Losers

About

Losers appears near the close of Take the Crown and is one of its most understated and affecting moments. The song is a cover of a track by American sibling duo The Belle Brigade, written by Barbara and Ethan Gruska. Robbie Williams recorded it as a duet with American singer-songwriter Lissie, whose distinctive harmonies lend the performance a warm, organic texture. The track was produced by Jacknife Lee and included on the album’s standard edition and live setlists for the accompanying ballroom shows.

Williams said he was immediately struck by the original song’s honesty and emotional simplicity. “I just instantly fell in love with it and knew that I had to record it,” he explained. “It’s got such a lovely message — I give in, I surrender — it’s not something I’d normally write, but it really moved me.” His rendition keeps the acoustic arrangement intact, using gentle guitar and sparse percussion to frame both singers’ vocals.

Lyrically, Losers celebrates humility and acceptance, suggesting that imperfection and defeat are part of the human condition. Its refrain, “We’re all just losers, trying to get better,” resonated with Williams, who described it as reflecting his desire for peace after years of internal struggle. The song closes with a note of quiet optimism, capturing a sense of calm and self-awareness that complements the album’s overarching theme of renewal.

“It’s got such a lovely message. It’s anti-clockwise to what I normally feel, but it really moved me — maybe one day I’ll live what it says.”Robbie Williams

Losers was praised for its sincerity and restraint, contrasting the bravado of the album’s pop anthems. It revealed a more contemplative side of Williams, ending Take the Crown on a note of humility and hard-won contentment.