Sting – If You Love Somebody Set Them Free: Lyrics and Music Video

"If You Love Somebody Set Them Free" is a song by Sting, released in 1985 as the lead single from his debut solo album, The Dream of the Blue Turtles. The song marked Sting’s transition from his role as the lead vocalist and bassist of The Police to a successful solo career. Known for its jazz-infused pop sound and positive message, the song became a commercial hit and established Sting as a solo artist with a distinctive musical style and voice.

Key Details:

• Release Date: June 1, 1985.
• Album: The Dream of the Blue Turtles (1985).
• Writer: Sting.
• Producers: Sting and Peter Smith.

Themes and Meaning:

• Freedom in Love: The song’s lyrics center around the idea of freedom in relationships. Sting emphasizes that true love requires giving someone the freedom to be themselves and live their own life. The message encourages letting go of control and possessiveness, with the idea that if the love is genuine, it will endure even without restrictions.

• Positive and Empowering Message: The song counters traditional notions of romantic relationships by promoting emotional maturity and independence. Rather than holding on tightly to a partner, the song suggests that real love is based on trust and respect for the other person’s freedom.

Lyrics Overview:

The chorus highlights the central theme of the song:

• "If you love somebody, set them free."

These lyrics encapsulate the song’s message about letting go of possessiveness and allowing freedom in a relationship.

Musical Style:

• Jazz-Influenced Pop: "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free" is heavily influenced by jazz and funk, a departure from the more rock-driven sound Sting was known for with The Police. The song features an upbeat, rhythmic groove, with complex instrumental arrangements and a blend of pop, jazz, and funk elements.

• Sophisticated Instrumentation: The track includes contributions from top jazz musicians, including Branford Marsalis on saxophone, Kenny Kirkland on keyboards, and Omar Hakim on drums. The jazz influence is prominent in the instrumental sections, giving the song a refined, sophisticated feel that distinguished it from more straightforward pop hits of the time.

Commercial Success:

• Chart Performance:
  • The song was a commercial success, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S.
  • It also performed well internationally, charting in several countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.

The success of "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free" helped launch Sting’s solo career and established him as an artist who could successfully blend different musical genres.

Background and Creation:

• Reaction to The Police’s "Every Breath You Take": Sting has mentioned that "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free" was, in some ways, a reaction to The Police’s massive hit "Every Breath You Take". While that song is often interpreted as obsessive or possessive, "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free" offers a more positive and healthy view of love, focusing on freedom and mutual respect rather than control.

• New Musical Direction: With this song and the The Dream of the Blue Turtles album, Sting moved away from the new wave and reggae-influenced rock sound of The Police and embraced more sophisticated, jazz-inspired arrangements. This change in direction was risky, but it paid off by establishing him as a versatile solo artist.

Legacy and Reception:

• Critical Acclaim: Critics praised "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free" for its upbeat energy, thoughtful lyrics, and jazz-inspired musicality. The song was seen as a bold statement of Sting’s artistic evolution, showcasing his willingness to explore new sounds and deeper lyrical themes.

• Enduring Appeal: The song remains one of Sting’s most recognizable and beloved tracks. Its positive message, combined with its catchy rhythm and sophisticated production, has made it a fan favorite and a regular feature in Sting’s live performances.

Music Video:

• The music video for "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free" features Sting performing with his band in a stylized, colorful setting. The video emphasizes the song’s joyful and upbeat energy, showing Sting and his bandmates playing their instruments in a lively, dynamic environment. The video was popular on MTV, contributing to the song’s commercial success.

Live Performances:

• Concert Staple: "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free" has been a regular part of Sting’s live performances. The song’s upbeat, rhythmic feel and jazz-inspired instrumentation make it a highlight in his concerts, where it often features extended improvisational sections showcasing the talents of his band members.

In Popular Culture:

• The song has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials over the years, often used in contexts that emphasize personal freedom, empowerment, or positive relationships.

In Summary:

"If You Love Somebody Set Them Free" by Sting is a jazz-influenced pop song that emphasizes the importance of freedom and trust in relationships. Released in 1985 as the lead single from Sting’s debut solo album The Dream of the Blue Turtles, the song became a commercial hit, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. With its sophisticated production, upbeat energy, and empowering message, the song marked a significant shift in Sting’s musical direction, blending pop with jazz and funk influences. Its enduring appeal and positive message have made it one of Sting’s most beloved tracks.