Spirits in the Material World

The Police

About Spirits in the Material World

"Spirits in the Material World" is a song by rock trio The Police, written by Sting. It is the opening track for their 1981 album Ghost in the Machine. The song features bass, guitar, synthesizer, drums, saxophone, and vocals. It has a Jamaican Ska beat which changes to a swaggering rock beat in the chorus. It was released as a single in 1981 and reached No. 12 in the United Kingdom and No. 11 in the US in early 1982.


Year:
1986
2:58
64 
#1

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There is no political solution
To our troubled evolution
Have no faith in constitution
There is no bloody revolution

We are spirits in the material world
Are spirits in the material world
Are spirits in the material world
Are spirits in the material world

Our so-called leaders speak
With words they try to jail you
They subjugate the meek
But it's the rhetoric of failure

We are spirits in the material world
Are spirits in the material world
Are spirits in the material world
Are spirits in the material world

Where does the answer lie?
Living from day to day
If it's something we can't buy
There must be another way

We are spirits in the material world
Are spirits in the material world
Are spirits in the material world
Are spirits in the material world
Are spirits in the material world
Are spirits in the material world

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The Police

The Police was an English rock band formed in London in 1977. For the vast majority of their history, the band consisted of Sting (lead vocals, bass), Andy Summers (guitar) and Stewart Copeland (drums). The Police became globally popular in the late 1970s and are generally regarded as one of the first New Wave groups to achieve mainstream success, playing a style of rock that was influenced by punk, reggae, and jazz. more »

7 fans

Written by: Gordon Sumner

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Details
"Spirits in the Material World" is a song by The Police, released as the first single from their fourth studio album, "Ghost in the Machine," in 1981.
Song Composition
The song was written by the band's lead vocalist and bassist, Sting. It was produced by The Police and Hugh Padgham, a prominent British record producer.
Chart Performance
Upon its release, the song peaked at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart and reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
Unique Musicality
The song stands out in The Police's discography due to its heavy use of synthesizers and minimal use of guitar, which is a departure from the band's usual reggae-infused rock sound.
Meaningful Lyrics
Sting's lyrics for the song provide social commentary, expressing his views on the state of the world and how he perceives it is driven by materialistic and militaristic ideologies.
Popular Among Fans
The song remains one of The Police's most popular songs and is a staple in their live performances.
Official Music Video
The song's official music video was directed by Godley & Creme, notable British musicians and music video directors. The video enhances the song's theme by depicting The Police performing in a dystopian, industrial setting.
Cover Versions
"Spirits in the Material World" has been covered by a number of artists, including Pato Banton, who notably featured Sting in his version.
Influence on Other Music
The song influenced artist M.I.A., who sampled it in her song "20 Dollar" from her 2007 album "Kala."
Featured in Media
The song was used in the trailer for the 2004 film "Team America: World Police" and is also included in the video game "Rock Band 3."

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    Spirits in the Material World

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1982

    Billboard #11


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