About the song
“I Won’t Last a Day Without You” is a classic song by The Carpenters that showcases the exceptional songwriting talents of Paul Williams and Roger Nichols. Known for their harmonious melodies and heartfelt lyrics, The Carpenters brought this song to life with their signature style, making it an enduring favorite among fans.
The song first saw the light of day in the U.K. in September 1972, where it was paired with “Goodbye to Love” as a double-A side single. This release was met with considerable success, reaching No. 9 on the charts and maintaining a presence there for 14 weeks. Its popularity in the U.K. set the stage for its subsequent release in the U.S., where it continued to captivate audiences. In 1974, “I Won’t Last a Day Without You” was released as a single in the U.S. and quickly climbed the charts. It reached No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and secured the top spot on the easy listening chart. This achievement marked The Carpenters’ ninth No. 1 on the easy listening chart, further solidifying their legacy as a leading act in the genre.
The journey of this song to the top of the charts is a testament to the collaborative magic between The Carpenters and the songwriting duo of Williams and Nichols. Richard Carpenter discovered the song in 1972, recognizing its potential and deciding to include it on their album “A Song for You.” Williams and Nichols had already made significant contributions to The Carpenters’ repertoire with hits like “We’ve Only Just Begun” and “Rainy Days and Mondays,” and “I Won’t Last a Day Without You” continued this successful partnership. Despite being featured on the 1972 album, the song was not released as a single until two years later, highlighting the strategic decisions that often accompany musical releases.
The song’s lyrics speak to the profound sense of dependency and love one feels for a partner, a theme that resonates deeply with listeners. Karen Carpenter’s emotive vocal delivery, combined with the lush musical arrangement, creates a poignant and relatable experience for anyone who has ever felt the power of true love.
“I Won’t Last a Day Without You” remains a beloved piece of The Carpenters’ discography, exemplifying their ability to turn simple, heartfelt lyrics into timeless hits. Its success across different markets and its enduring appeal are a testament to the universal themes of love and longing that it so beautifully conveys.
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Lyrics
Day after day I must face a world of strangers
Where I don’t belong, I’m not that strong
It’s nice to know that there’s someone I can turn to
Who will always care, you’re always there
When there’s no getting over that rainbow
When my smallest of dreams won’t come true
I can take all the madness the world has to give
But I won’t last a day without you
So many times when the city seems to be
Without a friendly face, a lonely place
It’s nice to know that you’ll be there if I need you
And you’ll always smile, it’s all worthwhile
When there’s no getting over that rainbow
When my smallest of dreams won’t come true
I can take all the madness the world has to give
But I won’t last a day without you
Touch me and I end up singing
Troubles seem to up and disappear
You touch me with the love you’re bringing
I can’t really lose when you’re near
When you’re near, my love
If all my friends have forgotten half their promises
They’re not unkind, just hard to find
One look at you and I know that I could learn to live
Without the rest, I’ve found the best
When there’s no getting over that rainbow
When my smallest of dreams won’t come true
I can take all the madness the world has to give
But I won’t last a day without you
When there’s no getting over that rainbow
When my smallest of dreams won’t come true
I can take all the madness the world has to give
But I won’t last a day without you
Won’t last a day without you, without you