Human

Track Info

  • Title
    Human
  • Released
  • Duration

Original Release

Cover Art for Human
Single

About

Human is a song by Robbie Williams from his album Britpop. One of the record’s most reflective moments, it was introduced by Williams in concert as a response to the growing presence of artificial intelligence and the questions it raises about empathy, responsibility and what it means to remain emotionally engaged in a rapidly changing world.

The song was written by Williams with the Mexican pop duo Jesse and Joy, siblings Jesse Huerta and Joy Huerta. Known for emotionally direct songwriting on songs such as Corre and ¡Dueles!, their contribution helped shape a lyric that foregrounds vulnerability and restraint rather than argument or satire.

Musically, Human is sparse and measured. The arrangement leaves space for the vocal to carry the song’s meaning, avoiding dramatic shifts or heavy instrumentation. Chris Martin of Coldplay plays piano on the track, providing a minimal, atmospheric backdrop that supports its contemplative mood and sense of quiet urgency.

“We’re too human to let that happen.”Robbie Williams

Within the wider context of Britpop, Human serves as a counterweight to the album’s more abrasive and guitar led material. Its focus on technology, empathy and moral agency positions Williams less as a provocateur and more as an observer, reflecting on how humanity can be preserved as boundaries between the digital and emotional continue to blur.

Lyrics

Sticks and stones may break my bones Robbie Williams
But your words could make me kill myself Robbie Williams
This is a letter from the future Robbie Williams
You can ride the change Robbie Williams
Protein pills in a dopamine packet Robbie Williams
Life preserver in the shape of a jacket Robbie Williams
No composition and no bad habits now Robbie Williams

Don't fear the sun just let it shine Robbie Williams
All chemicals will feel sublime Robbie Williams
None of the strongest will survive Robbie Williams
Just make the most of bein' alive Robbie Williams
It must have come as a surprise Robbie Williams
We didn't know it at the time Robbie Williams
That we were human and alive Robbie Williams

We need clothes and we need food Both
So there's a chance that we will be removed Both
We'll receive letters in the future Both
Signed by the divine Both
Don't worry, not everyone leaves Both
They'll need some people to dust down the machines Both
No opposition, it's a fait accompli now Both

Don't fear the sun just let it shine Both
All chemicals will feel sublime Both
None of the strongest will survive Both
Just make the most of bein' alive Both
It must have come as a surprise Both
We didn't know it at the time Both
That we were human and alive Joy Huerta

Hurt people, hurt people Joy Huerta
So this is what heaven looks like Robbie Williams
Hurt people, hurt people Joy Huerta
I like it. Hello? Hello? I like what you've done with the place, God Robbie Williams
Hurt people, hurt people Joy Huerta
Grandma? Great finishes Robbie Williams
Hurt people, hurt people Joy Huerta
Is that you? Wonderful lighting Robbie Williams

Don't fear the sun just let it shine Both
All chemicals will feel sublime Both
None of the strongest will survive Both
Just make the most of bein' alive Both
It must have come as a surprise Both
We didn't know it at the time Both
That we were human and alive Robbie Williams
That we were human and alive Joy Huerta

Credits

  • Vocalist

    Robbie Williams, Jesse & Joy
  • Songwriter

    Robbie Williams, Karl Brazil, Owen Parker
  • Producer

    Karl Brazil, Owen Parker, Martin Terefe
  • Band

    Chris Martin (Piano)

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