Story Behind The Song
Released in 1985, “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free” was the debut solo single from Sting following the success of The Police. Taken from his first solo album, The Dream Of The Blue Turtles, the song marked a confident new direction, blending pop, jazz, rock and soul into a sophisticated sound that reflected his musical ambitions beyond the band. It introduced audiences to a more mature and adventurous style while retaining the memorable songwriting that had made Sting one of Britain’s most respected artists.
The song explores the idea that genuine love cannot be based on possession or control. Instead, its lyrics encourage trust, independence and allowing those we care about the freedom to make their own choices. Sting’s expressive vocal performance is complemented by an outstanding group of musicians, including Branford Marsalis on saxophone, Kenny Kirkland on keyboards, Darryl Jones on bass and Omar Hakim on drums. Their jazz-influenced playing gives the recording an energetic, fluid quality that sets it apart from conventional pop songs of the era.
“If You Love Somebody Set Them Free” successfully launched Sting’s solo career and demonstrated his willingness to experiment with different musical styles while maintaining broad commercial appeal. It paved the way for a series of critically acclaimed albums that established him as one of the most successful solo artists of the 1980s. Today, the song remains one of Sting’s signature recordings, admired for its intelligent lyrics, exceptional musicianship and timeless message about the true meaning of love and freedom.
It peaked at No. 26 in the UK Singles Chart on 29th June 1985.
Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
Genre
Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
Record Label
Catalogue Number
ALL information on this page was obtained from numerous sources. These include The Official Charts website, Discogs, 45Cat, Polyhex, and many other sites.
Some images have been cleaned up using CHATGPT.
A-SIDE & B-SIDE COVERS
TRACK LISTING
| 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 |
CHART PERFORMANCE
| 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.
OFFICIAL VIDEO
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
PROMO ADVERT
1 Comment
Hello All
Have we made any mistakes in this posting? Feel free to let us know (we’d appreciate it!)
Regards
Admin