Requiem

About

Requiem was written by Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow and appears as the opening track on Barlow’s 2013 album Since I Saw You Last. Produced by Steve Power, who had worked extensively with both artists since the 1990s, the song was among a group of collaborations originally intended for a joint Williams–Barlow album, reportedly to be titled *Requiem*. Though that project was never completed, this track was retained by Barlow for his solo release.

The song was inspired by the death of Barlow’s father in 2009. Its lyrics combine humour, melancholy and reflection, imagining the deceased looking down on loved ones at his own funeral. Barlow described the concept as stemming from the moment he looked at the clouds and pictured his father “up there laughing at us all now”. The resulting composition balances grief with optimism, suggesting comfort in the idea of continued presence and remembrance.

Musically, Requiem recalls the melodic sensibilities of both writers, blending piano-led pop with Beatles-style harmonies and the layered orchestration of Electric Light Orchestra. Its tone is bittersweet yet uplifting, opening the album on a note of reassurance. Williams’ lyrical input adds a gentle wit to Barlow’s reflective narrative, with lines such as “Why bring me flowers when you know that I can’t smell a thing” and “You’ll die when you see my new place” merging sentiment with dry humour.

“We were all so upset. And I just looked up at the clouds and thought, if I know my dad, he’s up there laughing at us all now.”Gary Barlow, *Metro*

Requiem set the emotional tone for Since I Saw You Last, while also demonstrating the renewed creative rapport between Williams and Barlow that had followed their reunion with Take That. The song remains a highlight of their later partnership, uniting personal reflection with classic British pop craftsmanship.