Rehumanize Yourself

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Rehumanize Yourself" by The Police from their 1981 album Ghost in the Machine, and Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this track’s gritty energy and social commentary. Written by Sting and drummer Stewart Copeland, the song dives into themes of dehumanization in modern life, touching on violence, alienation, and societal pressures. One striking lyric, “They kick a boy to death ’cause he don’t belong,” was inspired by a real tragedy near Sting’s home, where a gang of skinheads fatally attacked a young man. Sting, reflecting in his book Lyrics By Sting, noted that becoming a father around this time deepened his commitment to themes of peace and nonviolence, which pulse through the song’s call to “humanize yourself.”

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s creation process. Stewart Copeland originally penned both music and lyrics, but Sting, finding the lyrics not quite right, rewrote them to fit the band’s evolving style, as noted in Wikipedia’s entry on the album. The track also stands out for its use of saxophone riffs, a hallmark of Ghost in the Machine, with Sting himself playing all the sax parts, as recalled by guitarist Andy Summers in interviews. Fans might also recognize the song from its appearance in the 1984 Tom Hanks comedy Bachelor Party, giving it a quirky pop-culture footnote. A 2022 reissue of the album included additional tracks but kept “Rehumanize Yourself” as a fan favorite for its raw, punk-infused edge, as highlighted in a Last.fm overview.

The Police, formed in London in 1977, emerged from the vibrant post-punk scene with a unique blend of reggae, rock, and pop. The band—Sting on vocals and bass, Stewart Copeland on drums, and Andy Summers on guitar—came together when Copeland, a seasoned drummer with progressive rock roots, met Sting, then a jazz-influenced bassist and singer playing in Newcastle. As detailed in their official bio on The Police’s website, Summers, a veteran of the British music scene, joined later, replacing original guitarist Henry Padovani. Their early gigs in small London clubs, fueled by Sting’s songwriting and the band’s tight chemistry, quickly built a buzz. Their debut album, Outlandos d’Amour (1978), with hits like “Roxanne,” broke them into the mainstream, blending raw energy with sophisticated rhythms.

The band’s rise wasn’t without hurdles. Recording their early albums on tight budgets meant long hours in low-rent studios, but their persistence paid off. By the time Ghost in the Machine dropped in 1981, The Police were global stars, with the album hitting number one in the UK and number two in the US, according to Wikipedia. Their innovative sound, blending reggae’s laid-back grooves with rock’s urgency, set them apart, and Sting’s introspective lyrics added depth. The band released five studio albums before a hiatus in 1984, reuniting for a massively successful 2007-2008 tour, as noted on Last.fm. Though they disbanded in 1986, their influence endures in rock and pop.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with The Police through their official website, where you’ll find discography, tour archives, and news. The band’s social media presence includes their Facebook page, Instagram account, and X profile, where they share throwbacks like Sting’s reflections on Ghost in the Machine and rare photos. Fans can dive deeper at PoliceWiki, a comprehensive fan-run site with detailed song histories and album notes. For community vibes, check out the The Police Fan Group on Facebook, where fans swap stories, memorabilia, and love for tracks like “Rehumanize Yourself.”