#JenniferConnelly • #OnceUponATimeInAmerica • #PhilCollins • #AgainstAllOdds • #80s • #80sMusic • #80sMovies • #80sMusicHits • #1984  
 
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"Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" (also titled "Against All Odds") is a song by English drummer, singer and songwriter Phil Collins. It was recorded for the soundtrack to the 1984 film of the same name. It is a power ballad in which its protagonist implores an ex-lover to "take a look at me now," knowing that reconciliation is "against all odds," but worth the gamble. The single reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, the first of seven US No. 1's for Collins in his solo career. "Against All Odds (Take a Look At Me Now)" also topped the charts in Canada, Ireland, and Norway, while peaking at No. 2 in the United Kingdom.  
 
The song has been covered by several singers, some versions of which have been successful in both the US and UK markets. The song has twice reached No. 1 in the UK singles chart: the pairing of Mariah Carey and boyband Westlife, in September 2000, and then again by Steve Brookstein, the first winner of The X Factor, in January 2005.  
 
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  
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