Something Beautiful

Track Info

  • Title
    Something Beautiful
  • Released
  • Duration

Original Release

Cover Art for Escapology
Studio Album

About

Written by Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers, Something Beautiful was released on 28 July 2003 as the third single from Escapology. The song reached number three in the UK and became a Top 10 hit across Europe. Originally offered to Tom Jones, who expressed interest before declining, Williams reclaimed the song for himself, reshaping it into a soulful anthem of hope and self-belief.

Recorded in Barbados and London, the track blends pop melody with gospel-tinged harmonies and layered strings. Its uplifting chorus — “May you find that love never leave you, may you find it by the end of the day” — contrasts with verses tinged with loneliness and introspection. The combination reflects Williams’ familiar tension between optimism and melancholy.

It’s a straightforward pop song, but every word of it is true. It’s about sitting in bed at night thinking, I wish I wasn’t here by myself.Robbie Williams

The video, directed by James Tonkin, parodied the format of Pop Idol, casting three fans as finalists auditioning to play “Robbie Williams” in a mock talent show. The winning contestant met Williams in the closing scene, as headlines read “Robbie for a Week, Back to Reality.” The concept humorously explored the pressures of celebrity and imitation. Though Williams later admitted to tiring of performing the song live, Something Beautiful remains one of his most polished and emotionally sincere singles, balancing accessible pop with reflective songwriting.

Lyrics

You can't manufacture a miracle
The silence was pitiful - that day
And love is getting too cynical
Passion's just physical - these days
You analyse everyone you meet
But get no sign - the loving kind
Every night you admit defeat
And cry yourself blind

If you can't wake up in the morning
'Cause your bed lies vacant at night
If you're lost, hurt, tired or lonely
Can't control it - try as your might
May you find that love that won't leave you
May you find that it by the end of the day
You won't be lost, hurt, tired or lonely
Something beautiful will come your way

The DJ said on the radio
Life should be stereo - each day
And the past that cast the unsuitable
Instead of some kind of beautiful
You just couldn't wait
All your friends think you're satisfied
But they can't see your soul, no, no, no
Forgot the time feeling petrified
When they lived alone

If you can't wake up in the morning
'Cause your bed lies vacant at night
If you're lost, hurt, tired or lonely
Can't control it - try as you might
May you find that love that won't leave you
May you find it by the end of the day
You won't be lost, hurt, tired and lonely
Something beautiful will come your way

(It'll come your way)
(It'll come your way) Some kind of beautiful
(It'll come your way) Some kind of beautiful
(It'll come your way) Some kind of beautiful
(It'll come your way)

All your friends think you're satisfied
But they can't see your soul, no, no, no
Forgot the time feeling petrified
When they lived alone

If you can't wake up in the morning
'Cause your bed lies vacant at night
If you're lost, hurt, tired or lonely
Can't control it - try as you might
May you find that love that won't leave you
May you find it by the end of the day
You won't be lost, hurt, tired and lonely
Something beautiful will come your way
You won't be lost, hurt, tired and lonely
Something beautiful will come your way

Credits

  • Vocalist

    Robbie Williams
  • Songwriter

    Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers
  • Band

    Andy Wallace (Hammond)
    Claire Worrall (Backing Vocals)
    Dave Bishop (Brass)
    Gary Nuttall (Backing Vocals, Electric Guitar)
    Guy Chambers (Hammond, Piano, Wurlitzer Organ)
    Jeremy Stacey (Drums)
    Katie Kissoon (Backing Vocals)
    Luis Jardim (Percussion)
    Neil Sidwell (Brass)
    Neil Taylor (Electric Guitar)
    Nick Ingham (London Session Orchestra)
    Paul Tubbs Williams (Backing Vocals)
    Phil Spalding (Bass Guitar)
    Simon Gardner (Brass)
    Steve Sidwell (Brass)
    Tessa Niles (Backing Vocals)
    Yolanda Charles (Bass Guitar)

Listen on Spotify

Watch the Music Video