Singers and Vocalists, Song Lyrics

Message in a Bottle Lyrics by The Police

The Police was a famous rock band from England that started in the late 1970s. The group had three members: Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland. Their music mixed rock and punk, and they became known for big hits like Every Breath You Take and Roxanne.

The band released five albums and sold millions of records worldwide, and won six Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Performance. In 2003, they were added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Even after they broke up, their songs stayed popular, and they are still remembered as one of the top bands.

About the Song

Message in a Bottle is a hit song about feeling lonely and sending a message, hoping someone will understand.

Detail	Info
Released	October 2, 1979
Album	The Police (2007)
Writer	Sting
Producers	The Police, Nigel Gray

Read the Lyrics of Message in a Bottle

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

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

Similar Songs Like Message in a Bottle

Here are other songs by The Police that bring a similar mix of sound and spirit.

Every Breath You Take: Opening with a smooth guitar line, this song is calm but haunting. It became a global hit for its simple but deep lyrics.
Roxanne: With its reggae beat and bold subject, this song stands out as one of the band’s earliest and most daring singles.
Don’t Stand So Close to Me: This song kicks off with a soft keyboard touch and tells a story about boundaries. The build-up shows the band’s great timing.
Walking on the Moon: This track has a unique feel thanks to its slow and spacey groove. It mixes relaxed beats with thoughtful lyrics and smooth guitar work.

Similar Artists Like The Police

If you’re drawn to Message in a Bottle’s urgent guitars and rhythmic storytelling, here are some similar artists you might like. These bands mix rock with something unexpected.

Talking Heads
Genres: New Wave, Post-Punk, Art Rock
Top Albums: Remain in Light (1980), Speaking in Tongues (1983), Fear of Music (1979)
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Genres: New Wave, Pub Rock, Punk Rock
Top Albums: This Year’s Model (1978), Armed Forces (1979), Get Happy!! (1980)
The Clash
Genres: Punk Rock, Reggae Rock
Top Albums: London Calling (1979), Combat Rock (1982), Give ’Em Enough Rope (1978)
Joe Jackson
Genres: New Wave, Rock, Jazz, Pop
Top Albums: Look Sharp! (1979), Night and Day (1982), I’m the Man (1979)
XTC
Genres: New Wave, Post-Punk, Psychedelic Pop
Top Albums: Drums and Wires (1979), Skylarking (1986), English Settlement (1982)

Frequently Asked Questions

What Inspired Sting to Write Message in a Bottle?

Message in a Bottle was inspired by Sting’s feelings of isolation and a desire to communicate with others during a lonely period in his life.

Who Played the Guitar Parts?

Andy Summers played the layered, arpeggiated guitar parts, building on Sting’s original riff.

What Makes the Guitar Riff in Message in a Bottle So Iconic?

The sharp, echoing guitar riff is a standout feature that complements the song’s intense emotion and upbeat rhythm.

Casey Monroe

Casey focuses on writing about singers and vocal performers. They've been in this field for about 8 years. Casey's articles look at both the technical side of singing and the stories behind the artists. They studied music performance in college and worked as a vocal coach for a while. This background helps Casey explain complex singing ideas in ways that are easy to grasp. Casey likes to talk with singers from different genres to get a wide view of the singing world. When not writing, they often go to concerts and music festivals to stay up-to-date with live performances.

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