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.
Can't Stop Christmas
Robbie Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But what a time to be alive
Sadly some friends disappeared
It's never been like this before (ooh, ooh)
It feels like we're at war (ooh, ooh)
So I wonder who's gonna decide
If we can do the Auld Lang Syne
With this family of mine (ooh, ooh)
We're going out of our minds (ooh, ooh)
So what are we to do
About your FaceTime's and your Zooms?
There's a room inside my mind
And it's always here for you
Nothing's gonna stop Christmas
No chance
You can't take away our season
Like you can't take away the wine
(Santa's on his sleigh, but now he's two meters away)
The people gonna need something to believe in
After a year of being in
(We've got our wish list, you can't stop Christmas time)
If you're wondering what I like
Stacks of sanitizer will do fine
I guess you do your shopping online
The high street lights are out (ooh, ooh)
There's nobody about (ooh, ooh)
So where will we all be
Come this time next year?
I know you'll be with me
And I'll be here
Nothing's gonna take Christmas
You can't take away our season
Like you can't take away the wine
(Santa's on his sleigh but now he's two meters away)
The people gonna need something to believe in
After a year of being in
(We've got our wish list, you can't stop Christmas)
Why, oh why are we all waiting?
The whole damn world anticipating
Beyond boredom and frustration
The planet's locked in what if and maybes
You can't take away our season
Like you can't take away the wine
(Let's lie to Santa Claus tell him it Nineteen Eighty-Four)
The people gonna need something to believe in
After a year of being in
We've all missed this
So here's our wish list
You can't stop Christmas time
In these lyrics, Robbie Williams reflects on the challenges and hardships faced throughout the year. He acknowledges that it has been a miserable year, but also recognizes the significance of being alive during these times. He mentions that some friends have disappeared, alluding to the impact of the pandemic on personal relationships. The feeling of being at war suggests the collective struggle and uncertainty that people have experienced.
The lyrics then shift to the uncertainties surrounding the holiday season. Williams wonders who will make the decision regarding traditional celebrations, such as the singing of Auld Lang Syne, as the pandemic restricts gatherings and social interactions. He expresses his desire to have the freedom to do what he pleases, particularly spending time with his family. It's evident that the limitations and restrictions put in place due to the pandemic are causing frustration and a sense of being confined.
As the song continues, Williams addresses the increased reliance on technology, such as FaceTime and Zoom, to stay connected with loved ones. He emphasizes that despite the physical distance and the absence of the holiday spirit observed on the streets, there is a room in his mind that is always open for the people he cares about. It speaks to the resilience and adaptability in finding alternative ways to maintain relationships during challenging times.
The chorus declares that nothing can stop Christmas, using a festive and defiant tone. Williams dismisses the idea that the joy of the season can be taken away, comparing it to how one cannot take away wine. He acknowledges the need for something to believe in after a year that has been filled with struggles and isolation. He switches between references to Santa Claus, wish lists, and nostalgia for holiday traditions to evoke a sense of hope and anticipation for a brighter future.
Overall, "Can't Stop Christmas" is an uplifting and optimistic song that emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of finding joy and connection amidst challenging times. It reinforces the idea that no matter the circumstances, the spirit of Christmas will endure.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh what a miserable year
This year has been filled with hardships and difficulties.
But what a time to be alive
Despite the hardships, it is still a privilege to be alive in this moment.
Sadly some friends disappeared
Unfortunately, some friends have been lost or separated from us.
It's never been like this before (ooh, ooh)
We have never experienced a situation like this in the past.
It feels like we're at war (ooh, ooh)
The current circumstances make it feel like we are in a state of war or conflict.
So I wonder who's gonna decide
I ponder who will have the authority to make decisions.
If we can do the Auld Lang Syne
If we will be able to celebrate and sing the traditional New Year's song - Auld Lang Syne.
I wish that I could do what I like
I desire the freedom to do as I please.
With this family of mine (ooh, ooh)
Alongside my loved ones, my family.
We're going out of our minds (ooh, ooh)
We are becoming extremely frustrated and losing our sanity.
So what are we to do
What actions should we take or decisions should we make?
About your FaceTime's and your Zooms?
Regarding the reliance on FaceTime and Zoom for communication.
There's a room inside my mind
Within my thoughts, there is a space.
And it's always here for you
It will forever be available for you to access.
Nothing's gonna stop Christmas
No matter the circumstances, Christmas will continue to happen.
No chance
There is absolutely no possibility.
You can't take away our season
It is impossible to remove or eliminate our season of celebration.
Like you can't take away the wine
Similar to how it is impossible to take away the joy and essence of wine.
(Santa's on his sleigh, but now he's two meters away)
Even though Santa Claus is maintaining a safe distance of two meters due to the pandemic.
The people gonna need something to believe in
The people will require something to have faith in.
After a year of being in
Following a whole year of enduring and being inside.
(We've got our wish list, you can't stop Christmas time)
We have our list of desires, and you are incapable of preventing Christmas time.
If you're wondering what I like
In case you are curious about my preferences.
Stacks of sanitizer will do fine
Having plenty of sanitizer will be sufficient for me.
I guess you do your shopping online
I suppose you do your shopping through online platforms.
The high street lights are out (ooh, ooh)
The lights on the main street are turned off.
There's nobody about (ooh, ooh)
There is a complete absence of people around.
So where will we all be
So, in what location will we all find ourselves?
Come this time next year?
When the same time arrives in the following year.
I know you'll be with me
I am certain that you will be by my side.
And I'll be here
And I will be present and available.
Why, oh why are we all waiting?
Why, oh why are we all in a state of anticipation?
The whole damn world anticipating
The entire world is eagerly waiting.
Beyond boredom and frustration
Going beyond feelings of boredom and frustration.
The planet's locked in what if and maybes
The world is trapped in a state of uncertainty and hypotheticals.
Let's lie to Santa Claus tell him it Nineteen Eighty-Four
We should deceive Santa Claus and inform him it is the year Nineteen Eighty-Four
We've all missed this
We have all yearned for and longed for this moment.
So here's our wish list
Therefore, here is our list of desires and hopes.
You can't stop Christmas time
You are incapable of preventing or halting Christmas time.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Benjamin Roy Castle, Chris Heath, Karl Brazil, Owen Parker, Robert Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Risky
This song is so special, the music, the lyrics and the voice of this song really makes you feel something different, which you can’t explain.. but you felt it.
Ольга Каменская
БЛАГОДАРЮ! ЗАВОДНАЯ песня! Робби Вы СУПЕР!!! Всего наилучшего ВАм!!!
Birds Aloud
First time I heard this was on the radio yesterday. I thought it was brilliant and new! Why isn’t this played more often? Love it.
Holidaytrips Holidaytrips
Pay close attention to certain lyrics within the song and you’ll get your answer.
Charlotte Brayfield
Why was this not more popular last year? It’s a bop 🥰
Brandon
I agree, it's a great song and perfectly captures how we're all feeling.
Sv Hu
A song that really hits the right nerve, that really gives you a little joy in this difficult time.
forestfruits1
This came on the radio the other day when I was feeling particularly beaten by this year and it absolutely raised a smile and my spirit. Listened to it a few times since then and Robbie lad, you've hit the nail with this one. I love how, despite so many artists trying to skirt around the Covid topic at Christmas, you've gone right for it and it totally works. We can't avoid the issue, but we can try and have as good a Christmas as possible this year. Thank you for this gift of a song!
Me Humphries
I’m sorry to read you wer down .. so have a wonderful Christmas and smile and love and happiness to you xx
77AL1 10
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