I finally broke down and added the book “Lyrics By Sting” to my Sting collection. It was published back in October of 2007, and at that time I swore I would not buy it. I convinced myself that I didn’t need it because I already knew all the lyrics to Sting’s songs by heart, so why would I need a book of his published lyrics anyway? I had spent so much money in 2007 on Sting, the Police Reunion Tour, tickets and traveling to concerts already. The book, in my mind at the time, was an unneccessary expense.
But as time went on, my decision nagged at me. I am a huge Sting fan, no doubt about it, and I just had to have this book. For many visits to Barnes & Noble, Lyrics By Sting sat on an endcap as I walked down the center store aisle just begging me to pick it up and buy it. I held strong though and didn’t give in. But when I was asked what I wanted for my birthday this year, I responded “Lyrics By Sting” immediately. So I finally received it as a gift in March of 2008.
And I really am glad that I have it. Somehow it is comforting to have all his song lyrics in one place to review from time to time. The book is put together beautifully with some great photos. The best part of the book is Sting’s commentary on the songs describing his inspiration for writing them and what was going on in his life at the time. His commentary is thoughtful and intelligent, just as you would expect. I only wish there was commentary for each and every song, because I really do want background information on each and every one. That is not the case however, and only selected songs receive commentary, including all of the biggest hits of course.
I’ve always considered much of Sting’s work to be poetry that just happens to be set to music. His lyrics are poetic and conjure great images and flow beautifully telling stories along the way. Published in book form, his work appears even more like poetry to me. Reading his commentary for one of my favorite songs, “Bring on the Night”, helps to prove to me that his lyrics are poetry as he writes, “This was another guitar riff I was deeply proud of but unable to find a home for. The dog was hopelessly resigned about his walk this time as well, so the song ended up as another one about longing. The second line was shamelessly lifted from T.S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.” What was that Eliot said? “Bad poets borrow, good poets steal.”? ”
Yes, Sting is definitely a good poet. And if you are a Sting fan, Lyrics By Sting is a great book to add to your collection.
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