About
Mess Me Up was written by Robbie Williams, Kelvin Andrews and Danny Spencer, and produced by Soul Mekanik. It appeared as the B-side to Lovelight in 2006 and was later included on In and Out of Consciousness. The track showcases the playful electro funk sensibility that defined the Rudebox era, combining tongue in cheek lyrics with inventive, reactive production.
The song’s structure is built around rhythmic call and response, with sound effects that echo the lyrics in real time, from the dial tone after “Get the Beatles on the phone” to the shakers that follow “cue it for the low shake.” This sonic interplay gives the track a vivid, almost cartoonish energy, highlighting Soul Mekanik’s flair for studio experimentation. Williams’s vocal delivery moves between cool detachment and mischief, perfectly matching the track’s dancefloor rhythm.
“It’s one of those where the studio becomes an instrument. Every sound reacts to what you’re saying, it’s fun, it’s cheeky, and it doesn’t take itself seriously.”Robbie Williams
With its playful energy and nostalgic nods to early 1980s electro, Mess Me Up feels like a companion to “Rudebox.” The lyrics, “Dip your hip and show your front, sizzle with the synth line,” reflect Williams’s fascination with dance culture and his willingness to push pop into unusual and unpredictable places. Though released only as a B-side, the song has become a favourite among fans for its wit and inventiveness.
Lyrics
To the back
Put a hump
In your back
From the front
To the back
Put a hump
In your back
Feel the funk control you
It's electronic nunk
Do it like I told you
Dip your hip and show your front
Zizzle with the synth line
Put the wibble in your shoes
Do it 'til you feel fine
It's the only one to choose
Feel the funk control you
It's electronic nunk
Do it like I told you
Dip your hip and show your front
Zizzle with the synth line
Put the wibble in your shoes
Do it 'til you feel fine
It's the only one to choose
From the front woo mess me up
To the back woo mess me up
Put a hump woo mess me up
In your back woo mess me up
From the front woo mess me up
To the back woo mess me up
Put a hump woo mess me up
In your back woo mess me up
Hit me with a wonk riff
Get the Beatles on the phone
Echo with a bass lick
Fizz the wacko for the tone
Queue it for the low shake
Make mine a 99
Esl and shock break shock break
High percentage every time
Hit me with a wonk riff
Get the Beatles on the phone
Echo with a bass lick
Fizz the wacko for the tone
Queue it for the low shake
Make mine a 99
Esl and shock brake
High percentage every time
From the front woo mess me up
To the back woo mess me up
Put a hump woo mess me up
In your back woo mess me up
From the front woo mess me up
To the back woo mess me up
Put a hump woo mess me up
In your back woo mess me up
Feel the funk control you
It's electronic nunk
Do it like I told you
Dip your hip and show your front
Zizzle with the synth line
Put the wibble in your shoes
Do it 'til you feel fine
It's the only one to choose
Feel the funk control you
It's electronic nunk
Do it like I told you
Dip your hip and show your front
Zizzle with the synth line
Put the wibble in your shoes
Do it 'til you feel fine
It's the only one to choose
From the front woo mess me up
To the back woo mess me up
Put a hump woo mess me up
In your back woo mess me up
From the front woo mess me up
To the back woo mess me up
Put a hump woo mess me up
In your back woo mess me up
From the front woo mess me up
To the back woo mess me up
Put a hump woo mess me up
In your back woo mess me up
From the front woo mess me up
To the back woo mess me up
Put a hump woo mess me up
In your back
Credits
-
Vocalist
Robbie Williams -
Songwriter
Kelvin Andrews, Danny Spencer