Hunting for You (Acoustic)

About

Hunting for You (Acoustic) appears on Under the Radar Vol. 3 and was written by Robbie Williams, Tim Metcalfe and Flynn Francis, produced by Metcalfe. It is an alternate version of the track originally featured on Take the Crown (2012), recorded during the same sessions but left unreleased until its inclusion here. Stripped of its anthemic percussion and glossy production, this acoustic take reveals the song’s emotional core with simplicity and warmth.

Williams described Hunting for You as a piece of escapism and one of his most cinematic compositions. “It’s a film,” he said. “It takes me to a different place on the planet that I don’t embody on a daily basis. That’s the magic of music, it’s a time machine that only goes backwards.” The song’s introspective tone and romantic imagery, “The one-eyed king stole my mind and led him”, evoke both vulnerability and devotion.

Musically, this version replaces the pop-rock arrangement of the original with acoustic guitar, subtle piano and hushed percussion. The intimate production allows Williams’ vocal delivery to shine, highlighting his lower register and nuanced phrasing. The result is tender and contemplative, emphasising the song’s lyrical depth and sense of yearning.

“Songs are interdimensional and they’re time machines. Nostalgia is your own time machine that only goes backwards — and this one takes me somewhere special.”Robbie Williams

Fans welcomed the acoustic rendition as one of the most heartfelt moments on Under the Radar Vol. 3, noting how its stripped-down form amplified the sincerity of Williams’ performance. It stands as a companion piece to the original recording, offering a quieter reflection on love, longing and the passage of time.