Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)

## Singles Chronology

"**Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)**" (also titled "**Against All Odds**") is a song performed by Phil Collins for the *1984 film of the same name*.

The song was first released as a single on February 1984 in North America and on March 26th, 1984 in the United Kingdom.

## Background

Collins was approached to write the title song to the film *Against All Odds* while it was still in its preliminary "rough cut form". At the time the soundtrack was being completed, Collins was on tour with Genesis. Director Taylor Hackford flew into Chicago to see one of the band's concerts. Collins watched the movie on a videocassette recorder in his hotel room and agreed to appear on the soundtrack.

Originally titled "How Can You Just Sit There?", the song's music was written by Collins during sessions for his debut solo album *Face Value*, but it fell by the wayside as it was his least favourite of the several ballads he wrote at the time. Neither was it included on *Hello, I Must Be Going!*, as many newer songs were written for it. Eventually, Collins presented the demo to Taylor Hackford when approached to write a song for the *Against All Odds* movie, which he loved. Then Collins penned the lyrics, which were for the film. Due to lack of time available (as he was on tour with Genesis), he had arranger Arif Mardin produce it, and they worked on it over two days. The piano performance is by New York musician Rob Mounsey. Piano, keyboard bass and a string section arranged and conducted by Mardin were recorded at RCA Studios, New York, while Collins recorded vocals and drums in Los Angeles.

## Lyrics

**[Verse 1]**

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

**[Refrain]**

You're the only one who really knew me at all

**[Verse 2]**

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

**[Refrain]**

You're the only one who really knew me at all

**[Chorus]**

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

Ooh, take a look at me now

Well, there's just an empty space

And you comin' back to me is against the odds

And that's what I've got to face

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**[Verse 3]**

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

**[Refrain]**

You're the only one who really knew me at all

**[Chorus]**

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

‘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 standin' here

And you comin' back to me is against all odds

It's the chance I've gotta take

**[Outro]**

Take a look at me now

## Video

Phil Collins - Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) Official Video - Remastered Audio HD
## Trivia

* "Against All Odds" became Collins' third top-ten single in the UK, peaking at #2 and in North America it peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and RPM charts. *Billboard* ranked it as the No. 5 song for 1984.