Shame

Shame was released in October 2010 as the lead single from In and Out of Consciousness, The Greatest Hits 1990 to 2010. The duet marked Robbie Williams’ first recording with Gary Barlow since his departure from Take That in 1995.

Written by Williams and Barlow and produced by Trevor Horn, the song is built around a piano led arrangement that develops into an expansive pop chorus. Its measured tempo and reflective tone underscore the significance of the collaboration.

Lyrically, Shame addresses regret, reconciliation and shared history. The conversational structure of the verses allows both artists to reflect on past tensions and personal responsibility.

There’s three versions of this story, mine and yours and then the truth.Robbie Williams

The single reached the UK top five and was widely interpreted as signalling a thaw in relations between Williams and Barlow. Its release preceded Williams’ full reunion with Take That later in 2010.