Allen, Lily - He Wasn't There Lyrics






He wasn't there when I needed him
No, he was never around
His reputation was preceding him
And he was out on the town
It didn't matter if he let me down
I didn't care about the lies
Now all I knew was that he loved me very much
He was my hero in disguise

I'm so pleased I never gave up on him
Oh well you wouldn't believe some of the things that he did
And everyone said you have to give him some time
And I'm glad that I gave it to him cause now everything's fine

Now you see I never thought you'd be a constant person in my life
And I don't think that you would be if you'd have stayed with your ex-wife
I know you wouldn't but there is no need
No need to apologise
Because I know you'll always love me very much
You are my hero in disguise

I'm so pleased I never gave up on him
Oh well you wouldn't believe some of the things that he did
And everyone said you have to give him some time
And I'm glad that I gave it to him cause now everything's fine

You might have thought you didn't teach me much
But you taught me right from wrong
And it was when you didn't keep in touch
Well it taught me to be strong
And just in case you ever thought I would
I wouldn't change you for the world
Because I know you'll always love me very much
I'll always be your little girl

I'm so pleased I never gave up on him
Oh well you wouldn't believe some of the things that he did
And everyone said you have to give him some time
And I'm glad that I gave it to him cause now everything's fine





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Allen, Lily He Wasn't There Comments
  1. w.... ....

    Lily Allen - He Wasn't There - Lyrics

    [Verse 1]
    He wasn't there when I needed him
    No, he was never around
    His reputation was preceding him
    And he was out on the town
    It didn't matter if he let me down
    I didn't care about the lies
    Now all I knew was that he loved me very much
    He was my hero in disguise

    [Chorus]
    I'm so pleased I never gave up on him
    Oh well, you wouldn't believe some of the things that he did
    And everyone said you have to give him some time
    And I'm glad that I gave it to him 'cause now everything's fine

    [Verse 2]
    Now you see I never thought you'd be a constant person in my life
    And I don't think that you would be if you'd have stayed with your ex-wife
    I know you wouldn't, but there is no need
    No need to apologize
    Because I know you'll always love me very much
    You are my hero in disguise

    [Chorus]
    I'm so pleased I never gave up on him
    Oh well, you wouldn't believe some of the things that he did
    And everyone said you have to give him some time
    And I'm glad that I gave it to him 'cause now everything's fine

    [Verse 3]
    You might have thought you didn't teach me much
    But you taught me right from wrong
    And it was when you didn't keep in touch
    Well, it taught me to be strong
    And just in case you ever thought I would
    I wouldn't change you for the world
    Because I know you'll always love me very much
    I'll always be your little girl

    [Chorus]
    I'm so pleased I never gave up on him
    Oh well, you wouldn't believe some of the things that he did
    And everyone said you have to give him some time
    And I'm glad that I gave it to him 'cause now everything's fine

  2. M.... C....

    Free People background music

  3. A.... S....

    this song is obviously sarcasm, the song title is literally pointing out what he did wrong.

  4. b.... k....

    He wasn't there when I needed him
    No, he was never around
    His reputation was preceding him
    And he was out on the town

    It didn't matter if he let me down
    I didn't care about the lies
    But all I knew was that he loved me very much
    He was my hero in disguise

    I'm so pleased I never gave up on him
    Oh, well you wouldn't believe some of the things that he did
    And everyone said you have to give him some time
    And I'm glad that I gave it to him 'cause now everything's fine

    Now you see I never thought you'd be
    A constant person in my life
    And I don't think that you would be
    If you'd have stayed with your ex wife

    I know you wouldn't but there is no need
    No need to apologize
    Because I know you'll always love me very much
    You are my hero in disguise

    I'm so pleased I never gave up on him
    Oh, well you wouldn't believe some of the things that he did
    And everyone said you have to give him some time
    And I'm glad that I gave it to him 'cause now everything's fine

    You might have thought you didn't teach me much
    But you taught me right from wrong
    And it was when you didn't keep in touch
    Well, it taught me to be strong

    And just in case you ever thought I would
    I wouldn't change you for the world
    Because I know you'll always love me very much
    I'll always be your little girl

    I'm so pleased I never gave up on him
    Oh, well you wouldn't believe some of the things that he did
    And everyone said you have to give him some time
    And I'm glad that I gave it to him 'cause now everything's fine

  5. L.... D....

    Amazing song,really ..I've had the album for almost 8 years and I've been listening to this song repeatedly!

  6. M.... T....

    Is anyone else thinking she probably deserves better than that jerk? Don't stay with someone like that. This gives women a false sense of optimism. If he's a bad person don't stay with him.

  7. J.... M....

    Yes! I love Lily Allen so much. Nowadays music is wack with "mumble rap" and weird songs. 2000-2011 in my opinion had the best songs, plus you can actually hear the words

  8. S.... M....

    Missing everything...

  9. S.... M....

    The best))

  10. J.... P....

    Lots of love from Venezuela 🇻🇪❤️

  11. C.... J....

    Lol pop piano... optigan

  12. M.... C....

    This song sounds so good. I love it from it's not me. Its you album.

  13. V.... E....

    meu deus que música gostosa de ouvir!!!!

  14. J.... D....

    Im so obessed i listened to it al day and i will for a couple of weeks now.

    J.... D....

    Still listening

    J.... D....

    still listening

  15. l.... ....

    this is so underrated :((

  16. O.... E....

    There is an awkward static sound in the background. Is the original like this, or is it just this video?

    O.... E....

    Gotta love the Optigan.

    O.... E....

    you are too young to understand and appreciate this sound LoL

    O.... E....

    @TheMrBiermann haha ;D How come, where was this sound present in the old days? =)

    O.... E....

    @Oletram Ekaf this is the mechanical sound of an LP playing. still the best experience to listen to music, so much that she puts it digital on her tracks just to mimic this good feeling that only true appreciation to music can generate.

    O.... E....

    @TheMrBiermann Oh, alright! Thanks for clarifying that for me! =)
    My mom has quite a few LPs (Simon and Garfunkel, Elvis, Abba, etc, etc, etc, etc......), but we don't have a player. So I've only just enjoyed them on their modern versions, I guess... ;P
    Have a nice day! =)

  17. B.... B....

    i love this song and it come out on my b-day......i just realized that and it made me so happy. i turned 9 that year...yes i am a 2000 baby

    B.... B....

    Briana Bennett it came out on my bday to 😂twins

  18. A.... I....

    I'm obsessed with this song!!!

    A.... I....

    Abby Inman same

  19. A.... I....

    Love the 20s vibe

  20. C.... F....

    Lily Allen=perfection

  21. M.... B....

    Hard to know if she's being sarcastic.... like always

    M.... B....

    @jessicasadlibs She's clearly being sarcastic about forgiving him. Or if she did forgive him it was in the "I've completely given up on you and I'm choosing not to spend my mental energy hating you anymore" way.

    M.... B....

    +Stephanie Aldrich There are articles on the internet where she talks about how she already forgave him completely. As I said, you can google them. Idk where you're getting your interpretation, but I'm getting mine fron Lily herself, lmao.

    M.... B....

    @jessicasadlibs The song is so obviously sarcastic. Either she forgave him after it was written, or she forgave him in the "I'm not spending my energy on this anymore" way. The gist of the song is "Boy, you sure have been an asshole for my entire life, but woooow isn't it great how you magically became a decent person when I waited long enough for you to change like everyone told me to?" It's clearly sarcastic--it's a song about how he will never actually change and expecting him to is wishful thinking.

    Show me an article where Allen says "I meant every single word of that song completely sincerely and unironically."

    M.... B....

    I think the same, the song expreses that she trully forgive him and how many pain she had have in her heart, and now it´s over.

  22. C.... ....

    I can relate so bad to this one. :/

  23. A.... D....

    This one's for you pops. I hope you're happy out there being a 17yr old in an almost 50yr olds body. I realize now you're a big reason I'm so scared to have children, if I do though, I will not be you.

    A.... D....

    You missed the point of this song by quite a large margin, it leads me to believe you never really listened to it at all.

    A.... D....

    Carrie Cox I've come to a conclusion that this song is actually satire, which meanss Angelina's comment was perfectly fine. But then without knowing the context, it could well be interpreted as a sweet song about making up with a father that's been absent. The sarcasm is very subtle so you are not to blame for missing it.

    A.... D....

    @Carrie Cox I listened to it but I still cant figure it out. I will admit I'm not the sharpest balloon in the bunch, so I would really appreciate it if you would explain it to me.

  24. A.... B....

    The backing loop is from the Optigan - it's specifically called "Pop piano plus guitar". Same loop was used in Dawn Landes "Picture Show" - although at a different tempo. In fact, anyone can get an Optigan and use the loop in their own track!

  25. A.... G....

    O gosh its amazing idk even is this retro or vintage or modern pop

  26. s.... v....

    Same here

  27. s.... ....

    Get me straight in the heart every time.

  28. k.... l....

    This song makes me think of my daddy

  29. K.... ....

    I love the line as well, but I think she says, "you are my hero in disguise", not "in the skies".

  30. T.... ....

    Thats nice.. That remembers me Roxette (with Per Gessle doing something similar, in so brilliant way)

  31. W.... ....

    Good! It's a huge mistake to keep poisonous people in your life. As soon as you remove people who hurt you, no matter who they are, you can start to heal. It's a hard lesson to learn but absolutely vital... if you don't get rid of them they will drag you right down into hell.

  32. P.... R....

    I love the vintage sound this song has. It's addictive.

  33. J.... C....

    I love lily allen! I hope she starts writing music again! Oh and congrads on the new kid.

  34. G.... B....

    Do some you guys know what sarcasm means?! Damn it!

  35. V.... ....

    This song isn't sarcastic. o: The song is about her Dad and how she's glad that she didn't give up on their relationship because he wasn't there a lot when she was growing up.

    V.... ....

    Vroomie360 so right

  36. C.... ....

    I love her dry sarcasm<3

  37. E.... B....

    Sarcasm. Screaming, screeching, nails against the chalkboard sarcasm.

  38. R.... R....

    I love how she pronounces "girl" 2:19

    R.... R....

    Omg me 2 how she sais little girl

  39. M.... O....

    This song reminded me of my dad. He is my hero in disguise. <3

  40. A.... M....

    i love the way she sings this kind of things!!! talking like a bitch while she sounds kind but saying just truth!!!

  41. a.... ....

    I didn't know this song was about her father, and I totally thought it was about a guy she loved. If taken in that context, this song completely describes my life right now.

  42. s.... ....

    @augustmoon14 yupp this song is about her dad when he left her at four

  43. H.... M....

    @xXpickjasmineXx i know its about its about her dad, and its also about love too

  44. H.... M....

    this song is all about unconditional love.. =]

  45. B.... T....

    Love Lily Soooo Muchh <3

  46. E.... L....

    @chookieJS I think so!

  47. E.... L....

    Is this song about her father?

  48. a.... ....

    i wanna make love to her voice

  49. L.... C....

    Is it sad that I can completely relate to this? Except I'm still giving him time, but everything isn't fine... :/

  50. L.... T....

    i would be there for Lily Allen, always :)

  51. X.... ....

    Listening to this on fathers day XD <3

  52. T.... ....

    @sparks0531 She's usually being a little sarcastic!

  53. J.... ....

    @blueeyeassasin YEs... Chinese is about her mother. :)
    She is so awesome. :D

  54. P.... M....

    I love her music, but i hate that shes a liberal bitch!

  55. 2.... ....

    47 people missed the "like" button :D

  56. F.... S....

    My dad's had all the time in the world to call me... He still hasn't and idk why I think he still will. It's that stupid "don't give up hope" shit.... It's just not fine for me, yet I wish it was.

  57. m.... ....

    In fact it's quite sad, but it still makes me laugh that so many people misinterpret this song. it's pure sarcasm. the father isn't loved by her despite being an asshole, she ridicules his view of her by using expressions such as "little girl" etc to show how girls are still expected to behave nicely towards their fathers no matter what they did to them and to be polite, forgiving and caring. how strange this couragous woman is so often mistaken for "a nice little girl" ;)

  58. M.... B....

    hahahaha katy's perry ad is in the lily allen's video D:

  59. O.... ....

    Lily is absolutely gorgeous. 'Nuff said. : )

  60. j.... c....

    @hello10577 haha

  61. W.... ....

    @PhantomoftheForum That is disgusting. If a song about a father reminds you of your boyfriend you have issues.

  62. P.... ....

    @Riverstarry I agree :(

  63. L.... C....

    @EmilyMcHale13 Nope. Her daddy I think. It would make much more sense.

  64. I.... ....

    Lily's amazing cover of 'Naive' and Womaizer' in HD on my channel!

  65. c.... ....

    I've officially gone gay for her, this song is just.... I love you Lily!

  66. K.... E....

    @xCrookedSpiralx I completely agree. I would go lesbian for her. Straight up. ;)

  67. Q.... M....

    this song reminds me of jill barber.

  68. E.... H....

    @blueeyeassasin Yep, also, Chinese was about her mom and Back to the Start was about her sister.

  69. d.... ....

    Class !

  70. a.... ....

    @84cruzazul I totally agree with you!

  71. p.... ....

    On The Top - V. Ramires ft. Pro Dot

  72. B.... ....

    @Gyphia Not sure I agree about her songs "standing up to the greats of the past", but she's about the only artiste around the UK these days who has a clue about crafting a song with an infectious melody and any semblance of a lyric. As someone who gerw up with 60s pop music, I can only say: "GO LILY, GO ...!!!"

  73. P.... ....

    I LOVE LILY ALLEN :D

  74. R.... ....

    I like the super-retro instrumentation in the beginning- like an Ink Spots record. Then it drops into the modern stuff.

  75. a.... b....

    my favorite song from her!!! i love the 40's style. and i can relate to this:( although i gave up on him and it is his lost!! go lily allen!!

  76. S.... ....

    I like her style of music so much.

  77. c.... c....

    Im thankfull for this song, because i wasnt willing to ever talk to my dad again and after hearing this i gave it a try, and im happy i did :) thanks lily haha :))

  78. i.... d....

    nah its not gona be 5years

    i.... d....

    isaiah d 8 years later.... Yes it is

  79. J.... P....

    This song has my dad written all over it (L)

  80. b.... ....

    i believe she was talking about her father. a few of her songs relate to her brother and father... they all have a meaning behind them.

  81. I.... ....

    @GGdahut

    If I'd met her I'd call her "Lily", but since I haven't, to me she's "Ms. Allen" - a mode I normally wouldn't be so careful about using around someone her age but in her very talented case I'll make a point of it.

  82. x.... ....

    Lilly.. Whens it my turn? Shes so fucking beautiful man.

  83. N.... M....

    Lily Allen is the BEST. her music has so much meaning!! and her lyrics r stuff that us girls and even guys can relate to!!!<3 Lily, u rock!!

  84. Y.... M....

    I Love How She Talks About Her Father (If She Was Talking about Her Father) I Love this Song With A Passion

  85. m.... p....

    damm watatalent

  86. P.... ....

    Sorry Lily, but I wish you never find match.

    Your last album's music are so great...

  87. N.... D....

    she's amazinq
    hahahaha xD

  88. g.... ....

    how do you know i'm not her friend?
    and why the hell should i call her ms.allen. i can call her what i want.

  89. g.... ....

    God you are actually a fucktard. ooo can't i say Lily?

    LILY LILY LILY LILY LILY

  90. s.... ....

    shes singing about her dad

  91. S.... R....

    My 2nd Favorite Lily Allen Song Next To Fuck You =)
    LILY ALLEN IS JUST AMAZING.

  92. j.... ....

    here in america it's okay to say 'miss lilly" without a big todoo...

  93. a.... r....

    You could call her Lily-san
    *Its just 'Ms.' in japanese but it sounds cuter.

  94. g.... k....

    yh bu it sounds quite old fashioned, jolly good jolly good

  95. g.... k....

    ms allen?? cant u call her lily?

  96. K.... C....

    i like her style of music

  97. I.... ....

    This is exquisite - it suits Ms. Allen perfectly and allows her to show off her strengths, particularly her phrasing.

    I wish she'd focus on performing in small clubs. I can see her in a killer cocktail dress á la Audrey Hepburn in about 1962, singing mostlysongs like this one.