‘Message in a Bottle’ is a song by British rock band the Police. It was released as the lead single from their second studio album, Reggatta de Blanc (1979). Written by the band's lead singer and bassist Sting, the song is ostensibly about a story of a castaway on an island who sends out a message in a bottle to seek love. Having received no response for a year, he despairs, believing that he is destined to be alone. The next day, however, he sees "a hundred billion bottles" on the shore and realizes that there are more lonely people like him. The song was the first of the five UK number one singles released by the Police. Rolling Stone ranked it number 65 on its list of the "100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time".
The song exemplifies the reggae rock/new wave style of early Police. Sting said in 1000 UK #1 Hits by Jon Kutner and Spencer Leigh: "I think the lyrics are subtle and well-crafted enough to hit people on a different level from something you just sing along to. It's quite a cleverly put together metaphor. It develops and has an artistic shape to it." Guitarist Andy Summers said it was the best track he ever played on.
Cash Box described the song's hook as "a mesmerizing guitar figure" that is similar to that of Blue Öyster Cult's ‘Don't Fear the Reaper.’ Record World said that "Sharp tempo contrasts are bridged by Andy Summers' hard-edged lead guitar while singer-songwriter Sting pleads an affecting lead vocal." The song was a massive success in Britain, becoming the Police's first No. 1 hit in the UK Singles Chart. The song also topped the charts in Ireland and reached No. 5 in Australia. Despite its popularity in the UK, the single only reached No. 74 in the United States. An alternative "classic rock" mix is available on Every Breath You Take: The Classics.
‘Message in a Bottle’ is also a personal favourite of the members of the band. In addition to saying it was his favourite song in an interview with Jools Holland of the BBC, Sting described it as a "good song", and also said that he was "very proud" of it. Copeland said it was "one of our best moments in the studio and always great on stage." Summers described the track as a personal favourite in his book One Train Later, and said, "For me, it's still the best song Sting ever came up with and the best Police track." Sting told Q magazine in 1993 “’Message in a Bottle' is a good song. That can move me. I like the idea that while it's about loneliness and alienation it's also about finding solace and other people going through the same thing. The guy's on a desert island and throws a bottle out to sea saying he's alone and all these millions of bottles come back saying, So what So am I! I like the fact that the whole deal is clinched by the third verse. It makes a journey.”
Label – A&M
Songwriter – Sting
Producers – Nigel Gray, The Police
SONG LYRICS
[Intro][Verse 1]
Just a castaway, an island lost at sea, oh
Another lonely day with no one here but me, oh
More loneliness than any man could bear
Rescue me before I fall into despair, oh
[Chorus]
I'll send an SOS to the world
I'll send an SOS to the world
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
Message in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, yeah
[Verse 2]
A year has passed since I wrote my note
I should have known this right from the start
Only hope can keep me together
Love can mend your life, but love can break your heart
[Chorus]
I'll send an SOS to the world
I'll send an SOS to the world
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
Message in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, yeah
Oh, message in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, yeah
[Verse 3]
Walked out this morning, don't believe what I saw
Hundred billion bottles washed up on the shore
Seems I'm not alone in being alone
Hundred billion castaways looking for a home
[Chorus]
I'll send an SOS to the world
I'll send an SOS to the world
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
Message in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, oh
Message in a bottle, yeah
[Outro]
Sendin' out an SOS
Sendin' out an SOS
I'm sendin' out an SOS
I'm sendin' out an SOS
Sendin' out an SOS
Sendin' out an SOS
Sendin' out an SOS
Sendin' out an SOS
Sendin' out an SOS
Sendin' out an SOS
Sendin' out an SOS
Sendin' out an SOS
Sendin' out an SOS
Sendin' out an SOS
Sendin' out an SOS
Sendin' out an SOS
Sendin' out an SOS
Sendin' out an SOS
Sendin' out an SOS
Sendin' out an SOS
Sendin' out an SOS
Sendin' out an SOS
Sendin' out an SOS
Sendin' out an Esso Blue