Robin Williams

Album: Heart Blanche (2015)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song finds Cee Lo Green paying tribute to the late comedian Robin Williams, star of such films as Dead Poets Society and Mrs. Doubtfire. As well as Williams, who committed suicide in 2014, the song also namechecks other tormented deceased comedians and actors such as Richard Pryor, Chris Farley, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and John Belushi.

    "'Robin Williams' is a homage to our humanity," said Green, "centered around the strength it takes to smile in the face of adversity."

    Williams' autopsy revealed the presence of Lewy body dementia, a disorder with symptoms similar to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's that often causes depression and paranoia.
  • The song was produced by Jon Bellion, whose other credits include Eminem's collaboration with Rihanna "The Monster" and Jason DeRulo's hit song "Trumpets."
  • Cee Lo Green told Billboard magazine about the angle he took on the song. "For this generation, Robin Williams' untimely and unfortunate death - he's probably more synonymous with that than his actual life's work," he said. "So I'm going back to Mork & Mindy and The World According to Garp and Popeye - things I actually grew up with - so I know Robin a little bit better."

    "It wasn't meant to be a tribute to the extent of an obituary," Green added. "I got to address my own empathy for him in a personal way, but also make it general and applicable to everyone."
  • Time magazine named this as their Worst Song of 2015. They said: "There's something pretty sad about trying to profit off the memory of the late Robin Williams while using his suicide for your own spiritual journey, as Cee Lo does here."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.