Tripping

Robbie Williams' song 'Tripping' delves into themes of struggle, resilience, and the desire for change. The lyrics suggest a narrative of overcoming adversity, as indicated by the opening lines which reference a famous quote often attributed to Mahatma Gandhi: 'First they ignore you, then laugh at you and hate you, then they fight you - then you win.' This progression implies a journey from being marginalized to ultimately triumphing, despite the challenges faced along the way.

The chorus, 'I know it's coming, there's going to be violence,' speaks to an anticipation of conflict, but also a readiness to confront it. Williams expresses a refusal to 'suffer in silence,' highlighting a breaking point where one must stand up against the oppression or pain they are enduring. The repeated line 'When a heart is broken, there's nothing to break' serves as a powerful statement of resilience; once a person has experienced the deepest pain, they become fearless in the face of further adversity.

The latter part of the song introduces a more introspective and philosophical perspective. Williams contemplates existence beyond the immediate struggles, suggesting a sense of detachment and broader understanding of life's cycles. The lines 'What you think is worthless, I'm adoring' and 'You don't want the truth, truth is boring' suggest a rejection of conventional values and a search for deeper meaning. The song ends with a sense of urgency and a desire to escape the mundane, possibly to seek out a more authentic and fulfilling existence.