Williams has received a record 18 Brit Awards, winning Best British Male Artist four times, Outstanding Contribution to Music twice, an Icon Award for his lasting impact on British culture, eight German ECHO Awards, and three MTV European Music Awards. In 2004, he was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame after being voted the Greatest Artist of the 1990s. According to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), he has been certified for 20.2 million albums and 8.66 million singles in the UK as a solo artist. Five of his albums have also topped the Australian albums chart, and has sold 75 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He also topped the 2000–2010 UK airplay chart. His three concerts at Knebworth in 2003 drew over 375,000 people, the UK's biggest music event to that point. In 2014, he was awarded the freedom of his hometown of Stoke-on-Trent and had a tourist trail created and streets named in his honour. Williams' thirteenth album, XXV was released on 9 September 2022.
After 15 years, Williams rejoined Take That in 2010 to co-write and perform lead vocals on their album Progress, which became the second-fastest-selling album in UK chart history and the fastest-selling record of the century at the time. The subsequent stadium tour, which featured seven songs from Williams' solo career, became the biggest-selling concert in UK history when it sold 1.34 million tickets in less than 24 hours. In 2011, Take That frontman Gary Barlow confirmed that Williams had left the band for a second time to focus on his solo career, although he stated that the departure was amicable and that Williams was welcome to rejoin Take That in the future. Williams has since performed with Take That on three separate television appearances, and collaborated with Barlow on a number of projects such as the West End musical The Band.
Bruce Lee
Robbie Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Teardrop in the rain now
Whole life a hurricane of pain and doubt
No redemption if you call my name
I'm gonna rock you till you sing it again and again
Come on
I'm getting better
Bruce Lee told me to be like water flowing
Don't you go throwing shade at me
Don't you go throwing shade
Oh, when you do that thing
Baby cuts a beautiful line
When you're a bright young thing
Ain't it just a beautiful life
I'm like a jet plane, crusing at velocity
A cut vain dripping my biology
Got no dimentions ain't got no novacaine
I'm gonna sing it till I bleed it again and again
Come on
I'm getting better
I'm so much better
Bruce Lee told me to be like water flowing off
Don't you go throwing shade at me
Don't you go throwing shade
Oh, when you do that thing
Baby cuts a beautiful line
When you're a bright young thing
Ain't it just a beautiful life
I've got to leave this house and go and find the others
There's got to be some freaks like me
A bit mental but we make damn good lovers
I'm getting better
I'm so much better
Bruce Lee told me to be like water flowing off
Don't you go throwing shade at me
Don't you go throwing shade
Oh, when you do that thing
Baby cuts a beautiful line
When you're a bright young thing
Ain't it just a beautiful life
A beautiful life
I love her mind
She's out of her mind
But I don't mind
I don't mind
But I don't mind
In "Bruce Lee" by Robbie Williams, the lyrics depict the singer's journey from a troubled and sickly childhood to finding solace and strength in the guidance of martial arts legend Bruce Lee. The opening lines reveal the struggles and pain the singer has endured, while also expressing a desire for redemption. The reference to being a "teardrop in the rain" suggests a feeling of insignificance and vulnerability.
However, the chorus suggests a change in perspective and mindset. The singer proclaims that he is getting better and attributes this growth to the wisdom imparted by Bruce Lee. The line "be like water flowing" is a reference to Bruce Lee's famous quote about adapting to different situations and being flexible in the face of adversity.
The second verse continues this theme of personal development and resilience. The singer compares himself to a jet plane, symbolizing his newfound confidence and velocity. He acknowledges the pain he has experienced but refuses to be numbed by it, instead choosing to express himself through singing. This signifies his determination to keep going regardless of the challenges he faces.
The bridge of the song reveals a longing for connection and belonging. The singer expresses a desire to leave his current environment and find others who are like him, possibly referring to individuals who may be considered unconventional or misunderstood. Despite their quirks, the singer believes that these "freaks" make great partners in love and life.
The song concludes with a repetition of the chorus, depicting the singer's continued journey towards self-improvement and embracing the beauty of life, even with its imperfections. The closing lines express a fondness for someone who may be unconventional, suggesting that the singer appreciates unique qualities in others.
Overall, "Bruce Lee" is a song about personal growth, resilience, and finding inspiration in unconventional sources to overcome challenges and embrace life's beauty.
Line by Line Meaning
I was a sick child
I was constantly plagued by illness and pain
Teardrop in the rain now
My tears were like drops lost in the chaos of life
Whole life a hurricane of pain and doubt
My entire existence was filled with turmoil and uncertainty
No redemption if you call my name
There is no salvation or relief when my name is called
I'm gonna rock you till you sing it again and again
I will keep pushing you until you find your voice and sing with strength and resilience
Come on
Let's go, don't hesitate
I'm getting better
I am improving, growing stronger
I'm so much better
I have made significant progress
Bruce Lee told me to be like water flowing
Bruce Lee taught me to be adaptable and flexible, like the fluidity of water
Don't you go throwing shade at me
Don't try to diminish or criticize me
Oh, when you do that thing
When you behave in that manner
Baby cuts a beautiful line
You create an elegant and impressive path
When you're a bright young thing
When you are a vibrant and youthful individual
Ain't it just a beautiful life
Isn't life simply wonderful and amazing
I'm like a jet plane, cruising at velocity
I am like a fast-flying plane, moving swiftly and smoothly
A cut vein dripping my biology
My emotions and essence are poured out like blood from a severed vein
Got no dimensions, ain't got no novacaine
I have no defined boundaries or numbness to shield me
I'm gonna sing it till I bleed it again and again
I will keep expressing myself until it becomes almost painful
I've got to leave this house and go and find the others
I must break free from my confinement and seek out those who are like me
There's got to be some freaks like me
Surely, there are others who are unconventional and unique like me
A bit mental but we make damn good lovers
We may be a bit eccentric, but we have intense and fulfilling romantic relationships
I love her mind
I am deeply attracted to her intellect and thoughts
She's out of her mind
She is unconventional or crazy in her behavior
But I don't mind
But I am accepting and unfazed by it
But I don't mind
But I am accepting and unfazed by it
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stuart David Price, Robbie Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Anthony Vickers
Pt Lyrics
I was a sick child
Teardrop in the rain now
Whole life a hurricane of pain and doubt
No redemption if you call my name
I'm gonna rock you till you sing it again and again
Come on
I'm getting better
I'm so much better
Bruce Lee told me to be like water flowing >>>> :)
Denis
Sounds like Robbie's best material in years! Finally a good album!
I have Patrick!
@Steve Irving you mean since Intensive Care, right?
Don't forget that iconic masterpiece
Steve Irving
Best thing since Escapology, 16 yrs. I was at knebworth
Denis
@Kyle Destroyer
His latest have actually been rather dull, IMO.
I liked the old Robbie who used to have catchy songs on every album. This album sounds like that.
Kyle destroyer
jajceboy all Robbie albums a fantastic
Sandra Bertrand
Imagine you are in your car. You are driving on the road with this song without nobody : summer, sun, sunglases, speed. Nothing can stop you
Antoliv
I did it with my friends last night
Stefano Bottosso
Sandrine Ev this is exactly what I do almost every day, perfect soundtrack 😎
Jerome Lange
EASILY His best Album Since Escapology IMO. Finally some REAL POP&Rock sound with LEGIT Guitar/Bass/Drums. NEXT SINGLE PLEASE
bleep77
I just recently bought Heavy Entertainment Show and it’s an incredible album. I’ve been jamming to it nonstop for the past 4 days. This tune is definitely a highlight. Totally sounds like Don’t Bring Me Down by ELO