Song Lyric Sunday – “Without You”

It’s that time again, Song Lyric Sunday.  I am so glad that Helen, of “This Thing Called Life One Word At A Time” loves choosing the topics as much as I (and many others) love choosing the songs to go with them.

This week’s theme is “give/giving” and my song popped into my head immediately. That might surprise you because the word “give” is only in the chorus but it is one that sticks out, at least for me. That song is “Without You” by Nilsson, not to be confused with the U2 or Usher songs with similar names.

The song was originally written in 1970 by Peter Ham and Thomas Evans of the rock band Badfinger. however, it was mostly an album filler for the group. Many people hail Mariah Carey’s 1994 version as the best cover. In my opinion, it was the 1971 version by (Harry) Nilsson that was the true hit. It reached #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 where Carey only reached #3. Not a huge difference really, and the eras were far apart.

While Ham and Evans received the  British Academy’s Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically, both artists ended up committing suicide over many issues, including a manager stealing all of their royalties.

The reason this song came to mind over the line “I can’t live, I can’t give any more” is that I can relate to that deep despair. You try so hard for something/someone that when you realize it is never going to happen you just have nothing left to give…or at least you think so at the time. The truth is, if you have to try so hard, maybe it isn’t worth it in the first place.

Make sure you stop by Helen’s blog to check out other takes on the theme or to find out how you can join in the fun!

Lydia!

“Without You”

No, I can’t forget this evening
Or your face as you were leaving
But I guess that’s just the way the story goes
You always smile but in your eyes, your sorrow shows
Yes, it shows

No, I can’t forget tomorrow
When I think of all my sorrow
When I had you there, but then I let you go
And now it’s only fair that I should let you know
What you should know

I can’t live if living is without you
I can’t live, I can’t give any more
I can’t live if living is without you
I can’t give, I can’t give any more

Well, I can’t forget this evening
Or your face as you were leaving
But I guess that’s just the way the story goes
You always smile but in your eyes, your sorrow shows
Yes, it shows

I can’t live if living is without you
I can’t live, I can’t give any more
I can’t live if living is without you
I can’t live, I can’t give any more
If living is without you