About the Song
“I Won’t Last A Day Without You” marked the Carpenters’ 14th entry on the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at #70 as the week’s highest new entry. Despite being released nearly two years after the album A Song For You hit shelves, this single demonstrated the enduring appeal of their earlier work.
The track is a collaboration between Paul Williams (lyrics) and Roger Nichols (melody), two songwriters known for crafting heartfelt, elegant pop hits. Their earlier contributions to the Carpenters’ repertoire include classics like “We’ve Only Just Begun” and “Rainy Days and Mondays”. Williams himself released a version of the song in 1973, but Karen Carpenter’s soulful harmonies elevated the Carpenters’ version into a timeless masterpiece.
Chart Performance
- Billboard Hot 100: Peaked at #11
- Easy Listening Chart: Reached #1
Though overshadowed slightly by the group’s other hits, such as “Top of the World” and “Please Mr. Postman”, the song still resonated with fans for its heartfelt lyrics and Karen’s iconic vocals.
Legacy
Roger Nichols, a master of soft pop and rock, co-wrote this gem alongside Tony Asher, who famously worked with the Beach Boys on Pet Sounds. Nichols’ influence, alongside his contemporaries, helped define the breezy Californian sound of the era.
“I Won’t Last A Day Without You” is often celebrated as one of Karen’s best vocal showcases, with its lush harmonies and heartfelt message about finding solace in love amidst life’s challenges.
Is this one of your favorite Carpenters tracks? Let me know if you’d like to explore more about their music!
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 youAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement
