Against All Odds
dee ellington Lyrics

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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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Against All Odds" by Phil Collins express the pain and sadness of heartbreak and the struggle of letting go of someone who was once so important. The singer is asking how they are supposed to let the person they love walk away without leaving any trace or memory behind. They have shared the highs and lows, laughter and tears, and the only person who really understood them is leaving. The emotion in the words is intense, conveying a deep sense of loss and the hopelessness of trying to move on.

The chorus of the song contains a plea for the person who left to take a look at the singer, to see the space they left behind and the emptiness that remains. The singer acknowledges that the odds of their loved one ever returning are slim, yet they hold on to the hope that they may come back someday. The last lines of the song contain a sense of defiance and determination, declaring that even though the odds are against them, the singer will still be standing and waiting for their loved one to return.

Overall, the lyrics of "Against All Odds" are a powerful expression of the anguish of losing someone important and the struggle to move on. The song remains a classic and emotional ballad, capturing the feelings of heartbreak that many can relate to.

Line by Line Meaning

How can I just let you walk away,
Why would I allow you to leave so easily?

Just let you leave without a trace?
Can you go without any impact on me?

When I stand here taking every breath with you, ooh ooh
Being with you is the center of my universe

You're the only one who really knew me at all
You understand me better than anyone else

How can you just walk away from me
How can you leave me behind like this?

When all I can do is watch you leave?
I feel helpless because I can't stop you

'Cause we've shared the laughter and the pain
We've gone through ups and downs together

And even shared the tears
We've been there for each other during tough times

So take a look at me now
See where I am now

Well there's just an empty space
After you left, everything feels incomplete

And there's nothing left here to remind me
Your absence is evident and it hurts