About
Ego a Go Go dives into the chaos of self-importance and the destructive allure of fame. Written by Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers, the track captures the darker side of his newfound independence. Its punchy guitars and urgent rhythm mirror the internal conflict that defined his early solo years.
The lyrics satirize celebrity culture while acknowledging Williams' own part in it. It's a tongue-in-cheek confession from someone aware that ego can both fuel and consume.
It was me talking to myself, really. I was surrounded by people telling me how great I was, but inside I was falling apart.Robbie WilliamsRecorded in 1997 at Matrix Studios, Ego a Go Go became one of the album's most striking deep cuts. Critics praised its wit and energy, seeing it as a bridge between the cocky performer and the self-aware writer he would soon become.
I'd gone from the top of the world to wondering if I was about to disappear. That's what the song's about; holding on to yourself when everything's spinning.Robbie Williams
With its driving beat and biting tone, Ego a Go Go reflects the paradox at the core of Life Thru a Lens: a young man enjoying the spotlight while trying to escape the shadow it casts.
Lyrics
Where were you when you stole my pride
Did you ever get the feeling that
someone died
Hide away in your ivory tower
And cover me in your golden shower
Did I make you laugh when I played the clown
And was I the dog that bit you when you put
it down
Break it nicely break it slow
Break it so I got no place to go
Ego a go go now you've gone solo
Living on a memory
Where've you been lately
And do you still hate me
Could you offer an apology
Aaah turn away
Aaah fade to grey
And here's another thing...
Where were you when the party ended
Were you stitching up the wounds
that you thought I need mending
Wonderland has crashed to the ground
The circus is gone all that's left is the clowns
Did I break your heart when I stole your thunder
Was there woodworm in the table your feet
are under
Break it nicely break it slow
Break it so I got no place to go
Ego a go go now you've gone solo
Living on a memory
Now you've gone stately
And yes you do hate me
Could you offer an apology
Aaah turn away
Aaah fade to grey
Aaah I hope you've strayed
Aaah and got laid
Ego a go go
Ego a go go
Oh yeah
Oh oh oh oh
Oh yeah
Oh oh oh oh
Ooh
Did you ever get the feeling that
someone died
Hide away in your ivory tower
And cover me in your golden shower
Did I make you laugh when I played the clown
And was I the dog that bit you when you put
it down
Break it nicely break it slow
Break it so I got no place to go
Ego a go go now you've gone solo
Living on a memory
Where've you been lately
And do you still hate me
Could you offer an apology
Aaah turn away
Aaah fade to grey
And here's another thing...
Where were you when the party ended
Were you stitching up the wounds
that you thought I need mending
Wonderland has crashed to the ground
The circus is gone all that's left is the clowns
Did I break your heart when I stole your thunder
Was there woodworm in the table your feet
are under
Break it nicely break it slow
Break it so I got no place to go
Ego a go go now you've gone solo
Living on a memory
Now you've gone stately
And yes you do hate me
Could you offer an apology
Aaah turn away
Aaah fade to grey
Aaah I hope you've strayed
Aaah and got laid
Ego a go go
Ego a go go
Oh yeah
Oh oh oh oh
Oh yeah
Oh oh oh oh
Ooh
Credits
-
Vocalist
Robbie Williams -
Songwriter
Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers -
Recording Studio
Matrix Studios
Band
Andre Barreau (Backing Vocals)
Andy Duncan (Percussion)
Chris Sharrock (Drums)
Dave Catlin-Birch (Backing Vocals, Bass)
Fil Eisler (Guitar)
Gary Nuttall (Guitar)
Guy Chambers (Backing Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard)
Steve Bush (Programming)
Steve Power (Programming)
Steve Sidwell (Brass)