About
Written by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1937 film Shall We Dance, They Can’t Take That Away from Me is one of the most enduring standards of the Great American Songbook. The song was first performed on screen by Fred Astaire to Ginger Rogers and later became a favourite of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. Robbie Williams recorded his version as a duet with actor Rupert Everett, whose dry wit and theatrical flair gave the performance a playful modern twist.
Set to Steve Sidwell’s bright orchestral arrangement, the pair trade lines with camp humour and self-awareness. Williams’ smooth phrasing complements Everett’s arch delivery, turning the song’s nostalgic lyric — “The way you wear your hat, the way you sip your tea” — into something both elegant and mischievous. Their chemistry brought levity and character to a song traditionally sung with romantic sincerity.
Rupert’s brilliant. He just got it straight away — the humour, the elegance, the mischief. It was fun from the moment we started.Robbie Williams
Everett went on to host the Royal Albert Hall concert, where his risqué introduction caused mild controversy but perfectly matched the show’s knowing wit. The duet itself remains a standout for its theatricality and charm, bridging classic Gershwin sophistication with Williams’ irreverent showmanship. They Can’t Take That Away from Me is both a salute to Hollywood’s golden age and a reminder that Williams’ charisma — like the song’s sentiment — is something no one can take away.
Lyrics
Credits
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Vocalist
Robbie Williams, Rupert Everett -
Songwriter
George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin -
Original Artist
Frank Sinatra