So Lonely

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with The Police as we spin "So Lonely" from their debut album Outlandos d’Amour at THE ZOO! This reggae-infused track, released as the third single in November 1978, has a wild backstory. Sting, the band’s bassist and lead vocalist, openly admitted to borrowing heavily from Bob Marley’s "No Woman, No Cry" for the song’s chorus, blending punk’s raw energy with reggae’s laid-back groove. In a candid interview, Sting noted, “Let’s be honest here, ‘So Lonely’ was unabashedly culled from ‘No Woman No Cry’ by Bob Marley & the Wailers. Same chorus. What we invented was this thing of going back and forth between thrash punk and reggae.” This fusion was a bold move, as reggae was gaining traction in punk circles, and The Police’s ability to play it authentically set them apart. The song’s initial release didn’t chart, but a February 1980 re-release hit No. 6 on the UK singles chart, proving its staying power.

The music video for "So Lonely" is a quirky gem, filmed in 1980 during the band’s tour in Hong Kong and Tokyo. Picture this: the trio lip-syncing into walkie-talkies, with drummer Stewart Copeland banging out drum fills on random objects like buses and street vendor wares. It’s pure Zoo Crew energy—chaotic, playful, and totally unforgettable. Another fun tidbit? The song’s title led to a famous mondegreen, where listeners misheard “So Lonely” as “Sue Lawley,” the name of a BBC broadcaster who presented Desert Island Discs. This mix-up became a running joke among fans. The track’s early recording sessions also had their own charm. On January 15, 1978, at Surrey Sound Studios, the band spliced together two takes of "So Lonely," complete with a bizarre harmonica solo and kazoo-like “beep-beep” effects that didn’t make the final cut. Thankfully, they polished it into the classic we’re spinning today.

The Police formed in 1977 in London, a time when punk was shaking up the music scene. Sting, born Gordon Sumner, was a schoolteacher by day and a jazz-rock bassist by night in Newcastle. His nickname came from a black-and-yellow striped sweater that made him look like a wasp. Drummer Stewart Copeland, who’d been slogging it out with prog-rock band Curved Air, had a vision for a new sound and roped Sting into his punk-inspired project after a chance meeting. Guitarist Andy Summers, a seasoned player who’d gigged with Soft Machine and The Animals, joined later, bringing a sophisticated edge. The trio’s diverse backgrounds—jazz, prog, and punk—fused into a fresh, genre-bending sound. With just £1,500 borrowed from Stewart’s brother, Miles Copeland, they recorded Outlandos d’Amour over six months at Surrey Sound Studios, often sneaking in during off-hours to save cash. Their hustle paid off, as “Roxanne” and “So Lonely” launched them to global stardom.

Want to dive deeper into The Police’s world? Check out their official website for the latest news and merch. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for throwbacks and updates. Fans, or shall we say Zoo Freaks of The Police, can join the r/ThePolice subreddit, where 3.1K members share anniversary posts and track discussions. For fan-driven content, PoliceWiki is a treasure trove of trivia, like detailed recording logs for "So Lonely." Sting also has his own website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, while Stewart Copeland stays active on his site, Facebook, and Instagram. Andy Summers keeps it rocking on his website and Instagram. So, Zoo Freaks, crank up "So Lonely" and let The Police’s rebel spirit take you away!