White Man in Hanoi (Demo)

About

White Man in Hanoi was released in December 2012 on the Different EP alongside other B-sides from Take the Crown. Written by Robbie Williams with Tim Metcalfe and Flynn Francis, and produced by the same duo, it represents one of the more experimental recordings from the album sessions. Although issued as a demo, the track’s raw energy and rhythmic intensity illustrate Williams’s continued interest in blending rock, funk and electronic styles.

The song opens with a heavy guitar riff and builds into a relentless groove, featuring a repetitive chorus and a defiant vocal delivery. Its title and refrain are chanted throughout, giving it a hypnotic, mantra-like quality. The production is dense and percussive, contrasting sharply with the polished pop of the main album. Lyrically, White Man in Hanoi mixes surreal imagery and wordplay, reflecting Williams’s fascination with identity, fame and cultural dislocation.

Among the song’s more enigmatic lines is “Mannequin, divine intervention, misguided direction is my new obsession,” which hints at themes of self-perception and the absurdity of modern celebrity. While the exact meaning remains ambiguous, Williams’s performance conveys urgency and irony in equal measure.

“It’s one of those tracks that just came out of a jam. Loud, messy and full of energy — it’s the sound of not overthinking anything.”Robbie Williams

Though less melodic than most of his catalogue, White Man in Hanoi has been appreciated by collectors for its rawness and unfiltered style. Its live, improvisational feel offers a glimpse into the more spontaneous side of Williams’s creative process during the Take the Crown sessions.