Artists
Musicians featured in this piece are:
Phil Collins – lead vocals and drums
Rob Mounsey – piano and keyboard bass
Arif Mardin – string arrangements and orchestral direction
The song was written by Phil Collins. Produced and arranged by Arif Mardin, recorded at RCA Studios, New York (piano and strings) and in Los Angeles (vocals and drums).
Note: “Against All Odds” was born from an earlier unreleased song Collins had written during the Face Value sessions in 1981 titled “How Can You Just Sit There?” Due to time constraints — Collins was touring with Genesis — he handed production duties to arranger Arif Mardin, with whom he worked over just two days. The song became Collins‘ first US No. 1 single, won the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance (Male) in 1985, and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
Phil Collins – Take A Look At Me Now Lyrics
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
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 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 all odds
It’s the chance I’ve gotta take
Take a look at me now
To listen to other songs from the Teleskop 7 program and the full program, click here.