
The only thing he has left is his memory of her face, which he can never forget.
I wish I could just make you turn around
Phil Collins wishes he could make his loved one turn around and see how much he cares for her.
Turn around and see me cry
He wants her to see how much her leaving has affected him emotionally and caused him to cry.
There's so much I need to say to you
He has so many things to say to his loved one, which he hasn't been able to say yet.
So many reasons why
He has many reasons to give her, as to why she should stay with him.
But to wait for you is all I can do
All he can do now is wait for her to come back to him.
And that's what I've gotta face
He knows that he has to come to terms with the reality of the situation.
Take a good look at me now
Phil Collins asks his loved one to take a good look at him now and see what she's done to him.
'Cause I'll still be standing here
Even though she's left him, Phil Collins will still be standing where she left him.
And you coming back to me is against all odds
He realizes that the chances of his loved one coming back to him are very unlikely.
It's the chance I've gotta take
But he's willing to take that chance, even though it may not work out in his favour.
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