Robert Peter Williams (born 13 February 1974) is an English singer and song… Read Full Bio ↴Robert Peter Williams (born 13 February 1974) is an English singer and songwriter. He found fame as a member of the pop group Take That from 1990 to 1995, and achieved commercial success after launching a solo career in 1996. His debut studio album, Life thru a Lens, was released in 1997, and included his signature song, "Angels". His second album, I've Been Expecting You, featured the songs "Millennium" and "She's the One", his first number one singles. His discography includes seven UK No. 1 singles, and all but one of his 14 studio albums have reached No. 1 in the UK. Six of his albums are among the top 100 biggest-selling albums in the UK, with two of them in the top 60, and he gained a Guinness World Record in 2006 for selling 1.6 million tickets in a single day during his Close Encounters Tour.

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.

Disco Symphony
Robbie Williams Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Another floor filler, from your tortured singer
You've been singing other songs, but I'll forgive ya
They shoot horses don't they though, but I'm just not gonna quit
Dressed in McQueen in a Bee Gee's dream, still right in the thick of it
(Shaking my ass off)

Dance, dance, dance
Dance, dance, dance

Dancing and I'm dressed so fly (everybody loves me)
Dance, dance, dance
Dance, dance, dance
Disco, baby, do or die (you know you love me, love me)
Hardcore since '74
On the floor singing more, more, more (woo ha)
You got to, dance, dance, dance
Dance, dance, dance
Show your mama what your ass is for

Michael Jackson, Mr. Jay Z (it's your boy)
Donna Summer, Freddie Mercury
They were singing to my soul, I'm sure it went something like this
Digging the scene in a Barry White dream, and I'm right in the thick of it
(Shaking my ass off)

Dance, dance, dance
Dance, dance, dance
Dancing and I'm dressed so fly (everybody loves me)
Dance, dance, dance
Dance, dance, dance
Disco, baby, do or die (you know you love me, love me)
Hardcore since '74
On the floor singing more, more, more (woo ha)
You got to, dance, dance, dance
Dance, dance, dance
Show your mama what your ass is for

(Ooh) sing this song with me, so I know where you're coming from
(Ooh) it's my disco symphony
And the beat goes on and on and on
(Dance, dance, dance, dance dance dance)
(Dance, dance)
(Shaking my ass off)

Dance dance dance
Dance dance dance
(Dancing and I'm dressed so fly)
Dance dance dance
Dance dance dance
(Disco baby do or die)

Dance, dance, dance
Dance, dance, dance
Dancing and I'm dressed so fly (everybody loves me)
Dance, dance, dance
Dance, dance, dance
Disco, baby, do or die (you know you love me, love me)
Hardcore since '74
On the floor singing more, more, more (woo ha)
You got to, dance, dance, dance

Dance, dance, dance
Show your mama what your ass is for

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Robbie Williams's song "Disco Symphony" celebrate the joy and liberating power of dancing to disco music. The opening lines suggest that the singer, despite being tortured by personal struggles or previous songs, is willing to forgive and move on. The reference to "They shoot horses don't they" alludes to the 1969 film of the same name, which portrays the desperation of contestants in a dance marathon during the Great Depression. However, the singer declares his refusal to quit and instead immerses himself in the disco scene, evoking a glamorous image with the mention of British fashion designer Alexander McQueen and the iconic Bee Gees.

The chorus repeats the command to dance, emphasizing the euphoric and infectious nature of the music. The lyrics convey a sense of confidence and self-assuredness, with the repeated declaration that "everybody loves me" and encouraging listeners to show their "mama what your ass is for," implying a sensual and playful attitude towards dancing.

The second verse name-drops influential figures in pop music, including Michael Jackson, Jay Z, Donna Summer, and Freddie Mercury, suggesting that their voices and music have deeply resonated with the singer's soul. In this verse, the singer also references Barry White, known for his soulful and romantic ballads. By positioning himself as someone "in the thick of it," the singer is proclaiming his kinship with these iconic artists and places himself within the legacy of disco music.

Overall, "Disco Symphony" is an anthem celebrating the power of disco to uplift and unite people through dance, embracing the genre's history and its undeniable influence on popular culture.

Line by Line Meaning

Another floor filler, from your tortured singer
This song is another crowd-pleaser, coming from a singer who has experienced pain and struggles.

You've been singing other songs, but I'll forgive ya
Although you have been performing different songs, I will let go of any resentment.

They shoot horses don't they though, but I'm just not gonna quit
Despite the challenges and setbacks, I refuse to give up or surrender.

Dressed in McQueen in a Bee Gee's dream, still right in the thick of it
Wearing fashionable McQueen attire in a dreamlike ambiance inspired by the Bee Gees, I am still actively involved in this vibrant scene.

(Shaking my ass off)
I am energetically dancing and moving my body.

Dance, dance, dance
Engage in the act of dancing with enthusiasm.

Dancing and I'm dressed so fly (everybody loves me)
I am dancing while looking incredibly stylish, and it seems that everyone adores me.

Disco, baby, do or die (you know you love me, love me)
Disco music is essential, my dear, and if I have to, I will dedicate myself to it entirely. You are aware of your affection towards me.

Hardcore since '74
I have been devoted and passionate about this genre since the year 1974.

On the floor singing more, more, more (woo ha)
I am on the dance floor, singing and craving for more excitement and entertainment. (Expressing enthusiasm)

You got to, dance, dance, dance
You must dance persistently and joyfully.

Show your mama what your ass is for
Demonstrate to your mother the purpose and skillful use of your buttocks in dancing.

Michael Jackson, Mr. Jay Z (it's your boy)
Renowned artists like Michael Jackson and Jay Z are mentioned here, emphasizing the influence and impact they have had on my soul. (Addressing Jay Z directly)

Donna Summer, Freddie Mercury
Donna Summer and Freddie Mercury are celebrated names in music who have deeply resonated with me.

They were singing to my soul, I'm sure it went something like this
Their music spoke directly to my spirit, and although I can't recall the exact content, it certainly had a similar vibe.

Digging the scene in a Barry White dream, and I'm right in the thick of it
Immersed in the atmosphere reminiscent of Barry White's style, I am fully engaged and involved in the midst of it all.

(Shaking my ass off)
I am energetically dancing and moving my body.

(Ooh) sing this song with me, so I know where you're coming from
Sing along with me to this particular song, allowing me to understand your perspective and background. (Expressing a desire for connection)

(Ooh) it's my disco symphony
This is my elaborate and impressive composition in the style of disco music.

And the beat goes on and on and on
The rhythm and music continue endlessly, without interruption.

(Dance, dance, dance, dance dance dance)
Keep dancing repeatedly and fervently.

(Dance, dance)
Continue to dance with joy and enthusiasm.