* Literal meaning: This could mean that in a specific situation, only words remain. This could be after a physical or emotional loss, or perhaps after a long conversation.
* Figurative meaning: This could mean that words are the only way to express something, perhaps a deep emotion or a complex idea.
To make the meaning clearer, you could add some context:
* "Sometimes, when all else fails, words are all that's left." This makes it clear that the speaker is talking about a situation where other methods of communication have failed.
* "Sometimes, words are all that's left to hold onto." This emphasizes the emotional weight of words in a difficult situation.
Ultimately, the best way to use the sentence depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.