Released 10 November 2013 Genre Pop, swing | Format Digital download Length 4:31 | |
Label Island Records, Universal Music Group Writer(s) Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers, Chris Heath | ||
"Go Gentle" is a song by British singer-songwriter Robbie Williams, released as the lead single from his tenth studio album Swings Both Ways (2013). The single was released in the United Kingdom on 10 November 2013. The song was written by Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers and Chris Heath.
Contents
Background
In an Interview with Magic FM, Williams said that the song is a promise to his daughter Teddy, he said: "Go Gentle is a promise I'm making to my daughter. It was written when she first arrived on the planet and I'd been a selfish popstar for most of my life and then all of a sudden I've been asked to take care of this whole person. I still am scared that I'm not up to the task! I'm doing a good job of being dad but it's scary, you have to look after this person for the whole of their life, I'm not very good at even looking after me!".
Music video
A music video to accompany the release of "Go Gentle" was first released onto YouTube on 16 October 2013 at a total length of three minutes and fifty seconds. The video shows Williams dressed as a sea captain and performing the song on a parade float decorated as a wooden ship, backed by a band dressed as sailors, moving through the streets of downtown Los Angeles.
Critical reception
Lewis Corner of Digital Spy gave the song a positive review stating:
"Robbie Williams's first big band effort Swing When You're Winning remains one of the most successful albums of his career so far, so it's no surprise to see him revisit the idea for a sequel. The singer's showmanship makes him a natural when it comes to the bravado and assurance of swing music, but this time out, instead of whispering sweet nothings in Nicole Kidman's ear on Christmas morning, there's a new girl who commands all of his attention. "Now when you go dancing with young men down at the disco/ Just keep it simple/ You don't have to kiss though," Robbie tells his new daughter Teddy over swaying brass and piano, prepping that serious father talk a good decade and a half in advance. But with a classic whistle line, a smooth melody and Robbie's undiminished star quality, we're pretty certain 'Go Gentle' will stand the test of time to serve its true purpose."
Live performances
On 10 November 2013, Williams performed "Go Gentle" on the live results show of The X Factor.