The meaning of Without You by Harry Nilsson

Without You is a hauntingly beautiful song by Harry Nilsson, released in 1971 on his album Nilsson Schmilsson. The song's lyrics are a poignant reflection on the pain of losing a loved one, and the longing to be reunited with them.

The song begins with Nilsson's soaring vocals, accompanied by a simple yet effective piano melody, setting the tone for a deeply emotional and introspective ballad. As he sings about the memories of their time together, the lyrics reveal a deep sense of yearning and regret, as if the speaker is desperate to turn back the clock and relive those moments.

Throughout the song, Nilsson's voice is characterized by its signature warmth and vulnerability, drawing the listener in with his heartfelt delivery. The chorus, where he repeats the phrase "Without you, what am I gonna do?", becomes a powerful expression of despair and desperation, as if the speaker is pleading for some kind of intervention to bring their loved one back.

The song's arrangement is similarly understated yet effective, relying on Nilsson's piano playing and a subtle string section to create a sense of intimacy and nostalgia. The overall effect is a deeply moving and introspective song that has become a beloved classic in Nilsson's discography.