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.
Dogs & Birds
Robbie Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Any wonder
We're all so alone
Mama I feel so ashamed
We′re just chemical
I didn't make it
But the bed is my home
The dog said to the bird
"Do you sing the same song everyday of your life?"
But she don't say a word
She just swings on her thing and she sings
The writing still on the wall is eligible
The wrong answer etched on my brain
Venus and Mars are now further apart than they′ve ever been
We better face it
We′re just not the same
Then I remember
The dog said to the bird
"Do you sing the same song everyday of your life?"
But she don't say a word
She just swings on her thing and she sings
Oh what a shame all the trouble we went through for second place
Now they′re selling
Space on the moon
Speaking in tongues we don't know what′s been said till the morning comes
You better worry
There's a storm coming soon
Still recalling
The dog said to the bird
"Do you sing the same song everyday of your life?"
But she don′t say a word
She just swings on her thing and she sings
The dog said to the bird
"Do you sing the same song everyday of your life?"
But she don't say a word
She just swings on her thing and she sings
The lyrics of "Dogs & Birds" by Robbie Williams explores themes of isolation, loneliness, and the disconnect between humans and animals. The opening lines suggest that as human beings, we often forget our primal nature and behave as if we're separate from the animal kingdom. This realization leads to a sense of shame and a longing for connection. The lyrics suggest that we are merely products of chemical reactions, highlighting our shared biological makeup.
The lines about the dog and the bird are metaphorical representations of the singer's feelings. The conversation between the dog and the bird symbolizes a search for understanding and meaning in life. The bird, representing freedom and self-expression, sings her song without words while swinging on her thing, embracing her nature. The dog, representing the singer's inner voice, questions whether he is stuck in a repetitive cycle of the same mundane existence. The bird's lack of response suggests that perhaps finding solace in simple pleasures and embracing one's authenticity is the key to happiness.
The mention of Venus and Mars being further apart than ever symbolizes the disconnection between individuals and their inability to relate to one another. It implies that even though we share the same planet, we are drifting apart emotionally and spiritually. The lyrics also allude to the struggles and sacrifices made for second place, highlighting the futility and emptiness of pursuing materialistic goals.
Line by Line Meaning
And this day on edge we forget that we're animals
In our day-to-day lives, we often overlook our primal instincts and forget that we are inherently part of the animal kingdom.
Any wonder
Is it any surprise?
We're all so alone
Despite living in a world crowded with people, we often feel isolated and disconnected from one another.
Mama I feel so ashamed
I feel a deep sense of guilt, perhaps for not recognizing our animalistic nature and the consequences it may have.
We're just chemical
Ultimately, our existence and actions can be reduced to chemical processes and reactions.
I didn't make it
I didn't choose to be this way.
But the bed is my home
In this vast world, all I really have is the comfort and familiarity of my own bed.
And someone told me
I was told by someone
The dog said to the bird
In a metaphorical conversation between the dog and the bird
"Do you sing the same song everyday of your life?"
"Do you go through the same routine every day of your life?"
But she don't say a word
The bird doesn't respond verbally
She just swings on her thing and she sings
Instead, she remains carefree, enjoying her own unique expression of joy and freedom.
The writing still on the wall is eligible
The messages and signs that are clearly visible on the wall can still be deciphered.
The wrong answer etched on my brain
I have mentally imprinted the incorrect response, leading to confusion and misunderstanding.
Venus and Mars are now further apart than they've ever been
The relationship and harmony between opposing forces, symbolized by Venus and Mars, has deteriorated to an unprecedented extent.
We better face it
It is imperative that we confront this reality.
We're just not the same
We are fundamentally different now.
Then I remember
I recall
"The dog said to the bird
"In the conversation between the dog and the bird
Do you sing the same song everyday of your life?"
"Do you experience the same repetitive patterns every day of your life?"
But she don't say a word
However, the bird remains silent
She just swings on her thing and she sings
Instead, she continues to enjoy her unique rhythm and expression.
Oh what a shame all the trouble we went through for second place
It is regrettable that we endured so much hardship only to achieve a mediocre position.
Now they're selling
Nowadays, there is a commercialization or commodification of
Space on the moon
Opportunities to purchase or utilize land on the moon.
Speaking in tongues we don't know what's been said till the morning comes
Engaging in conversations or communication where the true meaning remains obscure until the morning.
You better worry
It would be wise to be concerned or anxious.
There's a storm coming soon
A metaphorical storm, representing impending trouble or turmoil, is approaching.
Still recalling
I am still reminiscing
The dog said to the bird
In the ongoing conversation between the dog and the bird
"Do you sing the same song everyday of your life?"
"Do you continue with your monotonous routine every day of your life?"
But she don't say a word
However, the bird remains silent
She just swings on her thing and she sings
She continues to enjoy her unique swing and voice.
The dog said to the bird
Once again, the dog initiated a conversation with the bird
"Do you sing the same song everyday of your life?"
"Do you continue with your repetitive routine every day of your life?"
But she don't say a word
Yet, the bird remains silent
She just swings on her thing and she sings
She simply enjoys her own rhythm and melody, expressing herself freely.
Writer(s): Kelvin Andrews, Daniel Mould, Richard Scott Mould, Daniel Spencer Mould
Contributed by Tristan T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Daniel Allen
Love this... It's amazing and unique and shows just why Robbie is a one of a kind artist
D Carmen M D
Robbie Williams hermosa canción me encanta la melodía,atrapa🤗😘
adriana villanueva
Just when I think that he had come already with the best song, here he comes with other perfect song!!! Hell Yeah!!!!
Ron S.
amazing song!, should have been on an album. Love you Robbie, such an under rated talent. x
Sarah Berry
I just LOVE Robbie and all his songs are amazing, this one is one of my favourites XD x
dom buchanan
love this song
Dina Papavlachou
Such a nice tune !!!!!!!!! You are so gifted and talented Robbie !!!!
thallia63
AMAZING!!! Just perfect!!! J'ADOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORE
Tonje Richards
Love this song!!!!
Dina Papavlachou
me too !!!!!!