Sting is an English musician, singer-songwriter, and actor whose distinctive voice, poetic songwriting, and genre-blending style have made him one of the most acclaimed artists of the modern era. Rising to fame as the frontman and bassist of The Police, he helped define late-70s and early-80s rock with a sound that fused new wave, reggae, and pop.
After launching his solo career in 1985, Sting expanded his musical palette even further, exploring jazz, classical, world music, and sophisticated pop, earning numerous awards and global chart success along the way. Known for his sharp lyrical insight and commitment to artistic evolution, he has also been an outspoken humanitarian and activist throughout his career. Today, Sting remains a creative force on stage and in the studio, celebrated for his versatility, longevity, and unmistakable musical identity.
Sting’s 1985 single “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free” marked a confident and uplifting start to his solo career, showcasing a bright, jazz-infused pop sound that set him apart from his work with The Police. Built on a smooth groove, vibrant horns, and Sting’s warm, rhythmic vocal delivery, the song delivers a message of love without possession—simple, sincere, and refreshingly optimistic.
Its polished production and soulful energy helped the track become an international hit, cementing Sting’s ability to craft music that’s both sophisticated and irresistibly catchy. Decades later, it still stands out as one of his most joyful and liberating anthems.
It peaked at No. 26 in the UK Singles Chart on 29th June 1985.
| A-Side | If You Love Somebody Set Them Free (4:16) (Sting) Produced By Pete Smith, Sting |
| B-Side | Another Day (3:59) (Sting) Produced By Pete Smith, Sting |
| Genre | Rock, Pop |
| Release Date | May 1985 |
| Label | A & M |
| Catalogue Number | AM 258 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 15th June 1985 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 26 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 04 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [4 Weeks] – 15th June 1985 – 6th July 1985 |
Officially Released Versions
If You Love Somebody Set Them Free (Single Version) (4:16)
If You Love Somebody Set Them Free (Dance Mix) (7:58)
If You Love Somebody Set Them Free (Torch Song Mix) (4:54)
See ALL releases of ‘If You Love Somebody Set Them Free’ on Discogs.
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
Lyrics
Free, free, set them free (Oh, whoa, whoa)
Free, free, set them free (Oh)
Free, free, set them free
Free, free, set them free
If you need somebody (Free, free, set them free)
Call my name (Free, free, set them free)
If you want someone (Free, free, set them free)
You can do the same (Free, free, set them free)
If you wanna keep something precious (Free, free, set them free)
You gotta lock it up and throw away the key (Free, free, set them free)
If you wanna hold onto your possession (Free, free, set them free)
Don’t even think about me (Free, free, set them free)
If you love somebody
If you love someone
If you love somebody
If you love someone, set them free (Free, free, set them free)
Set them free (Free, free, set them free)
Set them free (Free, free, set them free)
Set them free (Free, free, set them free)
If it’s a mirror you want
Just look into my eyes
Or a whipping boy, someone to despise
Or a prisoner in the dark
Tied up in chains you just can’t see
Or a beast in a gilded cage
That’s all some people ever wanna be
If you love somebody (Love somebody)
If you love someone (Love somebody)
If you love somebody (Love somebody)
If you love someone (Love somebody)
Set them free (Free, free, set them free)
Set them free (Free, free, set them free)
Set them free (Free, free, set them free)
Set them free (Free, free, set them free)
You can’t control an independent heart
(Can’t hold what you can’t keep)
Can’t tear the one you love apart
(Can’t love what you can’t keep)
Forever conditioned to believe that we can’t live
We can’t live here and be happy with less
So many riches, so many souls
Everything we see there, we want to possess
If you need somebody, call my name
If you want someone
You can do, you can do, you can do the same
If you wanna keep something precious
You gotta lock it up and throw away the key
You wanna hold onto your possession
Don’t even think about me
If you love somebody (Love somebody)
If you love someone (Love somebody)
If you love somebody (Love somebody)
If you love someone (Love somebody)
Set them free (Free, free, set them free)
Set them free (Free, free, set them free)
Set them free (Free, free, set them free, oh)
Set them free (Free, free, set them free)
Set them free (Free, free, set them free)
Set them free (Free, free, set them free)
Set them free (Free, free, set them free)
Set them free (Free, free, set them free)
Set them free (Free, free, set them free)
Set them free (Free, free, set them free)
Written By Sting
