About
When You Know appears on the deluxe edition of Heavy Entertainment Show and was written by Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers and comedian Jimmy Carr. It was produced by Chambers and Richard Flack and features additional instrumentation by Catherine Finch on harp and Sekou Keita on kora, a traditional West African string instrument. The track is an understated, melodic love song inspired by Williams’ wife, Ayda Field.
Williams invited Carr into the studio as an experiment, intrigued by the comedian’s sharp wit and lyrical flair. Together with Chambers, they crafted a heartfelt composition that contrasts sincere romanticism with clever wordplay. Williams said that it quickly became one of his favourites of the sessions, describing it as “a love song about Ayda that’s both funny and truthful.”
Lyrically, the song explores authenticity and intimacy, reflecting on how genuine love can pierce through self-protection. Lines such as “You wear a mask for long enough, you just forget to take it off” and “You could see right through” express vulnerability with gentle humour. A harp-driven melody and soft percussion give the song a dreamy, reflective quality that complements its confessional tone.
“It’s about Ayda, and it’s always been a firm favourite. But as often happens when you keep writing, new songs push others down the list.”Robbie Williams
When You Know was originally intended for the standard album but was replaced late in production. Ironically after Ayda herself, listening in the bath, suggested it should be removed. It remains one of the most intimate pieces on the record, combining the lyrical honesty of Williams’ early ballads with the warm, cinematic sound of his later work.
Lyrics
Didn't care who's coming next
Nights spent rolling out for danger
Days spent waking up with strangers
Leave,
You're not as strange as me
Drinking drugging Rock n Roll
Appliances you put in holes
Super models, movie stars
Waitresses and girls from Mars weren't you
They just weren't you
She said I love you so
Maybe its easy, its easy
How could I ever know
Things ain't been that easy, that easy for me
But when you know, you know
This one I'll never let, never let go
Hard to know which lies to keep
Talking in someone else's sleep
You wear a mask for long enough
You just forget to take it off
Not you, you could see right through
Around you I'm just myself
And baby its easy, its easy
When I found you, I found myself
You made it so easy, so easy for me
But when you know you know
This one I'll never let, never let go
I built a kingdom, up on a hill
If you hadn't found me, I'd be there still
Up on that hill, your tank rolled right through
Love's a revolution, a revolution for two
She said I love you so
Maybe it's easy, it's easy
How could I ever know
She hates the same people as, people as me
But when you know, you know
This one I'll never let, never let go
Credits
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Vocalist
Robbie Williams -
Songwriter
Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers, Seckou Keita, Jimmy Carr