Driven to Tears

The song Driven to Tears by The Police, featured on their 1980 album Zenyatta Mondatta, carries a powerful message about global poverty and societal indifference, penned by Sting. Its political overtones marked a shift toward the band’s growing social consciousness, a theme that would echo through their later work. Though not released as a single, the track climbed to #35 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, reflecting its resonance with listeners. A live performance from 1980 in Fréjus, France, during the Zenyatta Mondatta World Tour, was captured in a video shared on The Police’s X account in 2023, showcasing the song’s raw energy on stage. That same year, the band included it in their set for the British documentary Urgh! A Music War, alongside punk and new wave acts like XTC and Devo. Sting revisited the song during significant charity events, including the 2005 Live 8 concert in London and the 2010 Hope for Haiti Now telethon, where he performed with The Roots and trumpeter Chris Botti. In his book Lyrics By Sting, he reflected on its enduring relevance, questioning whether society has grown numb to images of global suffering, citing crises like Biafra and Darfur.

A notable piece of trivia surrounds a misconception about the song’s lyrics. During the 1985 Live Aid event, Ben Orr of The Cars mistakenly claimed Sting added the line “too many cameras and not enough food” specifically for the occasion. In truth, this lyric was part of the original 1980 recording, highlighting the song’s critique of media saturation amid humanitarian crises. Fans on platforms like Reddit’s r/ThePolice have praised Driven to Tears as a standout track, with its jittery rhythm and Stewart Copeland’s dynamic drumming, filled with flourishes that amplify the song’s urgent mood. Sting’s bassline lays down a relentless groove, building intensity that mirrors the nagging guilt portrayed in the lyrics. The song’s live renditions, often extended into epic jams, became a staple of The Police’s performances, cementing its place as a fan favorite among Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO.

The Police, formed in London in 1977, brought together Sting (born Gordon Sumner), Stewart Copeland, and Andy Summers, blending punk, reggae, and jazz into a distinctive sound. Sting, the band’s bassist and lead vocalist, had been a teacher and part-time musician in Newcastle, playing in jazz-rock outfits like Last Exit before moving to London. Copeland, an American drummer raised in the Middle East as the son of a CIA officer, was already immersed in the music scene, having played with progressive rock band Curved Air. His unique, reggae-inflected drumming style became a cornerstone of the band’s sound. Summers, the guitarist, brought a wealth of experience from stints with lesser-known English rock acts like Kevin Coyne, giving the band a seasoned edge. The trio’s name, inspired by Copeland’s unconventional background, reflected their playful yet subversive attitude. They debuted with the single Roxanne in 1978, which initially flopped but later became a hit, propelling their first album, Outlandos d’Amour, to success.

The Police’s early days were marked by relentless gigging in London’s punk scene, where they carved out a niche with their eclectic style. Their second album, Reggatta de Blanc, earned them a Grammy, and by the time Zenyatta Mondatta dropped in 1980, they were global stars. The album, recorded in just four weeks amid a grueling tour schedule, showcased their ability to fuse catchy pop with complex rhythms, as heard in Driven to Tears. Despite their success, the band’s intense personalities led to legendary infighting, contributing to their breakup in 1986 after Synchronicity. Fans can connect with The Police through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where updates and archival content keep the Zoo Freaks buzzing. Dedicated fan communities thrive on sites like PoliceWiki and The Police Fans Facebook group, offering trivia, rare photos, and discussions about tracks like Driven to Tears that continue to inspire.