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.
Dirty Rotten
Robbie Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I′ve decided I don't wanna die
It′s not what I wanna do
I don't know what I wanna do
But I don't wanna die
I′ve been fighting for
I do not know what it is
But I know that I have to be righteous if I
Need to get to the other side of where I′m going
Wherever that was at the beginning
It's not now the same it′s different
I've been searching for a long, long time
Come from a long, long line
Of searchers searching for whatever it is
I′ve got to keep on going
Got to keep on being stronger
Got to believe there's something for me
On the other side to touch
What happens when we die, man?
Where the Hell do we go?
Ever I thought I know I do not know
Why do I need to know?
What was I born with? Nothing
Will we all go back to nothing?
While I′m here I'm taking something
Dirty rotten, good for nothing
What was I born with? Nothing
Will we all go back to nothing
Taking shit but taking something
Dirty rotten, good for nothing
So where do I go?
What do I say when I get there?
To the people that I will meet
Do I say "hello" or do I say "hey"?
Do they respond with kindness?
Or will they have some of their own shit going on?
That I will take as being my fault
Deep deep thoughts that take uo
All my time, oh my
Deep deep thoughts make me
(Angry, angry)
Makes me wanna fight
Makes me wanna kill somebody
Not-not-not literally, but
We-we-well, kind of
What was I born with? Nothing
Will we all go back to nothing?
While I'm here I′m taking something
Dirty rotten, good for nothing
What was I born with? Nothing
Will we all go back to nothing
Taking shit but taking something
Dirty rotten, good for nothing
Eh, ooh, eh, ooh, eh
Big, big balls you need
Big, big balls you need
Big, big, big, big, big, big balls you need
Big, big balls you need
Big, big balls you need
Big, big, big, big, big, big thoughts
What was I born with? Nothing
Will we all go back to nothing?
While I′m here I'm taking something
Dirty rotten, good for nothing
What was I born with? Nothing
Will we all go back to nothing
Taking shit but taking something
Dirty rotten, good for nothing
What was I born with? Nothing
Will we all go back to nothing?
While I′m here I'm taking something
Dirty rotten, good for nothing
What was I born with? Nothing
Will we all go back to nothing
Taking shit but taking something
Dirty rotten, good for nothing
Take the world for a ride
If there′s a riot inside your mind
(Dirty rotten good for nothing)
Take the world for a ride
If there's a riot inside your mind
(Dirty rotten good for nothing)
The lyrics of Robbie Williams's song "Dirty Rotten" delve into the existential ponderings of life, purpose, and mortality. The opening lines express a desire to reject death and a search for meaning, even though the exact purpose is unknown. The lyrics convey a struggle to find a cause or something to fight for, emphasizing the need to be righteous.
The song explores the uncertainties and questions surrounding life and death. It contemplates the afterlife, wondering about what happens when we die and where we go. The lyrics portray a sense of confusion and frustration, as the singer admits to not knowing the answers and questioning the need to know at all.
The singer reflects on their own insignificance and wonders if we all eventually return to nothingness. However, amid this introspection, there is also a determination to take something from life, to make a mark however small. The phrase "dirty rotten, good for nothing" could be interpreted as society's judgment, but the singer defies that by acknowledging the importance of taking something while they are here.
The song ends with a call to challenge the mind, implying that by exploring deep thoughts and embracing big ideas, one can find some meaning or purpose. It emphasizes the need to go against the norm and be willing to question and fight against the status quo.
Overall, "Dirty Rotten" is a contemplation of life's mysteries, exploring themes of purpose, existence, and the pursuit of something meaningful.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh ooh ooh
Expressing an emotional response or realization
I've decided I don't wanna die
I've made a choice to embrace life and not give up
It's not what I wanna do
Dying is not my desire or goal
I don't know what I wanna do
I may not have a clear direction or purpose yet
But I don't wanna die
But I am certain I don't want to cease existing
I've been fighting for a cause of some sort
I have been engaging in a struggle or pursuit, although unsure of its specific nature
I do not know what it is
I lack understanding or knowledge about this cause
But I know that I have to be righteous if I
However, I believe that I must act with moral integrity if I am to
Need to get to the other side of where I'm going
Reach a different place or state from my current position
Wherever that was at the beginning
Wherever I started this journey
It's not now the same, it's different
However, it has changed over time, evolved into something new
I've been searching for a long, long time
I have been seeking or questing for a considerable duration
Come from a long, long line
I belong to a lineage or ancestry characterized by lengthy pursuits
Of searchers searching for whatever it is
Of individuals who seek something, yet the object of their search is uncertain
I've got to keep on going
I must continue moving forward and persisting
Got to keep on being stronger
I must continually strengthen myself
Got to believe there's something for me
I must maintain faith that there is something meant for me
On the other side to touch
To attain or experience on the opposite side of my current state
What happens when we die, man?
What occurs upon our death, my friend?
Where the Hell do we go?
Where do we end up after our demise?
Ever I thought I know I do not know
Everything I believed I understood, I now realize I am uncertain about
Why do I need to know?
What is the significance of me desiring knowledge about this?
What was I born with? Nothing
I possess no inherent advantage or gift from birth
Will we all go back to nothing?
Will all of us return to a state of nonexistence?
While I'm here I'm taking something
However, during my existence, I strive to acquire or achieve something
Dirty rotten, good for nothing
An expression of self-deprecating or critical sentiment regarding oneself
So where do I go?
So, where should I direct myself or seek to be?
What do I say when I get there?
What words should I utter upon arrival?
To the people that I will meet
To the individuals who I will encounter
Do I say 'hello' or do I say 'hey'?
Should I greet them with 'hello' or with 'hey'?
Do they respond with kindness?
Will they react with benevolence or compassion?
Or will they have some of their own shit going on?
Or will they be preoccupied or troubled by their own personal issues?
That I will take as being my fault
And I will interpret it as my own responsibility or blame
Deep deep thoughts that take up
Profound, introspective thoughts that occupy
All my time, oh my
The entirety of my time and attention, oh my
Deep deep thoughts make me
Profound, introspective thoughts provoke within me
(Angry, angry)
(Feelings of anger, anger)
Makes me wanna fight
Stimulates a desire within me to engage in conflict or combat
Makes me wanna kill somebody
Incites a feeling of wanting to cause harm or end someone's life
Not-not-not literally, but
Not in the literal sense, but rather
We-we-well, kind of
Well, to some extent or in a way
Big, big balls you need
Significant courage or bravery is required
Big, big, big, big, big, big balls you need
Extremely immense courage or bravery is necessary
Big, big balls you need
You need substantial courage or bravery
Big, big balls you need
Significant courage or bravery is required
Big, big, big, big, big, big thoughts
Enormously profound or significant thoughts
Take the world for a ride
Take control or manipulate the world's circumstances to one's advantage
If there's a riot inside your mind
In the presence of internal chaos or upheaval within your thoughts
(Dirty rotten good for nothing)
(Referring to oneself as worthless or despicable)
Take the world for a ride
Take control or manipulate the world's circumstances to one's advantage
If there's a riot inside your mind
In the presence of internal chaos or upheaval within your thoughts
(Dirty rotten good for nothing)
(Referring to oneself as worthless or despicable)
Writer(s): Robert Peter Williams, Karl Peter Brazil, Benjamin Roy Castle
Contributed by Ryan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Richi Watson
HOW the actual fuck does this get put on a 'B side album' when Be A Boy was released as a single!? I'm asking this question about a few of the tracks from Under the Radar 3. A few of the tracks from UTR 2 should have been main album tracks too, especially Numb which is like listening to a collaboration with Bowie in his prime - Honestly, it could have gone on ChangesBowie and been one of the most enduring tracks.
Robbie if you're there bruv - this should have been a single! Stop playing it safe, and reignite the fire that made you Robbie Fucking Williams.
Also, the fact that no-one happened to mention that the clunky chorus to Party Like A Russian ruins what could have been a hit, means that you need people around you that understand what people will actually like. I mean, the Russian choir part, wtf? It should have had your spoken vocal with an effect, I'm thinking 'Never touch that switch', and with the choir vocal underneath it. Fixed.
The beginning to Bodies should have come straight in with the bassey guitar riff too - and chunked up, it would have been a high impact opening like LMEY, not that mincey weird eastern opening which devalues a great rock track.
AND FFS get rid of the Robbie Anthem for the opening of your shows! How has no-one said it's an absolute vibe killer? When people are waiting to see you come on stage they have the kind of expectation which was met when you exploded onto the Knebworth stage, and instead they get a mildly amusing play on the national anthem which really does take away from the feeling that one of the greatest front men of all time is about to hit the stage.
Can I just come along and say stuff that needs to be said when these decisions are being made? I'd do it for free... at first. Then I'd probably settle for backstage passes to Knebworth 2, which would happen if you listen to me.
Love UTR 3 btw. Great work.
Mirem Itziar
Every song you do it's awesome 😍 you're a very talented man! 😊
Anggun Hand
Some lyrics sound like voices from somebody's mind that has anxiety / anti social disorder. One more masterpiece from our megastar 💖💖💖
Mathilde Möhring
👍 Pure talent. Pleasure to be your fan for 3 decades 🍀💖
charming jim
As someone who has been in therapy for many, many years, I find these lyrics insightful and humorous.
Milan Kosa
Генијално!
Minna
Brilliant tune, I love how the lyric progresses in a very stream of thought kind of way.
And yep, forever searching for whatever it is too and I think this is how I want my journey to sound like :)
A S
It's an incredible song Robbie!!! Keep rocking!
Va Va
QUÉ VOZ Y QUÉ TALENTO !!! CADA DÍA MÁS ENAMORADA DE ROBBIE 😍😍😍
Garry Beard
Got them all on my playlist fantastic just fantastic well done rob 👍🇬🇧🍺
chuckie cheesy
Robbie can keep taking this and that as long as he keeps giving us something.