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.
Straighten Up And Fly Right
Robbie Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The monkey thought that ev'rything was on the square
The buzzard tried to throw the monkey off his back
The monkey grabbed his neck and said, "Now, listen, Jack
Straighten up and fly right, straighten up and fly right
Straighten up and fly right, cool down papa, don't you blow your top
Ain't no use in divin'. What's the use of jivin'?
Straighten up and fly right, cool down papa, don't you blow your top"
Release your hold and I'll set you free"
The monkey looked the buzzard right dead in the eye and said
"Your story's touching, but is sounds like a lie"
Straighten up and fly right, straighten up and stay right
Straighten up and fly right, cool down papa, don't you blow your top
The lyrics of Robbie Williams's song Straighten Up And Fly Right is based on the fable of a monkey, who takes a ride with a buzzard in the air. Initially, the monkey trusts that everything is alright and that the buzzard is taking him to a place without any malicious intentions. Eventually, the buzzard tries to deceive the monkey and throw him off his back, but the monkey grabs his neck and orders him to straighten up and fly right. The monkey knows that the only way to survive the flight is by keeping the buzzard on a straight path, and he advises the buzzard not to lose his temper and become reckless. Eventually, the buzzard tries to convince the monkey to let him go and promises to set him free. However, the monkey is wiser and realizes that the buzzard's story is a lie, and he reiterates his advice to straighten up and fly right.
Robbie Williams's Straighten Up And Fly Right is a song that has African American roots. The song was written in 1943 by Nat King Cole and Irving Mills, and initially, it was recorded by King Cole. The song was a hit and was played widely in the United States. The lyrics of the song are a metaphor for the African American struggle for freedom, equality, and fair treatment. The song describes how African Americans had to navigate their lives and negotiate with the white power structure to survive. The lyrics of the song emphasize the need to be vigilant, wise, and focused while dealing with the oppressive forces of society. The song's message is still relevant and resonant today, as it speaks to the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality.
Line by Line Meaning
The buzzard took the monkey for a ride in the air
The buzzard deceived the monkey by offering him a ride in the air
The monkey thought that ev'rything was on the square
The monkey believed that everything was fair and legit
The buzzard tried to throw the monkey off his back
The buzzard attempted to trick and harm the monkey
The monkey grabbed his neck and said, "Now, listen, Jack
The monkey held on to the buzzard's neck and warned him
Straighten up and fly right, straighten up and fly right
Change your ways and behave properly, be honest and sincere
Straighten up and fly right, cool down papa, don't you blow your top
Stop being angry and emotional, keep your cool and be reasonable
Ain't no use in divin'. What's the use of jivin'?
It's pointless to deceive or lie, it's better to be truthful
The buzzard told the monkey, "You're choking me
The buzzard accused the monkey of choking him
Release your hold and I'll set you free"
Let go of me and I'll leave you alone
The monkey looked the buzzard right dead in the eye and said
The monkey stared at the buzzard and spoke firmly
"Your story's touching, but is sounds like a lie"
"Your excuse may be heartrending, but it lacks credibility"
Straighten up and fly right, straighten up and stay right
Behave properly and stay on the right path
Straighten up and fly right, cool down papa, don't you blow your top
Stay calm and collected, don't lose your temper
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Irving Mills, Nat King Cole
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Connie Bradley
Another Great performance my dear friend!!! You’re awesome no matter what you sing! You definitely have the total package!!! 🤗🤗❤️
Colone99
My favorite live show. Love it.
Andy B
I was genuinely surprised and impressed by this. Generic pop star suddenly becomes an actual big band jazz performer.
No, I'm serious. Robbie was unremarkable as fourth of four, but now he's doing his own thing and he's really really doing it well.
Robbie, you've made big band jazz cool again, and I salute you, dude. You're a credit to the genre.
Linda Szatkowski
Robbie can sing anything. He is just one of the best performers I have ever seen and he is easy on the eyes. I just love him.❤❤
sophie turner
Amazing, I love him
Aigars Anševics
Robbie the best! :)
Hannah Brunt
In the live of Robbie Williams straighten up and fly right, there's a saxophone 🎷.
john cameron
dont know if he will see this but before this concert i wasnt exactly a fan BUT i love what he did here and have a lot more respect for him. AND Mr Williams should by chance read this or anyone connected to him PLEASE PLEASE Can we get SWING WHILE YOUR WINNING 2, 3 and 4 featuring the likes of Lady GAGA Jessie J maybe even Megan Trainor all who have great voices as do the Pupini Sisters (sorry if i misspelt) and PostModern Jukebox the world needs more of this fantastic music Dont just leave it to the Game makers
Xime Palleiro
Es un.GENIOOOOO Rob
Not sound Content
The Andrews sisters have the best version of this song