Timeline / Singles
Released 15 March 1999
Strong
Inspired by some of Robbie's most hardcore fans, who, he confessed, "scared the living daylights" out of him, Strong became Robbie's seventh top five single, peaking at number four in the UK.
The third track to be released off Robbie’s second album, Strong came at a busy time.
Written in a hotel in Köln, the song was influenced by some of Robbie’s more manic admirers who, he admitted ‘scared the living daylights’ out of him.
With hoards of fans setting up camp outside his hotels, Strong carried an autobiographical message.
“I just wanted them to understand I’m not being rude, but I’m feeling a bit scared of everything,” he said.
Spending a week in the UK charts, Strong peaked at No.4 in March 1999.
Directed by Simon Hilton, and using footage from his live performances, Strong gave fans a taste of the real Robbie.
Backstage we get an insight into his frolics with the band and a view of what life is like from Robbie’s side of the fence.
Listen to Strong
“I just wanted them to understand I’m not being rude, but I’m feeling a bit scared of everything,” he said.
Lyrics
Aaah-aaahhh
Aaah-aaahhh
My breath smells of a thousand fags
So when I'm drunk I dance like me dad
I've started to dress a bit like him
And early morning when I wake up
I look like Kiss but without the make-up
And that's a good line to take it to the bridge
And you know, and you know
'Cause my life's a mess
And I'm trying to grow
So before I'm old I'll confess
You think that I'm strong
You're wrong
You're wrong
I sing my song
My song
My song
My bed's full of takeaways
Of fantasies of easy lays
The pause button's broke on my video
And this is real 'cause I feel fake
Oprah Winfrey, Ricki Lake
Teach me things I don't need to know
And you know, and you know
'Cause my life's a mess
And it's started to show
So before I'm old I'll confess
You think that I'm strong
You're wrong
You're wrong
I sing my song
My song
My song
If I did it all again I'd be a nun
The rain was never cold when I was young
I'm still young
We're still young
Life's too short to be afraid
Step inside the sun
And you know, and you know
'Cause my life's a mess
And I'm trying to grow
Ahh (bah-bah-bah) hey, hey
You think that I'm strong
You're wrong
You're wrong
I sing my song
My song
My song
You think that I'm strong
You're wrong
You're wrong
I sing my song
My song
My song
Life's too short to be afraid
Take a pill to numb the pain
You don't have to take the blame
Life's too short to be afraid
Take a pill to numb the pain
You don't have to take the blame
Life's too short to be afraid
Take a pill to numb the pain
You don't have to take the blame
Life's too short to be afraid
Take a pill to numb the pain
You don't have to take the blame