The Bed’s Too Big Without You was always one of my favorite Police songs, for a number of reasons. First of all, it’s about a subject that pretty much anyone can identify with–at least anyone who’s ever been dumped. Secondly, it’s got that cool reggae beat–Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland really mesh well here despite a rhythm that almost sounds like each is playing a different song. Also, I really love Andy Summers’ guitar work here–as always, subtly brilliant. Finally, Sting’s slightly off key plaintive crooning really gives you the feel of someone in pain.
And of course, the lyrics:
Bed’s too big without you
Cold wind blows right through my open door
I can’t sleep with your memory
Dreaming dreams of what used to be
When she left I was cold inside
That look on my face was just pride
No regrets, no love, no tears
Living on my own was the least of my fears
Bed’s too big without you
The bed’s too big without you
The bed’s too big without you
Since that day when you’d gone
Just had to carry on
I get through the day, but late at night
Made love to my pillow, but it didn’t feel right
Every day just the same
Old rules for the same old game
All I gained was heartache
All I made was one mistake
Now the bed’s too big without you
The bed’s too big without you
The bed’s too big without you
