Revolution

About

Written by Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers, Revolution was the final song added to Escapology, recorded in Los Angeles just before the album’s completion. The track emerged spontaneously during a writing session and was completed so quickly that Williams initially considered saving it for his next record. Instead, its blend of soul, funk and gospel energy provided the perfect high point for the album’s closing stretch.

Featuring guest vocals from Rose Stone — a founding member of Sly and the Family Stone and a veteran backing singer for artists including Michael Jackson and Elton John — the song fuses a driving groove with a message of renewal and resilience. Over wah guitars and brass flourishes, Williams sings of redemption through love and self-acceptance: “Make friends with your past and you can leave it at last.”

We wrote it by mistake, really. I thought, well, that’ll be for the next album, but I didn’t want to wait years to put it out. It’s about love lost, lack of hope, and finding your own light again.Robbie Williams

Performed live during The Robbie Williams Show in 2002 with backing vocalist Katie Kissoon, Revolution showcases Williams’ command of soulful, high-energy pop. Its fusion of optimism and groove anticipates his later collaborations with soul and funk musicians. Though often overlooked, the track closes the album’s darker themes with a note of defiance — a rallying cry to start again.