Phil Collins

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
All of my life, I've been searching
For the words to say how I feel
I'd spend my time thinking too much
And leave too little to say what I mean
But I try to understand the best I can
All of my life
All of my life, I've been saying sorry
For the things I know I should have done
All the things I could have said come back to me
Sometimes I wish that it had just begun
Seems I'm always that little too late
All of my life

[Chorus]
Set 'em up, I'll take a drink with you
Pull up a chair, I think I'll stay
Set 'em up, cos I'm going nowhere
There's too much I need to remember, and there's too much I need to say

[Verse 2]
All of my life, I've been looking
But it's hard to find the way
Just reaching past the goal in front of me
While what's important just slips away
And it doesn't come back, but I'll be looking
All of my life
[Chorus]
Set 'em up, I'll take a drink with you
Pull up a chair, I think I'll stay
Set 'em up, cos I'm going nowhere
There's too much I need to remember, and there's too much I need to say

[Outro]
All of my life, there have been regrets
That I didn't do all I could
Playing records upstairs, while he watched TV
I didn't spend the time I should
And that's a memory I will live with
All of my life

All of My Life by Phil Collins is a heartfelt song that stands out for its lyrics and message. Collins released this song in 1989 as part of his album "...But Seriously." Although not as well-recognized as some of his other works, this song deserves more recognition for its poignant lyrics and emotional depth. There are some interesting facts about the song, such as the use of Don Myrick on saxophone, who also played in "One More Night."

About All of My Life

When you first hear this song, it sounds quite upbeat thanks to the moderately upbeat chorus that gives way to Collins's familiar voice. However, upon listening more closely, it becomes evident that the lyrics and the message of the song are very poignant. Collins's emotions are laid bare in this piece, which makes it one of the standout tracks on the album.

As mentioned earlier, Don Myrick adds some magic to the song with his saxophone playing. Myrick was a renowned saxophonist who was part of the famous Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, which oversaw recordings in the 1960s and 70s. His contribution to the song is significant and adds texture to the overall feel of the song.

All of My Life is not as well-known as some of Collins's other songs. The song was never released as a single, which could be one of the reasons why it remains obscure. However, that doesn't diminish the quality of the song. It's a finely crafted piece that speaks to a personal journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

The song has several interpretations, depending on the listener's experience. It could be about a bad relationship, the loss of a loved one, missed opportunities, or coming to terms with oneself. Collins sings about breaking free from the chains that hold him back, and his yearning for love and acceptance is palpable in the song. Collins doesn't shy away from revealing his vulnerabilities and lays them bare through the lyrics, making it a relatable piece to anyone who has gone through similar experiences.

One of the most impressive things about this song is how Collins balances the emotions and the music. The music is upbeat, while the lyrics are a testament to Collins's emotional journey, making it an unusual combination. Still, Collins pulls it off, showcasing his talent as a musician and songwriter. The result is a beautiful piece that resonates with anyone who listens to it.

In summary, All of My Life is a song that deserves more recognition for its emotional depth and thought-provoking lyrics. Collins's voice, Myrick's saxophone, and the perfectly balanced melody make it a gem in the album "...But Seriously." It may not be as well-known as his other works, but it has a special place in the hearts of those who have listened to it and connected with the message of the song.

• Release Date: November 24, 1989
• Artist: Phil Collins