Little Green Apples

About

Little Green Apples appears on Swings Both Ways as a duet with American singer Kelly Clarkson. Written by Bobby Russell in 1968, the song was first made famous by O.C. Smith and Roger Miller, both of whom earned Grammy Awards for their versions. Williams and Clarkson’s rendition reimagines the soulful country ballad as a gentle swing duet, bringing warmth and tenderness to one of the album’s most traditional moments.

The collaboration came about through Williams’s admiration for Clarkson’s powerful voice and emotional delivery. He described her as “a proper singer who can belt and whisper in the same breath,” praising her ability to add depth to the arrangement. Their voices intertwine over a restrained orchestral backdrop, with piano and soft percussion framing the melody. The chemistry between them gives the song a modern sparkle while retaining its nostalgic sincerity.

Lyrically, Little Green Apples is a portrait of domestic love and gratitude, reflecting on the small gestures that make a relationship meaningful. Williams and Clarkson alternate verses before joining together in the chorus, turning the original monologue into a shared expression of affection. Their performance captures the easy intimacy of the lyric, making it one of the most understated yet heartfelt tracks on the album.

“Kelly’s an incredible singer. She’s got that effortless power that you just can’t fake, and this song felt like the right one to share with her — simple, romantic and real.”Robbie Williams

While Little Green Apples was not released as a single, it was praised by critics for its charm and vocal warmth. Reviewers noted that the duet balanced classic elegance with emotional honesty, standing out as one of the most soulful pieces on Swings Both Ways. Its timeless sentiment and graceful delivery underscored Williams’s versatility as a vocalist and his respect for traditional songwriting craft.