What Makes This Song Great? "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" THE POLICE

In episode 2 of "What Makes this Song Great?" we look at one of the biggest hits of the early 80's by The Police.
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[@nicholasbenton1088]

The Police was one of those awesome cases of lightning in a bottle. You had two brilliant, egotistical geniuses trying to kill each other, and Andy in the middle...himself a brilliant, genius with only love for the sound, using utility and amazing, HUGE space guitar fills to hold it all together long enough to make some timeless, imitable music. Sting is truly a bard, in every sense of the word and I envy his talent for telling concise but full stories with music.

[@ieuanphillips4963]

I dont think Stewart is egotistical at all

[@nicholasbenton1088]

You must not have heard their back and forth on tour. Ego is there...and they butted heads over it. Seldom can one possess a unique and quality impression of art with having the ego to presume that others might prefer ones own vision or impression.

[@billgroves5672]

@@ieuanphillips4963 No need to defend their uniqueness and Stewart doesn't hide the fact that he is as very opinionated & stubborn as his band brother by choice Sting. Stew's book is great & worth reading or IMO better yet listed to as an audible or book on CD. He confirms he's no shrinking violet and the Police would not exist if he wasn't the pole keeping Sting's opposite pole balanced. Sting's solo work though great is nothing like* the Police and likewise Stew's solo work not in any way Police like. The sum of the parts kind of thing or as Nicholas called it "lightning in a bottle" that we are better for even if it didn't last longer as we would like. Cheers. (*except maybe for No Time This TIme)

[@alextaylor3015]

I hope that someone gets my lightning in a bottle, yeah.

[@Auntkekebaby]

Great comment.

[@pbstratocaster]

Nothing goes under Beato´s radar. If a door slammed during a recording session, Rick would figure out who came through. Thanks for the wonderful videos.

[@mandyharewood886]

In the Caribbean, we have a calypso song called King Liar in which the writer, Lord Nelson tells the tale of a lying competition. The almost winner tells of a tailor who - "If yuh show him a man comin' roun' a corner, he could mek him a suit and doan even measure. The eventual winner one upped that with- "Don't show him the man, My tailor is class, Just show him de corner weh de fella pass." You just got your calypso pass! And on a Caribbean infused reggae/ calypso / ska song to boot!

[@d.byersrosetta5900]

The Police sounded like no one. And no one has sounded like the Police. I’m so amazed at the music I took for granted growing up...the kids today are really missing out

[@Pfeffa]

Too many tidepools now

[@epsliondelta6850]

@@Pfeffawhat does this even mean

[@hawaiidispenser]

Such a unique, beautiful song. Just the first 20 seconds of it is better than any full song nowadays.

[@robh.6940]

As a drummer, I have to say that Stewart Copeland is one of the hardest drummers to follow.

[@herseem]

The drums on 'No Time This TIme' as they fade out at the end make the hairs on my neck stand on end. Still.

[@mellotronage7073]

Michael Giles (King Crimson) always had that effect on me. Ditto for Vinnie Colaiuta, but Vinnie could confuse a lot of tubs players, as he was/is a cream of the crop player of countless styles of music. Vinnie's time with Zappa didn't help either. Not only was that music extremely involved, but Zappa's fondness of "xenochrony" during his time with Frank further complicates things. Xenocrony was Zappa's term for piecing together pieces of recorded music that were superimposed over one another. This is used extensively on Zappa's "Guitar" series & on Sheik Yerbouti somewhat, as well as other albums. The melody of guitar or keyboard sections may have no relation to the rhythm section until FZ imposed them together for what he thought was a satisfying outcome. Try learning drums to music given THAT recording scenario/process...sometimes with different time signatures.... yikes!

[@gooberthorpos8195]

He is one of the best drummers ever, so under appreciated

[@cameronlund1674]

Agreed 100%. If you want another workout of the brain and chops, try following Carter Beauford....

[@casenowie]

He is left handed playing a right handed drumkit like Ringo Starr, Clem Burke (Blondie) Cecar Zuiderwijk (Golden Earing) and me 😊. His hi hat patterns and use of delay fx are fantastic. Such a great drummer!

[@williamvillar7134]

You know how the Wizard of OZ kind of dispelled the magic by revealing the man behind the curtain? Your videos are the opposite of that, Rick. These songs somehow become more magical when you break them down like this. The Police are one of my favorite bands of all time, I love all of their tracks and this was great to watch. Thank you.

[@brianoconnor7796]

Totally agree with you

[@ABobby077]

I think for the Police it is a case of so much layered to discover bit by bit what we are hearing. It is almost magical and if, anything, helps us appreciate their amazing talent even more so.

[@BadlndsBob]

Yes, this band is one of my 2 or three favorites. I also think that Stewart Copeland is an amazing and creative drummer - my favorite.

[@milanporopat1157]

Same here!

[@mandyharewood886]

Yeah, it's just like that. Brilliant!

[@riccaonweb]

"I remember saying, 'Okay put up Sting's original demo and I'll show you how crummy it is.' So Sting stood over me and waved me through all the changes. I did just one take, and that became the record." - Copeland, Revolver 2000

[@hawkdog110]

Been hearing The Police for ages but I’ve just recently discovered how fuckin genius they are musically. Great vid my dude

[@markkittel44]

Watching them live on their Reunion tour showed that up close. Damn they were good.

[@anthonyf3680]

I’m only 20 so I wasn’t alive when they were in their prime and I have just discovered them, their so unique and different Its like Ive just found a gem

[@busking6292]

Member of a punk band(can't remember who) said to Sting --'that's not punk you're playing' Sting--'maybe not but I'll be playing this when you're driving a minicab'

[@larryrowe5259]

2 years have gone by Mike, but you always knew how good they were. Rick breaks it down to confirm that. I am 70 now but played bass in some good bands. Still do. Very difficult to play his songs, but we give it a shot.

[@Auntkekebaby]

I always knew. Haven't stopped listening the whole time.

[@s5saweig]

Every little video he does is magic.

[@brianoconnor7796]

Lmao, touché!!

[@johnnymcribblestonebreaker5910]

I never realized there was so much going on in this song. I knew Sting, Andy, and Stewart were geniuses but my appreciation is at a whole new level now.

[@euex]

Four minutes song, 18 min massive description. This song definitely deserves this. Thanks Mr. Beato, great video, as always.

[@SPQRTempus]

The thing is this video could be twice as long and still not cover everything they did.

[@Print229]

I only understand about a third of what you're saying. I just like watching a real musician appreciate a good song. :)

[@tdrewke]

I know, I did study music but not nearly enough to keep up with Rick. Great stuff.

[@daviddoyle4008]

Amen! It is the passion....I tell my kids whenever someone is passionate about something it becomes interesting to me.

[@uba2]

Yeah, who's this Lydia person? :-)

[@fifthape2119]

You make looking at a song like opening a birthday present and finding exciting surprises inside!

[@jamoncure]

What an awesome way to describe Rick Beato’s awesome talent!!!! Every song is a delight to hear, and his analysis is so incredible. Yes, MANY exciting surprises inside of every great song that he does!!! Thanks for your comment, you nailed it!!!

[@ericgelders]

@@jamoncure Second that, to Fifth Ape too! His explaining only makes me love the songs and bands more!

[@Creaulx]

I think Sting was singing "Be-at-o" on the outro.

[@stephenschramm1233]

Come on, that was funny. New to this series.

[@anthonysaunders345]

Lol yeah, man!

[@waynemontpetit8181]

😂😂😂

[@mikekavanaughdotcom]

LOL

[@jpag57]

🤣

[@cutl00senc]

I’m so amazed at the music I took for granted growing up...the kids today are really missing out

[@EMan-tp4zp]

there are funy reaction videos. A rapper hearing Zeppelin and amazed at Plant being so blusey. A lot of people stop to talk. as a musician that irritates the F outta me. some people are just speechless pretty funny

[@4r1mAS]

everybody in my school loves that stupid rap music

[@kayelle8005]

I feel sorry that auto tune was ever invented.

[@dereklepiesza5022]

I love it when Copeland starts playing on the ride, and absolutely love his ride cymbal sound!

[@bergerdrum]

For the first three albums, it was a 22" A. Zildjian Ping Ride. (I'm very lucky to have a mid-to-late-80's model of that cymbal - sounds very much like it.) Once he got his Paiste endorsement he used either a 22" 602 Heavy (which I believe is on this album) or a 22" RUDE (which is on Synchronicity). When I saw them in early '82 touring for this album, their program listed their gear, and on Copeland's page, it listed both rides, but I remember seeing RUDEs that night. Between the Police and Night Ranger, I was driven to eventually get a 22" RUDE. :D

[@MegaCurtisimo]

@@rhythmsteve Preach, brother!

[@padmakshkhandelwal1832]

His hi-hats are almost as good as John Bonham's bass drum. That's incredible, as I consider John Bonham as the GOAT.

[@Pfeffa]

TOTALLY. all his embellishments are fascinating

[@BigBass-xf5yi]

There’s nothing like it.

[@canaan_perry]

It's a tremendous service you're providing here with your videos -- thanks for sharing your knowledge and ideas.

[@GuitarTuningOnline]

Dito, Beato ;P

[@luvpants2012]

Absolutely

[@conniethesconnie]

I find Rick's lesson's extremely informative and inspirational. Has me spending covid thinking I can put all the pieces together and write a great song. I haven't Maybe someone who can actually sing and play an instrument is watching and taking notes. Hopefully when everyone starts returning to the studio we will have some great music being produced because they learned the small elements that transform a song from being run of the mill to special.

[@psychoshamrock]

My god, this record is 40 years old now???? So happy this popped up in my mentions. I LOVE this song!!! I miss the Police so badly...

[@thomashaney4175]

I've heard the song 1000 times and I thought it was only my 13-year-old self when this song came out that always waited for "it's a big enough umbrella......". Thank you Rick for truly enriching my music appreciation and giving this 56 year guitar player a vocabulary with which to work when attempting to share my lifelong passion for great music. You're doing good things, thank you. Peace😎

[@fabioastolfi7171]

This song was way ahead of its time and, indeed, would be a great hit today. Timeless. Brings me teenagehood memories.

[@AndE667]

Well, given how boring today's pop music, this would probably have more of a cult status. 🤷‍♂️

[@88wildcat]

Especially since the album came out in late 1981, not 1983.

[@Mansardian]

Same here. As soon as I heard it in this video I immediately had a time machine effect. Strange thing is that today when I stream this song it doesn't feel like I 'own' this song if you know what I mean. Back then, when I bought a record, it felt like the songs were mine, like my own life soundtrack. I don't have that feeling with streaming anymore. It is rather like borrowing a drop of water from the sea. Don't like that

[@johnl4235]

I love it as much today, as much as i did when i first heard it the 80s

[@eladbari]

​@@88wildcat Thank you SO MUCH for writing that! For a long long time I thought of how much I love and connect with this song, how it has a special place in my heart and how it brings optimistic uplifting feelings to me. After you wrote it came out in late 1981 - I had to google the exact release date, and I was floored! It came out exactly on the day I was born. Life's insane.

[@diogoappraisal]

I never realized how complex music is until watching this channel

[@tedfangc]

This is music writing, performance and arrangements at its highest form

[@David-tg8ku]

This just makes me shiver with emotion - personally I think it's one of the best melodies ever.

[@edwu8253]

This song has so many hidden gems

[@jeffreywolfe1]

The Police were genius artists and so are you, Mr. Beato. I cannot tell you how appreciative I am of your work. I was in high school and college in the late 70s/early 80s and the emotional connection we all had to this music has not been dimmed one iota by time. Your deconstruction helps those of us who lived this music at its creation and will undoubtedly inspire a whole new generation of listeners. Pure bliss......Thank you, again.

[@sorscha1308]

I like that "It's a big enough umbrella" pops up throughout Sting's career in other songs. I remember spotting it on Ten Sumner's Tales in Seven Days & being really pleased that i recognised it from this earlier song. I was about 11 at the time so the idea of a self-reference just seemed so clever and funny to me, especially in that song.

[@mattjohn4731]

Doesn't he sing it in Oh My God?

[@sorscha1308]

@Greg Elchert yeah, that's a nice one - haha.

[@thewomble1509]

@@mattjohn4731 Yes.

[@theredheadsaidNYC]

I think Sting loves his reprises. :)

[@17utk]

@sorscha Oh I always think about Sting's go to lyrical motifs. I feel he sings "its a big enough umbrella... but it's always me that ends up getting wet" in a lot of his songs. It's almost like a lyrical tic.

[@lmac6635]

The Police were such fabulous band. No one has ever matched their sound. They broke up when I was in high school and I’m STILL sad they couldn’t keep it together. Rick, thanks for such a great video series. Addicted.

[@christopheryasus3666]

I ALMOST saw police in 85 Madison sq garden =/ I saw van halen in 85 but if I coulda bucket listed w police then it would have been fantastic

[@rulinghabs]

They broke up in the same era as when Van Halen split up. Just when they both had epic albums

[@EMan-tp4zp]

Stevie Ray died, i took two days off.

[@rockydiamond]

@@EMan-tp4zp I remember it was in August. Hot as fuck. I was devastated..

[@mrbungle7586]

I saw the police in Melbourne in 84, I was 15 and again in 2008 along with every Sting tour. My fav band and was so sad when they stopped. Thx Rick for another greet vid, u r awesome. Cheers

[@strummer511]

Oh my god, this series is music nerd heaven. Thank you. Please do all the songs.

[@kayelle8005]

Thrilled to have come across this series in quarantine. Loving it so much.

[@Jonnyspeidon]

A really small detail that I really love is the fact that in the first verse sting sings "I've tried to tell her all the feelings i have for her in my heart", and he goes up from the G to the C#, but he doesn't reach the D (which is the tonic), and I reallt think this builds a very interessing tension in the song, giving us the feeling that he is trying, reaching up, and coming back to the Modal G. But that might be very subjective. Great video, Rick.

[@jabehauber]

Stewart's fill near the end of the song is effing huge and iconic. I often listen to the whole song in anticipation for that lick. Oh yeah, and his hihat work is off the charts.

[@paulmoncton]

The whole time, it was delay on the hats. Imagine the agony drummers trying to reproduce this live, without delay for the last nearly 40 years......lol

[@migphilliplaw9941]

I just posted this elsewhere in the comments here, but just within the last week or so, doing an interview for his current orchestral tour, he said that he couldn't reproduce that film now if he tried.

[@YouTubeCensor]

👍 14:25

[@ab348]

I'm the same way. What I call "the triple fill" is what first got me about this song and still gets me today. While it did get a caption on the video, the lack of a comment otherwise disappointed me. When this one gets rolling it is fabulous. Copeland's drumming is superb. It is too bad the tension among the three, mostly due to Sting, ended the band's reign prematurely.

[@luvpants2012]

What's amazing is that many of these nuances came instinctively to the artist, not so planned out. It's part of their gift.

[@briankelley4492]

Man, I'm just so amazed how deeply he dissects all these songs. Such a genius! Making me notice things I've never heard before. For example, hearing Summers' shank rhythms during the chorus, which I never really noticed it before. Almost like the guitar is washed out a little in the mix, you have to listen very closely. I don't know music theory or Lydian-this or sharp-that, but he makes it interesting that you understand it in an abstract way (if not a natural musician like myself). And yes, what more can you say about Copeland and his classic syncopation, and use of the snare and splashes. Nobody plays like him.

[@planetpjr]

Haunting and organic sound. A real classic. The whole album is amazing.

[@r.d.coronado1464]

I stumbled onto your channel when I watched, “Why Sting is So Uncopyable”. I grew up listening to the Police and continued when Sting went solo. I have always appreciated his music. Now watching your explanation of Sting’s arrangements has only reinforced my love for the music. Thank you for your explanation. Though I am not a musician and was totally taken aback by the terminology, I was slack jawed. Again thank you and I have subscribed to your channel.

[@frazzleface753]

I think they were able to remain a 3 piece because of Stewart Copeland's drumming. It was always so interesting and intricately played.

[@salutoalduce4550]

I've been listening The Police for the last 24 years and I'm a fan of Stewart Copeland's drumming, and this song blows my mind every time I hear it, specially the drumming of Stewart Copeland. My first The Police's album was "Ghost in the machine", and I think it's the best, and that's because it shows all the talent of mr. Copeland.

[@Pfeffa]

It only took me 6 months to realize the cover was a lo fi digital rendering of their three faces 🤯

[@vox1962]

In watching this and the first episode of this series I can’t help but feel that the vast majority of people completely take for granted the thought and artistry that goes into the music that they consider a throw away commodity

[@Ynotchila]

Stewart Copeland is the best drummer ever in my opinion! GOAT 🥁

[@giaimant8619]

👍

[@BigBass-xf5yi]

There are many great drummers for many reasons, but yeah, I can’t argue with you.

[@gregs3627]

I don't know if he's the greatest ever but he's the greatest I've ever seen live. Incredible.

[@oohkumar]

Yes sir. Definitely. I’ve always put him ahead of Bonham/Peart.

[@FMCTJR56]

our mother is alive - very nice SC tune, enjoy!

[@fespa]

Rick Beato just showed me that all these years that I have been to the The Police museum, I never went inside to see the masterpieces. I thought the building was all that was to be seen. And what a great building it was.

[@marieperry5052]

More than meets the ear.

[@anekedudy8369]

What a great comment. Thank you! 😊

[@daniel343ful]

I don't hear or feel music the way Rick does. My mind is blown away about how it's constructed. whole new appreciation too. Thanks Rick!!!

[@Augfordpdoggie]

Sorry for you

[@streetmansam5073]

@daniel343ful Don’t think many of us hear the music the way Rick does!!😂 Unbelievable the way he does🤔

[@jetydosa1]

his breakdown of this song has transformed this song for me

[@ArisAlamanos]

The Police are absolute giants. So are you Mr Rick Beato. I absolutely LOVE your channel. Thank you so much for all this incredible stuff, from song dissections to musical theory lessons, everything you do is magic!

[@migphilliplaw9941]

One of my favorite things about this song is that in the outro, which is kind of a song in itself, the baseline has 4 different ascending melodies. A long duration 1-5, then a shortish 1-5-7-8, then another shortish 1-5-7-8 (but with duration of the 7-8 flipped), then finally a revisit of the intro bassline. Gotta turn it up to hear it!

[@premanadi]

Sting wrote the song before the Police and had a demo of it. He brought in the keyboard player and the rest of the band was not happy about it, didn't think it sounded like a Police song. They tried different versions to make it sound more like their sound, but in the end Copeland and Summers just played against the demo. And it was a big hit. Awesome song.

[@aurohollo9235]

This song is so magical & euphoric! It gives chills!

[@manuelmorillo6768]

Ghost in the Machine was released in 1981. I remember because I bought it on cassette that year…still great modern sounding record. And Stewart Copeland’s drumming is absolutely superb.

[@MrBricameron]

What a monster of a drummer Stewart Copeland is. He’s so musical in his playing.

[@Jeff-Vader_head_of_catering]

It is absolutely astonishing how much thought and effort goes into even just the nuances of these "great songs".

[@jimgeary]

G Lydian was never the same after the Watergate breakin.

[@ShotDownInFlames2]

That is a great comment.

[@SwampyFox]

Hilarious

[@DaJesta088]

Extremely underrated comment... LOL

[@Nightbreed82]

I don't get it but I laughed anyway.

[@ed-tinakaszubowski1005]

@@Nightbreed82 google" "G. Gordon Liddy"

[@Geekman333]

I had this tune on in the car this afternoon coming home from work and I was captivated by the keyboards thinking "this song is pure genius". And here we are. Found this video by chance. Great vid. Thank you.

[@mightyV444]

Coincidences don't exist! ;-)

[@paulmoncton]

Jean Alain Roussel

[@michaelcorbett4236]

The feeling of this song is amazing. I once heard a cover band when I worked in a bar in Belfast. The drummer was from the Undertones. They played this near the end and it was perfect. People actually stopped with their mouths open when it started. And that's all down to the Police's arrangement.

[@bryanfarrow914]

The first time I heard the opening riff of Roxanne, my ears were hooked. I've been rocking the Police albums since the late 70's when Outlandos D'Amour was released.

[@montraix]

Rick, Sting couldn’t sing the song better than the demo, so they kept the demo, slightly out of tune because of the difference in the power on the island of Monserrat where it was re-recorded around the vocals. Sting discussed the island power and tuning because he was worried he couldn’t control his voice anymore. Wound up power surges were varying the tuning. He also said couldn’t match the excitement of the vocal from his demo. You can here it’s a doctored cassette

[@meadish]

Interesting how the Montserrat studio comes up in this context just one day after I read about Mark Knopfler's guitar tone on Money for Nothing, which was apparently a 'lucky accident' in the Montserrat studio, that they weren't able to replicate when they tried off the island.

[@devononair]

Interesting insight :)

[@adelaideloop9732]

Yes, this. Or something like this. It's out of tune because they cut the track to parts of the out of tune demo that Sting had cut with the piano player. They just could capture the magic (sorry) that Sting felt the demo had, so they recorded the parts of the demo on to the multitrack, tuned to it, then performed their parts. My understanding is the piano and a drum machine are what's left of the demo. And the bass sounds like an strange upright without a body that Sting called "Brian". He used it live for this song during this period. It has a really unique sound. It's "Brian".

[@robingardella6240]

Wow, an interesting possibility!

[@billyd5749]

I used to always turn up the end, I actually still do listening to that song on Spotify. It used to drive me crazy when radio stations would cut it off.

[@2032bick52]

Yes! Also-and nobody seems to mention it-the LYRICS. Sting always personalizes his lyrics as if they are part of an ongoing story of his life and relationships. It’s like he goes to the backstory (which connects with other song’s lyrics) right at the end, as if there is this story going on all the time. Never has a tag-on fade-out contained so much lyrical interest and detail. (Maybe in among the Beatle’s songs, I dunno) One of the all time great songs.

[@D3N53]

I was 10 when this dropped and I remember it was impossible not to jump around the living room like a lunatic to the chorus 🤩. It was a musical sugar rush 💯🎶🍭

[@BigBass-xf5yi]

Same here and I couldn’t have explained it any better then u did. Lol👍

[@sylvainroy9509]

"this is what makes Sting a genius as a writer" - totally agree :)

[@CrudeBrothers]

These videos are brilliant and so fascinating

[@matthewwells1606]

God they were so good. Little 13 year old Matthew was so devastated when they broke up.

[@gliblyaware]

Copeland's hat work on this is sublime!

[@kurtdyer]

Just read that this was the FIRST AND ONLY take by Copeland. Oh my god.

[@donlopeaguirre112]

unreal.

[@operator6471]

I find him the most interesting drummer of all drummers.

[@moreheff]

Stewart Copeland is something else. Genius drummer.........

[@rohanroll]

The boy has monstruous chops indeed. 😁😁

[@johnkotches8320]

I’m constantly amazed by his cymbal work. Heard this tune this morning in a convenience store. Compelled to rewatch.

[@ProvineStudios]

The Police sounded like no one. And no one has sounded like the Police.

[@Brax1982]

Except for The Outfield, Men At Work and Wang Chung.

[@WuLi4B]

Really? "License and registration please sir." They all sound like the Police. Right! Some don't say please, but they all say sir.

[@alexandert696]

are we talking about cops ?

[@sgtlonly6145]

Soda stereo is a well known Argentinean rock band who's influence were mostly the police

[@tiktokisthescumoftheearth1530]

Bruno Mars kinda sounds like the police, At times.

[@antrod3d]

Since I'm already in love with this song, I didn't think I could fall in love with it a second time. I was wrong! Thanks for the video.

[@darp0z5]

One of the most uplifting pieces of music ever. I've always found this song fascinating to the ear and this video does a great job of explaining why. What a wonderful breakdown. Thanks Rick!

[@Auntkekebaby]

Yes

[@JonahUniverse]

The Police are my favorite band and this has always been a lackluster song from their catalog in my opinion. However, this video really opened my eyes to how much is actually going on and how brilliantly written and arranged it is. I've known the song for almost my entire life and I'm just now finding a love for it. Thank you!

[@marvinolds6671]

Well, this lackluster track made it to No 3 on the US charts. I guess the Police's lackluster catalog entry would be a career song for other bands.

[@bwake]

It was always my favorite of their recordings.

[@drawntofashionillustration9596]

Seriously? Or are you being sarcastic on purpose? Anyone would guess the song based on the first five bars of piano brilliance.

[@GhostGuitars]

lackluster? Its actual magic that verse

[@JonahUniverse]

To explain to everyone I upset lol, I always thought the chorus was a bit too obvious and cheesy, almost like it was written to be played at wedding dances or to be put in commercials. I still kinda feel that way, but every other aspect of the song has always been incredible to me.

[@darendarendaren]

This is my favorite series on KZbin.

[@NahreSol]

Thank you for introducing me to this music and helping me appreciate it on so many levels! Also, I loved the white score references you included!!

[@RickBeato]

Thanks Nahre! The white score I borrowed from you :)

[@realistindenial]

I just want to say that even though I'm not a musician, I love watching this video series. I've learned a lot about the creative and collaborative process needed to produce a great song.

[@kenperk9854]

The number of great bands solos and songwriters that came out of the 70s is absolutely mind blowing!

[@patrickjaroch5084]

one of the best albums in my youth. i loved this album

[@filmelitt]

Much much appreciated, sir - I was 17 when the album came out (in norway) and it somehow changed my shallow world of punkrock vs classical music into a profound respect for live/trio studio work... the hi-hat triplets, the flanged double bass, the damped delay git picking... everything driven by some kind of conflict - musical energy loaded with purpose. Thanks for breaking it down in pieces while brilliantly explaining the theory... bringing back memories :)

[@eddierayvanlynch6133]

filmelitt - "conflict loaded with purpose" Yes! What blew me away about this song is that it goes from anxiety to adoration (verse to chorus), and the music synch's up perfectly with the lyrics. Every teenage dude that ever daydreamed about a chick GETS this tune. And yeah, I was fourteen when it came out, so Lol! 😎

[@UrbanwarriorTheSOV]

I knew those years back I was in the presence of genius. And there were quite a few appeared in my era. So much musical magic ❤️😃❤️

[@c.brogansavage3385]

This is such a beautiful song. The opening always makes my hairs stand on end. Thanks for deconstructing 😊

[@Pfeffa]

You're right. Those four notes were in the collective unconscious or something

[@scottpatrick8645]

Wow....what an unbelievable ear you have, and your way of explaining it. But your ear, a natural gift, something you are born with.

[@tonymarinelli7304]

It is so sad that Stewart Copeland is a forgotten incredible drummer. I love the way he tunes his drums, his snare drum has the most incredible pop and he isn’t your typical four to the floor boring drummer, he played some unique rhythms, he’s fantastic. Once I heard him speak about how his father was in the Air Force and he spent time in the Middle East and he learn Middle Eastern rhythms. I am half Middle Eastern and I must say knowing Arabic/African rhythms really can set you apart from other guitar players and drummers in what you can do. When I play rhythm guitar along side several other guitarist I can immediately find counterrhythms that leave them scratching their head and can always stay in the pocket.... moral of the story is don’t be a one trick pony. I think like a drummer.

[@gooberthorpos8195]

He is one of the all time greatest drummers in my opinion. His style is completely unique to him, and the level of complexity yet simpleness he plays with, especially on the hihat is unmatched.

[@respectfullydisagree711]

I never forgot him. He’s been one of my all time faves, since I got my first kit in the 5th grade 38 years ago. But he is often overlooked, and missing from far too many peoples top 10 lists.

[@jimgeary]

Forgotten? Whenever a new drummer is written up in MD, there’s a 50/50 chance that they will list John Bonham or Copeland as an influence. Amongst rock drummers, he is sitting with Bonzo in the Pantheon. That’s about all you can do.

[@theredheadsaidNYC]

Don't worry, Copeland was fully appreciated the entire time of the Police and after. :)

[@kennethlatham3133]

He is a good composer/songwriter, too! Did the score and single from Coppola's film "Rumble Fish".

[@SteveOliver-hh3rc]

It's such a beautiful song! It has everything in it. It's never corny, it has power, style and grace that just bursts out of it. So melodic too. There aren't many songs you can throw the kitchen sink at and not make it sound ridiculous. They achieve it here because all 3 are such great musicians and so knowledgeable! One seriously amazing song and well explained! Enjoyed listening to your breakdown of this wonderful song!

[@twofromfive1280]

This song floored me when i first heard it. It was just hauntingly beautiful in the opening then blooms into the chorus. Copelands drumming, as always, was incredible. For three guys they were a giant of a band. Wish I could have seen them live. Maybe they’ll fry the itch again. 🤞🏻

[@nncoco]

The drumming in this song is incredible. Great lyrics too.

[@Gunners_Mate_Guns]

Definitely That's the legendary Stewart Copeland's skill shining through. I'll often listen to an entire Police song and concentrate exclusively on the percussion from Stewart and just marvel at that alone.

[@mightyV444]

@tracy smith - From 6:00 onwards you can tell just how hard he was hitting those drums, too! :-)) I had learnt to play the drums by playing along to the 'Zenyatta Mondatta' album, when it was released :-)

[@harrydidthis]

Oh my god i love this song so much I hit like as soon as he revealed the name of the song in the intro. P.S for some reason this song always give me the feeling and image of falling deeply in love with someone, especially the beautiful keyboard melody

[@AmyHewett]

Thiiiiiis.

[@OhanaFilms]

I have such strong childhood memories attached to this song. Nothing in particular other than remembering EXACTLY what it felt like to be about 10 years old. This song stirs something really powerful up in me.

[@davidanania5618]

Stewart's fill in the chorus at about 2 min 11 sec (of the actual song) is probably my favorite fill of his...the overall attitude and drive in his playing is undeniable but this fill somehow bowls me over every time.

[@AlerieHightower]

It's a tough choice for me between this song and Driven to Tears for sheer Copeland brilliance.

[@rappinneallyp]

Never noticed that one before reading your comment. It is awesome. The obvious one right before the “EEE OH OH’s” always gets me. The whole reason I’m watching this video right now though is trying to find someone to analyze why the entire “EEE OH OH!” ending is so fantastic. I love a good amount by The Police but I wouldn’t even say I’m a “big fan,” but something about the last few minutes of this song, with the necessary context of the rest of it, is one of the best things to ever happen in pop music, imo, and I just dont understand why. Of all the minutiae of genius sprinkled throughout this song, the EEE OH OH’s (and ESPECIALLY that last extended fade out one) are the best. Why?! Someone explain to me why that ending is so great! I’ve thought this for decades. It just hits the spot for me. Maybe I’ll never understand it. WHY IS THE “EEE OH OH!” part so great?!? Arrgh!

[@chrisshollinrake6826]

Almost like hearing a new song all over again, magic Rick.

[@benthomwood]

Wow, I don't think I've ever heard a pop song dissected like this. This is incredible. I am having a little trouble knowing if the artists in question knew what they were doing, just liked it or were lucky. I shall look forward to learning more, Thanks Rick

[@MisterBoy316]

I think Sting probably knew, he's a talented guy.

[@artschiloyan9101]

@@MisterBoy316 hahaha Sting is a fucking genius! His songwritings skills are pretty much unique.

[@joshentertainment2]

Is this pop music

[@timhays332]

They knew exactly what they were doing! So they kept doing it ... At least until Sting outgrew the format

[@nonanona-zz6se]

This song gives me eargasms every single time. Couple that with Stewart's little shorts, playing 'Every Little Thing' on KZbin is a very pleasant experience all round.

[@brenhutchinson5017]

Phenomenal song and Stewart Copeland is hands down one of the best drummers ever ... Thanx Rick still the best channel on you tube ..your knowledge helps a music lover understand how the production of a record is down your amazing

[@scoopsmcgoops]

I’d like to echo everyone else’s statement that this series is amazing, Rick. Really good insights.

[@erickt1974]

I don't know too much about music theory and don't understand much but hell is this a great series to watch

[@samanthafox2664]

OMG, what an amazing breakdown of such a fantastic song. Thank you so very much for sharing your knowledge and making this 54 year old lady fall in love with The Police all over again! x

[@omnymisa]

At this point is not every day I can just listen to that song, sure if have to do with some past story, but when I can take it, I enjoy it so much

[@chriscameron643]

Best new series of 2018

[@atquinn1975]

Great breakdown! One of many examples of Sting’s songwriting genius. And I actually got to hear the guitar for the first time ever!

[@MegaCurtisimo]

Man, what a great song. And THAT (14:31) drum fill followed by the cymbal bell taps by Copeland... (chef's kiss)

[@NigelMarston]

I heard this song when it was first released and knew I had to learn to play drums there and then. That machine gun triple snare fill towards the end is the most perfect piece of music on any instrument ever.

[@jasont.9559]

Wow! It's funny, I've heard this song hundreds and maybe even over a thousand times and never realized just how complex it really is. It's mind blowing when broken down to it's individual parts and your analysis is top notch. I absolutely loved this, thanks Rick.

[@guitari-guitartuition1369]

This series is possibly the best thing on you tube at the mo!! Great work Rick!!

[@gilguajardo7808]

One of the most beautiful songs ever! I totally thought of this song while watching your Lydian video, but am only now seeing that you did a video all about this song! Gosh... every little thing this song does is magic!

[@diatonicjon]

My Dad gave me a cassette tape with 4 The Police songs on it when I was very young. This song, Roxanne, message in a bottle and walking on the moon. This song has stuck with me my whole life. I love the lydian sound for some reason, I always have, even before I played instruments. My Dad had such a good taste in music and always supported my interest in music. He passed away 3/24/23. Thank you, Dad.

[@tubeyhamster]

Every element of this song is so beautiful.

[@RagedContinuum]

every little thing it does is magic

[@davebellamy4867]

I remember this on the radio so well on its release, being played near Christmas one year in the UK. Fabulous song really. Love those climbing notes. The rising notes are absolutely magic, both the guitar and the bass. There's more music in this song than a lot of albums.

[@terrastar14]

Just found you tonight, and though my musical knowledge is very sparse, I loved watching and listening to all the comments. I have to say your passion is contagious!

[@evenstephen2000]

I love the way you impeccably nail all the instrument sounds, Rick. And I love that it’s important to you because it makes the whole experience so authentic!