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.
Me and My Shadow
Robbie Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Youth, what you talking like that for, you're from Stoke!
I dunno but I can't stop here pally
Like the wallpaper sticks to the wall
Like the seashore clings to the sea
Like you'll never get rid of your shadow
You'll never get rid of me
Let all the others fight and fuss
Whatever happens, we've got us
(Me and my shadow) we're closer than pages that stick in a book
We're closer than ripples that flow in a brook
(Strolling down the avenue) wherever you find him, you'll find me, just look
Closer than a miser or the bloodhounds to Liza
(Me and my shadow) we're closer than smog to all of L.A.
We're closer than Ricky to confessing he's gay
Not a soul can bust this team in two
We stick together like glue
And it's sleeping time
That's when we rise
We start to swing (you think we so judge you)
Our clocks don't chime
What a surprise
They ring-a-ding-ding!
Happy New Year!
(Me and my shadow) and now to repeat what I said at the start
They'll need a large crowbar to break us apart
We're alone but far from blue
Before we get finished, we'll make the town roar
We'll hit a few late spots, and then a few more
We'll start at Stringy's and maybe Groucho's
Life is gonna be we-wow-whee!
For my shadow and me!
Can we do that again?
No, I'm too tired
Oh, please Rob
No, I'm swung out
Oh, come on, I'll give you some money
I don't need money
What about a cup of tea
Not thirsty
I'll won't tell anyone you're gay
Fuck
Before we get finished, we'll make the town roar
We'll hit all the late spots, and then a few more
We'll start at Stringy's and maybe Groucho's
Life is gonna be we-wow-whee!
For my shadow and me! yeah
The lyrics to Robbie Williams's "Me and My Shadow" are captured through a conversation between Johnny and Robbie. As they talk, Robbie says, "Like the wallpaper sticks to the wall, like the seashore clings to the sea, like you'll never get rid of your shadow, you'll never get rid of me." He then declares that "Whatever happens, we've got us," highlighting their inseparable bond.
The chorus goes on to emphasize this bond even further. "Me and my shadow, we're closer than pages that stick in a book," they sing. "We're closer than ripples that flow in a brook." The two men are committed to each other, and there's no one who can come between them.
Line by Line Meaning
Johnny and Robbie
Two friends, Johnny and Robbie, are having a conversation.
Youth, what you talking like that for, you're from Stoke!
An expression of confusion as to why Johnny is speaking in a certain way.
I dunno but I can't stop here pally
Robbie does not have an explanation for Johnny's behavior, but he wants to keep moving forward.
Like the wallpaper sticks to the wall
Robbie and Johnny's friendship is as strong and permanent as wallpaper stuck to a wall.
Like the seashore clings to the sea
Their friendship is as natural and essential as the connection between a seashore and the sea.
Like you'll never get rid of your shadow
Just like a shadow never leaves you, their bond is strong and irremovable.
You'll never get rid of me
Robbie tells Johnny that he will always be a part of his life, as their friendship is everlasting.
Let all the others fight and fuss
Despite any disagreements or conflicts with others, Robbie and Johnny will stay loyal to each other.
Whatever happens, we've got us
No matter what life throws their way, they will always have each other's backs.
(Me and my shadow) we're closer than pages that stick in a book
Their connection is stronger than the binding holding the pages of a book together.
We're closer than ripples that flow in a brook
As ripples in a brook form from the same source, their friendship comes from a shared history and experiences.
(Strolling down the avenue) wherever you find him, you'll find me, just look
Their friendship is so close that they are always together, even if one is not physically present.
Closer than a miser or the bloodhounds to Liza
Their bond is stronger than the closeness between a miser and their money or the dedication of bloodhounds to finding Liza.
(Me and my shadow) we're closer than smog to all of L.A.
Their connection is stronger than the pollution that blankets Los Angeles.
We're closer than Ricky to confessing he's gay
Robbie and Johnny are extremely close, closer than even someone revealing a kept secret like Ricky admitting he is gay.
Not a soul can bust this team in two
Their friendship is unbreakable, and no one can come between them.
We stick together like glue
Their bond is strong and sticky, like glue.
And it's sleeping time
It is late at night and time for sleep.
That's when we rise
Robbie and Johnny are night owls who stay up late.
We start to swing (you think we so judge you)
They enjoy dancing and having a good time, without worrying about being judged by others.
Our clocks don't chime
Their clocks do not make noise, indicating that they are likely digital.
What a surprise
They are sarcastically surprised that their clocks are silent.
They ring-a-ding-ding!
Instead of chimes, their clocks make a jazzy, catchy ringing noise.
Happy New Year!
A festive greeting for the new year, indicating that they are having a good time partying.
(Me and my shadow) and now to repeat what I said at the start
Robbie reiterates his opening statement about their strong connection.
They'll need a large crowbar to break us apart
Their bond is unbreakable, and it would take extreme force to separate them.
We're alone but far from blue
Despite being alone, they are still happy and enjoying life together.
Before we get finished, we'll make the town roar
They plan to have a lot of fun and make a lot of noise before the night is over.
We'll hit a few late spots, and then a few more
They plan to go to several different establishments throughout the night.
We'll start at Stringy's and maybe Groucho's
Two specific places they plan to go to and have a good time.
Life is gonna be we-wow-whee!
They are excited and having a good time, and life is going to be an adventure.
Can we do that again?
Robbie and Johnny may want to repeat the fun they've had throughout the night.
No, I'm too tired
Either or both of them may be feeling fatigued and ready for rest.
Oh, please Rob
Johnny pleads with Robbie to continue partying, despite feeling tired.
No, I'm swung out
Robbie is too exhausted and feels like he has already had enough fun for one night.
Oh, come on, I'll give you some money
Johnny tries to convince Robbie to keep going by offering to pay him or buy him drinks.
I don't need money
Robbie is not tempted by Johnny's offer of money or other rewards.
What about a cup of tea
Robbie suggests a more relaxing activity, like having some tea.
Not thirsty
Robbie is not interested in having tea and may still be feeling tired or rundown.
I'll won't tell anyone you're gay
Johnny tries to blackmail Robbie into continuing to party by threatening to reveal personal information about him.
Fuck
Robbie reacts negatively to Johnny's threat and is not impressed by his behavior.
For my shadow and me! yeah
The two friends are still together and enjoying life as a dynamic duo.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Al Jolson, Billy Rose, Dave Dreyer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jamielawrence4749
Robbie is so impressive. he is so theatrical, cheeky, funny and natural, yet classy and a true, incredible vocalist.
@tigertot4935
He said in an interview cabarret is his DNA
@jameslivesey8044
One of my all time favourite songs and performances, never fails to put a smile on my face :)
@dcofficial7025
For somebody who loves heavy metal and all that (me) I love this song and the whole of the album in general . I especially love bojangals and anything by Frank .
@AdamC3046
Same here ✌
@fastfoodreviewcoffeeandelv9470
Robbie hits high notes I mean he can really sing holy shit
@truthful76
Legendary performances
@victoriaeloiseperes3673
Is gramby mona lisa no. No...yup.
@lukip8257
Think I actually prefer this version to the album version. It has such great energy!
@paudcmarvelotakuyarmyblink2410
I love it a lot I thought they're Kim Tae Hyung and Jeon Jungkook hahahha