Murder By Numbers

Count down with The Police's chillingly clever "Murder By Numbers." This sophisticated 1983 track, originally a B-side, blends cool New Wave sensibilities with Post-Punk cynicism and Pop Rock structures. Its darkly witty lyrical theme and jazzy undertones make it a unique standout song in their catalog.

Released in 1983, initially as the B-side to their massive hit "Every Breath You Take" and later included on cassette/CD versions of the Synchronicity album, "Murder By Numbers" showcased The Police's darker wit. Co-written by Sting and guitarist Andy Summers, the song employs a cool, almost jazzy New Wave framework, incorporating Post-Punk detachment within a sophisticated Pop Rock structure.

"Murder By Numbers" gained a strong following despite not being a standard album track initially, admired for its clever, cynical lyrics and intricate musicianship, including Stewart Copeland's precise drumming. The song's detached perspective on a grim subject makes it unique. It remains a favorite among dedicated fans, often featured in Sting's solo performances, highlighting its enduring quality today, April 13, 2025.

SONG MEANING: "Murder By Numbers" offers a chillingly cynical and satirical perspective, framing the act of murder as a simple, methodical process that can be easily learned and executed ("It's murder by numbers, one, two, three / It's as easy to learn as your ABCs"). The lyrics provide detached, almost instructional steps for carrying out a killing, potentially commenting on societal desensitization to violence or the cold, calculated nature required for such acts.