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. It is one of the record’s most reflective tracks, addressing modern anxieties through a lens of empathy and resilience rather than confrontation.

The song was written by Williams with the Mexican pop duo Jesse & Joy, siblings Jesse Huerta and Joy Huerta, who are known for their emotionally direct songwriting and Latin pop hits including Corre and ¡Dueles!. Their involvement brought a melodic sensitivity and lyrical clarity that aligns with the song’s focus on shared human vulnerability.

Musically, Human is understated and spacious, built around a restrained arrangement that allows the vocal and lyric to lead. Chris Martin of Coldplay plays piano on the track, contributing a sparse, atmospheric foundation that reinforces its contemplative tone. The performance avoids dramatic peaks, instead sustaining a sense of quiet urgency throughout.

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

Within the context of Britpop, Human offers contrast and balance. It steps away from the album’s louder guitar driven moments to emphasise connection and compassion, positioning Williams not as a provocateur, but as an observer grappling with the emotional realities of the present moment.

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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