Against All Odds
The Postal Service Lyrics
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Just let you leave without a trace?
When I stand here taking every breath with you, ooh 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
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, oh
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
Take a look at me now
Well 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
'Cause I'll still be standing here
And you coming back to me is against the odds
And it's what I've got to face
Take a look at me now
The Postal Service's cover of Phil Collins' "Against All Odds" is a song about heartbreak, loss, and longing. The lyrics express the pain of watching someone you love walk away, even though you know that they are the only one who really knows you. The singer is torn between wanting to hold onto the past and the memories they shared with their lover, and facing the reality that they may never come back.
The lyrics are full of contradictions, as the singer both pleads with their lover to stay and acknowledges that they may never return. The repeated line, "Take a look at me now," is a plea for their lover to see the emptiness they now feel without them. The singer is left alone with nothing but memories of their lover's face, and the hope that someday they may return.
The Postal Service's version of this classic song adds layers of electronic soundscapes and gentle beats, creating a dreamy and wistful atmosphere that perfectly captures the emotions expressed in the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
How can I just let you walk away,
I am deeply troubled by the thought of you leaving me, and I cannot seem to accept it.
Just let you leave without a trace?
I cannot imagine you leaving my life without leaving any memory of you behind.
When I stand here taking every breath with you, ooh ooh
I feel like I am breathing in sync with you, and every moment spent with you is precious.
You're the only one who really knew me at all
You are the only one who understands me completely, and losing you would mean losing a part of myself.
How can you just walk away from me
I cannot fathom the idea of you leaving me behind and walking away from our relationship.
When all I can do is watch you leave?
I feel helpless, as I have no control over your decision to walk away from me.
'Cause we've shared the laughter and the pain
We have experienced a lot together, including happy and sad moments, which makes your departure even harder to bear.
And even shared the tears
We have been vulnerable with each other and have cried together in difficult times, which makes our bond stronger.
So take a look at me now
I am urging you to see how deeply you have affected me, and how much I need you in my life.
Well there's just an empty space
Without you, my life seems hollow and incomplete.
And there's nothing left here to remind me
There is no memory of you here that can comfort me in your absence.
Just the memory of your face
The only thing I have left is the image of your face, which I hold onto tightly.
And you coming back to me is against the odds
I know that it is highly unlikely that you will return to me, but I still hope for it nonetheless.
And that's what I've got to face, oh
I have to accept the reality of the situation, even if it is painful to do so.
I wish I could just make you turn around
I desperately want you to change your mind and come back to me.
Turn around and see me cry
I want you to witness how much you mean to me and how much it hurts me to see you leave.
There's so much I need to say to you
There are a lot of things I want to express to you before you leave, but I don't know how.
So many reasons why
There are numerous reasons why I want you to stay, and I wish I could make you see them as well.
But to wait for you is all I can do
All I can do now is to wait and hope that you will come back to me one day.
And you coming back to me is against the odds
I am aware that the probability of you returning to me is very low, but I still cling onto the hope of it happening.
And it's what I've got to face
I have to come to terms with the harsh reality that you may never return to me, but I will keep hoping against all odds.
Take a look at me now
I am asking you to take a good look at me and see how much I need you in my life.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Phillip David Charles Collins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alberto Gomez
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 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
And even shared the tears
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
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, oh
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
Take a look at me now
Well 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
'Cause I'll still be standing here
And you coming back to me is against the odds
And it's what I've got to face
Take a look at me now
Kahla Williams
I spent so many nights listening to this cover over, and over, and over waiting for something to click. I am married now, but the feelings of that time still resonate with this song. I still love it!
Andrew Mendez
I feel you on that.
HotGarbage
Chad Thompson admirable attempt lad.
Anthony Quintero
This song got me through a pretty rough break up..
acirecat
i always secretly loved the lyrics of this song, but wow, a version i can musically relate to. such a great cover!
Infra Minced
This is still such a banger. I haven't listened to this cover in over ten years probably.
ZERO
stop saying banger
Infra Minced
@ZERO Afraid of a little vernacular? I don’t need you to think I’m hip but thanks, man.
FOX 18
@ZERO It doesn't matter how people feel music. If they want to classify it as a banger or old school, to each their own. I am more appreciated of the music that can stand the test of time than the stuff they put on the airwaves today. Not saying it isn't good, just my my cup of my tea. Living in a house of females, our music tastes are different but we agree to disagree on more than a few!
cedceddd
Love the Postal Service. My all time favorite college years' band, for sure. Played their tracks over and over. Wish they'd make new music.