PAUL WILLIAMS
THE LYRICS PAGE
W-X-Y-Z

Last Updated 12th August 2000

(When you click on the red/purple lettering you will be taken to a page with more detailed information.)

If you click on the song titles at the begining of each section you will be taken to the lyrics for that song. At the end of each song are links to both Paul's recordings of that song, as well as who else has recorded it.


W

WAKING UP ALONE

WATCH CLOSELY NOW

WE COULD BE FLYING

WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN

WHAT WOULD THEY SAY

WHEN I WAS ALL ALONE

WHEN LOVE IS NEAR

WHEN YOU SAID HELLO

WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE

WITH ONE MORE LOOK AT YOU

WITH ONE MORE LOOK AT YOU/WATCH CLOSELY NOW


WAKING UP ALONE

(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams)

I took my chances on a one-way ticket home
Growing tired of strangers and the kind of life I've known
Thought the time for settling down had come at last
Guess I hoped to find a future in my past

Walk with me darlin' where the wheatfields used to be
I will tell you stories of my times across the sea
You're the legendary girl I left behind
Can't begin to count the times you've crossed my mind

And Oh your children why the youngest looks just like you
She's the picture of her mother
But there'll never be another quite like you
You're an angel and a time that I don't know anymore
And so goodnight
I'll take my memories to bed
And know that I'll be waking up alone

I should have noticed that the years were slipping by
Still you're just as lovely as the day we said goodbye
Like an old familiar poem that still won't rhyme
I could get back to the place but not the time

And Oh your children why the youngest looks just like you
She's the picture of her mother
But there'll never be another quite like you
You're an angel and a time that I don't know anymore
And so goodnight
I'll take my memories to bed
And know that I'll be waking up alone

Link To Paul's Recordings Of This Song

Link To Who Else Has Sung This Song


WATCH CLOSELY NOW

(FROM THE MOTION PICTURE "A STAR IS BORN")

(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams and Kenny Ascher)

Watch closely now
Are you watching me now?
Your eyes are like fingers
They're touching my body
And arousing my soul
Riding the passion arising inside me
How high can I go?
You're comin' with me girl, I'm gonna show you how
When it's scary, don't look down

Watch closely now
Are you watching me now?
I see the hunger arise in your eyes
And it's urging me on
Higher and harder and faster and farther
Than I've ever gone
You're coming closer lady, don'tcha leave me now
We're gonna make it, don't look down

Maybe I'm takin' me too many chances
With no net at all
Maybe I'll teach you at least that you've
Got to be free when you fall

Watch closely now
Are you watching me now?
I'm the master magician
Who's setting you free
From the lies you've been told
When they're breaking your back
Bring your last straw to me
I turn straw into gold
I'm gonna need you later, when you're not around
But I can take it, don't look down

Watch closely now .......
Are you watching me now?

Link To The Original Recording Of This Song


WE COULD BE FLYING

(Lyrics Paul Williams: Music Michel Colombier )

There's a feel that comes in the Spring
A touch of hope, a new beginning
Time's racing by I know
But as it crossed my mind
I thought we all would end up winning
Love is rising with the summer sun
Caught in the silence of hello
Rolling the words across the sky

There's a feel that comes in the Spring
When all the world's alive and shining
Waiting to touch us all
The youngest and the old
And give each day a velvet lining
A new kind of light surrounds us all
And if we could we'd all be flying
I've always felt that deep inside
We're trying, we're trying

There's a feel that comes in the Spring
A touch of hope, a new beginning
Time's racing by I know
But as it crossed my mind
I thought we all would end up winning
A new kind of light surrounds us all
And if we could we'd all be flying
I've always felt that deep inside
We're trying, we're trying

Link To Paul's Recordings Of This Song

Link To Who Else Has Sung This Song


WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN

(Lyrics Paul Williams:Music Roger Nichols)

We've only just begun
To live
White lace and promises
A kiss for luck and we're on our way

Before the rising sun
We fly
So many roads to choose
We start out walking and learn to run
And yes we've just begun

Sharing horizon that are new to us
Watching the signs along the way
Talking it over just the two of us
Working together day to day
Together

And when the evening comes
We smile
So much of life ahead
We'll find a place where there~s: room to grow
And yes we've just begun
To live
We've only just begun
To live

Link To Paul's Recordings Of This Song

Link To Who Else Has Sung This Song


WHAT WOULD THEY SAY

( FROM THE MOTION PICTURE "THE BOY IN THE PLASTIC BUBBLE")

(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams)

What would they say
If we up and ran away
From the roaring crowds
And the worn out city faces
Would they carry on and on
When they found out we were gone
Or would they let us go
Would they tag along
Or would they know to

Leave us alone
We'd live in the country
Leave us alone
We'd make it just fine
Happy in a one room shack
And we'd not look back
Now would we

What would they do
If they found out we were through
With all the little lies
And the downtown aggravations
That we'd traded them away
For a quiet country day
That we had hoped to share
Would they try to find out
Where we were or

Leave us alone
We'd live in the country
Leave us alone
We'd make it just fine
Happy in a one room shack
And we'd not look back
Now would we

What would they say
If we up and ran away
Ran away

Link To Paul's Recordings Of This Song

Link To Who Else Has Sung This Song


WHEN I WAS ALL ALONE

(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams)

People looked right through me
When I was all alone
Never seemed to notice I was there at all
Always seemed to look the other way

Winter days were colder
When I was all alone
Wasn't I surprised to feel this warm inside
The way it feels to be alone with you

So if I try to hold you
And I might try to make you stay
Remember I have tried to hold the colors
Of the morning sun
Tned to keep it shining
When the summer's day was done

So you must know that I was lonely
When I was all alone
Love was not an easy word to laugh about
And still it's not an easy word to say

When I was all alone
Wasn't I surprised to feel this warm inside
The way 't feels to be alone with you

So if I try to hold you
And I might try to make you stay
Remember I have tried to hold the colors
Of the morning sun
Tried to keep it shining
When the summer's day was done

When I was all alone

Link To Paul's Recording Of This Song


WHEN LOVE IS NEAR

(Lyrics Paul Williams: Music Roger Nichols)

As I have come to you receive me and hear my song,
I'll sing of love to you,
Believe me for love is strong,
And love as it grows can fill the empty like forgiving eyes
Let our voices rise together, together

Sing out ye gentle people,
Sing till the sunshine comes to light the midnight air
Sing out ye gentle people,
Gather your voices till our song becomes a prayer

When love has come to you in darkness the way is clear,
To find a path for you,
My darling when love is near
And love as it grows can fill the empty like forgiving eyes
Let our voices rise together, together

Sing out ye gentle people,
Sing till the sunshine comes to light the midnight air
Sing out ye gentle people,
Gather your voices till our song becomes a prayer

Sing out ye gentle people,
Sing till the sunshine comes to light the midnight air
fade

Link To Paul's Recordings Of This Song


WHEN YOU SAID HELLO

(Lyrics Paul Williams: Music Melissa Manchester)

Satisfied of course, sure I had it all
Very busy living my dreams, visions large and small
Until you said hello, and life began to change
It's funny how you fit into my world, its wonderful and strange

Suddenly its safe to let you and keep falling
Maybe answered prayers look a lot like you, I think maybe so
Talk about surprise, how was I to know
Love called out my name when you said hello
Its crazy loving you, Its crazy loving you

Suddenly its safe to let you and keep falling
Maybe answered prayers look a lot like you, I think maybe so
Talk about surprise, how was I to know
Love called out my name when you said hello
Its crazy loving you, Its crazy loving you

Link To Paul's Recording Of This Song


WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE

( FROM THE MOTION PICTURE "THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTFOOT")

(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams)

If I knew the way I'd go back home
But the countryside has changed so much
I'd surely end up lost
Half remembering names and faces
So far in the past
On the other side of bridges that were burned once they were crossed

Tell me where
Where does a fool go
When there's none left to listen
To a story without meaning
That nobody wants to hear
Tell me where
Where does a fool go
When he knows there's something missing
Tell me where
Where do I go from here
Where do I go from here

To get back home
Where my childhood dreams and wishes still out number my regrets
Get back to a place where I can figure on the odds
Have a fighting chance to lose the blues
And win my share of bets

Tell me where
Where does a fool go
When there's none left to listen
To a story without meaning
That nobody wants to hear
Tell me where
Where does a fool go
When he knows there's something missing
Tell me where
Where do I go from here
Where do I go from here

Link To Paul's Recording Of This Song

Link To Who Else Has Sung This Song


WITH ONE MORE LOOK AT YOU

(FROM THE MOTION PICTURE "A STAR IS BORN")

(Lyrics & Music Paul Willams and Ken Ascher)

With one more look at you
I might learn to tame the clouds
And let the sun shine through
Leave a troubled past and I might start anew
I'll solve the mysteries if you're the prize
Refresh these tired eyes

With one more look at you
I might overcome the anger
That I've learned to know
Gain the peace of mind that I lost long ago
Your gentle touch has made me strong again
And I belong again

For when you took at me
I'm everything and more than l had dreamed I'd be
My spirit feels a promise
I won't be alone
We'll love and live more
Love and live forever

With one more look at you
I'd learn to change the stars
And change our fortunes too
Have the constellations paint your portrait too
So all the world could share this wondrous sight
The world could end each night
With one more look at you
With one more look at you
I want one more look at you

Link To Paul's Recordings Of This Song

Link To Who Else Has Sung This Song


WITH ONE MORE LOOK AT YOU/WATCH CLOSELY NOW

(FROM THE MOTION PICTURE "A STAR IS BORN")

(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams and Kenny Ascher)

With one more look at you
I could learn to tame the clouds
And let the sun shine through
Leave a troubled past and I might start anew
I'll solve the mysteries if you're the prize
Refresh these tired eyes

With one more look at you
I might overcome the anger
That I've learned to know
Find a peace of mind I lost so long ago
Your gentle touch has made me strong again
And I belong again

For when you look at me
I'm everything and more that I had dreamed I'd be
My spirit feels a promise
I won't be alone
We'll love and live more
Love and live forever

With one more look at you
I'd learn to change the stars
And change our fortunes too
I'd have the constellations paint your portrait too
So all the world might share this wondrous sight
The world could end each night
With one more look at you
With one more look at you
I want one more look at you

Are you watching me now?
Watch closely now
Your eyes are like fingers
Touching my body
Arousing me so
I'm ridin' the passion arising inside me
How high can I go?
You're comin' with me, I'm gonna show you how
And when it's scary, I won't look down

Are you watching me now?
Watch closely now
I see the hunger arise in your eyes
And it's urging me on
Higher and harder and faster and farther
Than I've ever gone
Your pleasure is part of the secret
Of flight that I found
When I feel like an eagle
My soul has no place on the ground

Born out of madness
I'll double the danger with no net at all
If you don't look away I'm secure
In the fact that you won't let me fall

Watch closely now
Are you watching me now?
I'm the master magician
Who'll help you escape
From the lies you've been told

When they're breaking your back
Bring the last straw to me
I turn straw into gold
I break chains made of boredom that others have lived
With for years
I leave good news on doorsteps
And laughs where there used to be tears

I'm gonna need you later
When you're not around
But I can take it
I won't look down

Watch closely now
Are you watching me now?
Watch me now
Are you watching me now?
Are you watching me now?

Link To Paul's Recordings Of This Song


X


Y

YOU AND ME AGAINST THE WORLD

YOU GIVE A LITTLE LOVE

YOU KNOW ME

YOU'RE GONE


YOU AND ME AGAINST THE WORLD

(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams/Ken Ascher)

You and me against the world
Sometimes it feels like you and me against the world
When all the others turn their back and walk away
You can count on me to stay

Remember when the circus came to town
And you were frightened by the clown
Wasn't it nice to be around
Someone that you knew
Someone who was big and strong
An lookin' out for

You and me against the world
Sometimes it feels like you and me against the world
And for all the times we've cried
I always felt the odds were on our side
And when one of us is gone
And one is left alone to carry on
Then remembering will have to do
Our memories alone will get us through
Think about the days of me and you
Of you and me against the world

Life can be circus
They underpay and overwork us
Though we seldom get our due
And when each day is through
I bring my tired body home
And look around for you

You and me against the world
It feels like you and me against the world
And for all the times we've cried
I've always felt that God was on our side
And when one of us is gone
And one is left alone to carry on
Then remembering will have to do
Memories alone will get us through
Think about the days of me and you
You and me against the world

Link To Paul's Recordings Of This Song

Link To Who Else Has Sung This Song


YOU GIVE A LITTLE LOVE

(FROM THE PARAMOUNT MOTION PICTURE "BUGSY MALONE")
(FROM THE NATIONAL YOUTH MUSIC THEATRE STAGE SHOW "BUGSY MALONE")

(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams)

We could've been anything
That we wanted to be
And it's not too late to change
I'd be delighted to give it some thought
May-be you'll agree that we really ought
Two, three, four)

We could've been anything
That we wanted to be)

Yes, that decision was ours
It's been decided we're weaker divided)

Let friendship double up our powers)

We could've been anything
That we wanted to be
And I'm not saying that we should
But if we try it, we'd learn to abide it
We could be the best at bein' good guys)

Flowers of the earth
Who can even guess how much
A real friend is worth?
Good guys, shake an open hand)

May-be trusting
If we try to understand
No doubt about it
It must be worthwhile
Good friends do tend to make you smile)

We could've been anything
That we wanted to be
Yes, that decision is ours
It's been decided we're weaker divided
Let friendship double our powers)

You give a little love
And it all comes back to you
(Da da da ra da da da)
You know you gonna be remembered
For the things you say and do
(Da da da ra da da da)

You give a little love
Andit all comes back to you
(Da da da ra da da da)
You know you gonna be remembered
For the things you say and do
(Da da da ra da da da)
(Repeat and fade)

Link To Recordings Of This Song


YOU KNOW ME

(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams/Ken Ascher )

Sentimental fellow
Sometimes overmellow
Writing verses no one plans to do
I know I'm no Cole Porter
I'm noticeably shorter
Do I deserve to have someone like you
No one knows me better
Right down to the letter
You've got a picture of my soul
You know all about me
You're the first and the last to doubt
You know me girl
You know me girl

yc Sometimes God forsaken
Liberties I've taken
I confess and you forgive
You're the reason that I live
I guess you know me girl

Sunshine
Warmin' my soul
Livin' your own sweet way
Lovin' the nights away
Hold on sunshine
Never let go
No, that would throw me girl
I need the tenderness you show me girl
I guess you know me girl

Through me share of losin'
Years of back door usin'
When our luck was runnin' low
If you cried it didn't show
You never let it show
I guess you know me girl

Link To Paul's Recordings Of This Song

Link To Who Else Has Sung This Song


YOU'RE GONE

(Lyrics & Music Paul Williams/Jon Vezner)

I said hello I think I'm broken
and though I was only jokin'
it took me by surprise when you agreed
I was trying to be clever
for the life of me I never would have guessed how far
the simple truth would lead
you knew all my lines, you knew all my tricks
you knew how to heal that pain no medicine can fix

and I bless the day I met you
and I thank God that he let you lay beside me
for a moment that lives on
and the good news is,
I'm better for the time we spent together
and the bad news is
you're gone

Looking back it's still surprising
I was sinking, you were risin'
and with a look, you caught me in the mid-air
now I know God has his reasons
but sometimes it's hard to see them
when I awake and find that you're not there
you found hope in hopeless
you made crazy sane
you became the missing link
that helped me break my chains

and I bless the day I met you
and I thank God that he let you lay beside me
for a moment that lives on
and the good news is,
I'm better for the time we spent together
the bad news is
you're gone

Link To A Recording Of This Song On A Paul Williams Album

Link To Who Else Has Sung This Song


Z


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