About the song
“De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da” stands as one of The Police’s iconic singles, released in 1980 as part of their album *Zenyatta Mondatta*. Written by Sting, the song is a contemplative commentary on the allure and impact of simplistic, catchy tunes. It explores how such songs, despite their seemingly straightforward nature, can resonate deeply with listeners.
Sting revealed that the inspiration for the song came from observing people’s affinity towards songs with repetitive and uncomplicated lyrics, such as “Da Doo Ron Ron” and “Do Wah Diddy Diddy.” He sought to make an intellectual statement about this phenomenon, criticizing the tendency to dismiss such songs as mere “baby talk.” He explained, “The lyrics are about banality, about the abuse of words,” highlighting that they possess an underlying logic often overlooked by critics.
The distinctive refrain “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da” was reportedly coined by Sting’s son, adding a personal touch to the song’s creation. Sting humorously remarked on the potential legal implications of using his son’s creation without compensation, noting his son’s burgeoning confidence in songwriting.
Accompanying the single was “A Sermon,” penned by Stewart Copeland, offering a contrasting narrative about the cutthroat climb to success in the music industry. This B-side showcased Copeland’s guitar prowess and playful lyricism, further enriching the single’s appeal.
Upon its release, “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da” achieved significant commercial success, becoming The Police’s first top ten hit in the United States, peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, and reaching No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart. Its popularity was further solidified by alternate versions released in Spanish and Japanese, catering to diverse global audiences.
The song’s cover art, designed by Hipgnosis, cleverly juxtaposed images of the band with a suggestive visual pun involving a woman reaching out to a telephone, encapsulating the song’s themes of communication and interpretation.
Beyond its chart success, “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da” found cultural resonance, featuring prominently in the soundtrack of the 1982 film *The Last American Virgin* and the pilot episode of *St. Elsewhere*, a medical drama series.
With its infectious melody, thought-provoking lyrics, and enduring popularity, “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da” remains a pivotal piece in The Police’s discography, emblematic of their ability to blend social commentary with irresistible musical hooks.
Video
Lyrics
Don’t think me unkind
Words are hard to find
They’re only cheques I’ve left unsigned
From the banks of chaos in my mind
And when their eloquence escapes me
Their logic ties me up and rapes me
De-do-do-do, de-da-da-da
Is all I want to say to you
De-do-do-do, de-da-da-da
Their innocence will pull me through
De-do-do-do, de-da-da-da
Is all I want to say to you
De-do-do-do, de-da-da-da
They’re meaningless and all that’s true
Poets, priests and politicians
Have words to thank for their positions
Words that scream for your submission
And no one’s jamming their transmission
And when their eloquence escapes you
Their logic ties you up and rapes you!
De-do-do-do, de-da-da-da
Is all I want to say to you
De-do-do-do, de-da-da-da
Their innocence will pull me through
De-do-do-do, de-da-da-da
Is all I want to say to you
De-do-do-do, de-da-da-da
They’re meaningless and all that’s true
Ahh!
De-do-do-do, de-da-da-da
Is all I want to say to you
De-do-do-do, de-da-da-da
Their innocence may pull me through
De-do-do-do, de-da-da-da
Is all I want to say to you
De-do-do-do, de-da-da-da
They’re meaningless and all that’s true