The Police — The Bed's Too Big Without You
Album: Reggatta de BlancAvg rating:
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Length: 4:14
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Bed's too big without you
Cold wind blows right thru' 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 thru' 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
Cold wind blows right thru' 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 thru' 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
Comments (260)add comment
may all your turkeys be on the tyable not at the table
junebaby65 wrote:
Oh yeah, the Police kicked ass. All-out effort from beginning to end.
bigB_3 wrote:
I saw the Police and the GoGo's in January of 1982. Cost per ticket-$10.50. I was actually outraged at the price too.
I saw the GoGo's and the Police on the same tour. Damned if I can remember the ticket price. I saw the Stones a few months earlier (October or November of 81) and paid $20 at the time. That's $67 adjusted for inflation in October 23.Oh yeah, the Police kicked ass. All-out effort from beginning to end.
hellsgardener wrote:
You Lucky Duck! I wish I was there too!
The base, the drums, the voice - Just brilliant - saw them perform this at Milton Keynes Bowl live in (OMG!) 1980.
Did I mention the drums?
You Lucky Duck! I wish I was there too!
The bass player is good but not Mike Watt-Good.
The base, the drums, the voice - Just brilliant - saw them perform this at Milton Keynes Bowl live in (OMG!) 1980.
Did I mention the drums?
Did I mention the drums?
This ain't no funky reggae party, five dollars at the door... Puts me in a righteously rastafarian mood! That wild bass; those drums; that voice, so riddled with angst!
All these musicians are fabulous! Powerful trio.
Without CHOO 🤧 ?!
One of the first albums I bought, at the age of about 12. Played it to death and still love it, more than 40 years later.
Prius wrote:
Agreed. The percussion isn't bad either.
Wow that bass!
Agreed. The percussion isn't bad either.
I thought long and hard about the rating to give this song, trying not to be overly-influenced by the trauma of this song being played to senselessness by Bay Area disk jockeys in the early 1980's. The truth is, if 40 years later, I'm still groaning when this song comes on, it's not the overplay--it really was and is mediocre. A 6 at best. Wait--no: Its a 5.
Prius wrote:
Wow that voice!
Wow that bass!
Wow that voice!
planet_lizard wrote:
Wow, aside from her obvious instrumental and technical skills, what a beautiful pure voice she has. Thanks for posting.
Here's an interesting take on it...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9lAIvLosyg
Wow, aside from her obvious instrumental and technical skills, what a beautiful pure voice she has. Thanks for posting.
jkforde wrote:
Just as precise and tight live, but with a little bit of soul. I miss this band.
This was one tight band, bass, drums, vocals, lead - edging to 10
Just as precise and tight live, but with a little bit of soul. I miss this band.
"Roxanne" was all over the radio that year, but THIS was the song that I listened to most then BECAUSE IT JAMS!
for a trio, man they created some sound, each playing to their own strengths. sonic bliss
fredriley wrote:
...UB40, who predated The Police by some years, and were the real reggae ting...
The Clash did some pretty good white boy reggae in later years as well...
They didn't pre-date them.
...UB40, who predated The Police by some years, and were the real reggae ting...
The Clash did some pretty good white boy reggae in later years as well...
They didn't pre-date them.
By far my favorite Police era.
planet_lizard wrote:
Wow - she is an amazing artist. Thanks for the link.
Here's an interesting take on it...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9lAIvLosyg
Wow - she is an amazing artist. Thanks for the link.
fredriley wrote:
...UB40, who predated The Police by some years, and were the real reggae ting...
The Clash did some pretty good white boy reggae in later years as well...
UB40 were reggae by numbers and much more distant from real reggae.
...UB40, who predated The Police by some years, and were the real reggae ting...
The Clash did some pretty good white boy reggae in later years as well...
UB40 were reggae by numbers and much more distant from real reggae.
I was thinking that a great segue from this song would be Joni Mitchell's song, "My Old Man" from her Blue album. It had the immortal lyrics:
"When he's gone,
The bed's too big,
The frying pan's too wide."
I think of those lyrics every time my wife is away, (kids are already grown and gone), and I'm rattling around this empty shell of a house.
"When he's gone,
The bed's too big,
The frying pan's too wide."
I think of those lyrics every time my wife is away, (kids are already grown and gone), and I'm rattling around this empty shell of a house.
Haven't heard this forgotten gem in a while...
Like réverbération effects from Copeland
This was one tight band, bass, drums, vocals, lead - edging to 10
Dub reggae 101. Sting nails it.
A very arresting group.
My rating stays at a weak 7
Yawn.
fredriley wrote:
...UB40, who predated The Police by some years, and were the real reggae ting...
The Clash did some pretty good white boy reggae in later years as well...
To be fair to The Police, they were definitely contemporaries of UB40. The first Police album - Outlandos d'Amour - was released in 1978 and the first UB40 album - Signing Off - wasn't released until 1980. This song is from the second Police album, released in 1979.
The Clash came along at about the same time, releasing their first album, with their cover of "Police and Thieves" in 1977.
...UB40, who predated The Police by some years, and were the real reggae ting...
The Clash did some pretty good white boy reggae in later years as well...
To be fair to The Police, they were definitely contemporaries of UB40. The first Police album - Outlandos d'Amour - was released in 1978 and the first UB40 album - Signing Off - wasn't released until 1980. This song is from the second Police album, released in 1979.
The Clash came along at about the same time, releasing their first album, with their cover of "Police and Thieves" in 1977.
Wow that bass!
This song is empty and sparse .... to convey the emotion of "the bed's too big without you."
Despite that, the skill of each player is evident. Damn, he can play that bass, can't he?
Despite that, the skill of each player is evident. Damn, he can play that bass, can't he?
It's not horrible to listen to, but it still sounds soulless to me in the same way UB40 does. To call this reggae (or Ska for that matter) shows a lack of appreciation for the genre.
fredriley wrote:
...UB40, who predated The Police by some years, and were the real reggae ting...
The Clash did some pretty good white boy reggae in later years as well...
Wasn't the "Reggatta de Blanc" title of this album sort of a joke meaning "white reggae" anyhow?
...UB40, who predated The Police by some years, and were the real reggae ting...
The Clash did some pretty good white boy reggae in later years as well...
Wasn't the "Reggatta de Blanc" title of this album sort of a joke meaning "white reggae" anyhow?
That was 1979Absolutely love the off-beat-ness of this song
BikeCoachDave wrote:
Face it, we are all OLD !
But that doesn't mean we don't ROCK !!
Noticed this CD at a store last year. Had it back in the day. Got a bit depressed when I noticed the disc I was holding was a 25th anniversary re-release. Got even MORE depressed when I noticed the re-release was from 7 YEARS EARLIER! :(
Face it, we are all OLD !
But that doesn't mean we don't ROCK !!
Jörg_Asmussen wrote:
Not nearly as much as some of their other tracks...
Did we really like it back then ?
Not nearly as much as some of their other tracks...
I love the music and the rhythms, but Sting's voice never did anything for me unfortunately.
Did we really like it back then ?
god I love this song..
CamLwalk wrote:
...UB40, who predated The Police by some years, and were the real reggae ting...
The Clash did some pretty good white boy reggae in later years as well...
...and the award for "Best Reggae Song by White People" goes to...
...UB40, who predated The Police by some years, and were the real reggae ting...
The Clash did some pretty good white boy reggae in later years as well...
:+:_DL wrote:
Save your hatred for his current drivel..... THIS on the other hand is spectacular
I thought I hated Sting, but this song has taken me to a new level of disgust.
Save your hatred for his current drivel..... THIS on the other hand is spectacular
Gambrinus wrote:
The bass line rhythm is my customized vibration on my iPhone for my wife calling.
ThePoose wrote:
Is that the same customized vibration your wife uses?
CamLwalk wrote:
"Sugar Sugar" by The Archies?
...and the award for "Best Reggae Song by White People" goes to...
"Sugar Sugar" by The Archies?
ckcotton wrote:
Agreed.
Outstanding
Agreed.
Nice... 
purrrfect
Is that the same customized vibration your wife uses?
Gambrinus wrote:
Gambrinus wrote:
The bass line rhythm is my customized vibration on my iPhone for my wife calling.
I thought I hated Sting, but this song has taken me to a new level of disgust.
Though I like the bass part and various elements of this tune. The lyrics and vocals make it sound like a real throwaway. Filler.
missed it by five minutes...
This song always makes me think that it was never completely written.
...and the award for "Best Reggae Song by White People" goes to...
what! this could have been sooooooo much better think about it!!!!
Outstanding
The Police went through different periods and some might argue that one period was better than another. For me, I liked them in each for the merits of each period. This song is one of the best from their early days.
I really don't care how much of a twat Sting has made of himself in latter years (although I suspect much of it is the media having a pop).
I just love early Police and this track is a corker. Turn it up and dance!
I just love early Police and this track is a corker. Turn it up and dance!
Noticed this CD at a store last year. Had it back in the day. Got a bit depressed when I noticed the disc I was holding was a 25th anniversary re-release. Got even MORE depressed when I noticed the re-release was from 7 YEARS EARLIER! :(
Gambrinus wrote:
thanks for telling us, that your wife is planning to divorce you!
The bass line rhythm is my customized vibration on my iPhone for my wife calling.
thanks for telling us, that your wife is planning to divorce you!
I'm not a big Sting fan, nor a detractor. He's certainly a huge talent. But the tunes of his that I hear and like best always seem to involve the Police. Except, perhaps "Fortress Around Your Heart".
cfordham wrote:
Have you sees video footage of Willy Mays stumbling around center field playing for the Mets at the end of his career? Doesn't mean he wasn't a total stud in his day.
Amazing to think that Sting is such a tool these days. Everything after Ten Summoners Tales has been unforgivable.
Have you sees video footage of Willy Mays stumbling around center field playing for the Mets at the end of his career? Doesn't mean he wasn't a total stud in his day.
Mandible wrote:
I think it's all that Tantric glove-making he does. Apparently, he's crafted some of the finest winter hand-wear on the market, and the mittens are to die for.
Sting seems really full of himself. Pompous.
I think it's all that Tantric glove-making he does. Apparently, he's crafted some of the finest winter hand-wear on the market, and the mittens are to die for.
The bass line rhythm is my customized vibration on my iPhone for my wife calling.
fredriley wrote:
...but on the other hand you do tend to get duvet creep and colonisation of bed space...
Ok, I had to read this twice. I'm still not sure if it's supposed to be colonization as in someone takes it over or colonization as in someone else farts all over the bed. I hate it when you get under the covers and your nostrils get raped by yesterday's lunch.
...but on the other hand you do tend to get duvet creep and colonisation of bed space...
Ok, I had to read this twice. I'm still not sure if it's supposed to be colonization as in someone takes it over or colonization as in someone else farts all over the bed. I hate it when you get under the covers and your nostrils get raped by yesterday's lunch.
Cynaera wrote:
Fred, you never fail to make me laugh out loud. "Freezing your bits off..."
Better the colonization of bed space than to have someone snoring like a chainsaw in your ear. I learned to fight back - I'd hang one foot outside the covers, then plant it strategically against the offending buttock or leg. The icy contact usually resulted in the complete and hasty vacating of the bed-hog, and the accompanying thud of a body hitting the floor was sheer music to me...
Ah, the old 'cold feet' treatment - works every time with me :)
Fred, you never fail to make me laugh out loud. "Freezing your bits off..."
Better the colonization of bed space than to have someone snoring like a chainsaw in your ear. I learned to fight back - I'd hang one foot outside the covers, then plant it strategically against the offending buttock or leg. The icy contact usually resulted in the complete and hasty vacating of the bed-hog, and the accompanying thud of a body hitting the floor was sheer music to me... Ah, the old 'cold feet' treatment - works every time with me :) fredriley wrote:
Arf! Same here (sniff, itch, sneeze). I'm not sure that I agree with Sting's sentiments here. Ok, it's lovely having a woman share your bed, but on the other hand you do tend to get duvet creep and colonisation of bed space such that you end up on your side in a tiny area at the edge poised to fall out and freezing your bits off.
Fred, you never fail to make me laugh out loud. "Freezing your bits off..." Better the colonization of bed space than to have someone snoring like a chainsaw in your ear. I learned to fight back - I'd hang one foot outside the covers, then plant it strategically against the offending buttock or leg. The icy contact usually resulted in the complete and hasty vacating of the bed-hog, and the accompanying thud of a body hitting the floor was sheer music to me...
Arf! Same here (sniff, itch, sneeze). I'm not sure that I agree with Sting's sentiments here. Ok, it's lovely having a woman share your bed, but on the other hand you do tend to get duvet creep and colonisation of bed space such that you end up on your side in a tiny area at the edge poised to fall out and freezing your bits off.
Fred, you never fail to make me laugh out loud. "Freezing your bits off..."
Better the colonization of bed space than to have someone snoring like a chainsaw in your ear. I learned to fight back - I'd hang one foot outside the covers, then plant it strategically against the offending buttock or leg. The icy contact usually resulted in the complete and hasty vacating of the bed-hog, and the accompanying thud of a body hitting the floor was sheer music to me...I like most of the Police and Sting, but this is pretty awful. When he channels his inner Michael Jackson with the high-pitched yelp I can't help but wince.
MiracleDrug wrote:
...almost as much as Talking Heads haters.
haters of either Sting or the Police amuse me...
...almost as much as Talking Heads haters.
As always, I only listen to the music and do my best to block out the awful distress calls of Stink
Ah, ah, ah... After Tori Amos' "cover" of King of Pain, you play The Police...
haters of either Sting or the Police amuse me...
cfordham wrote:
Yes! A couple decent tunes here and there since then (Ghost Story), and Ten Summoners Tales is a near perfect 10, but I want to smash his lute like John Belushi in Animal House.
Amazing to think that Sting is such a tool these days. Everything after Ten Summoners Tales has been unforgivable.
Yes! A couple decent tunes here and there since then (Ghost Story), and Ten Summoners Tales is a near perfect 10, but I want to smash his lute like John Belushi in Animal House.
Amazing to think that Sting is such a tool these days.
Everything after Ten Summoners Tales has been unforgivable.
Everything after Ten Summoners Tales has been unforgivable.
badgerv wrote:
prolly mine too
prolly my favorite Police song
prolly mine too
unclehud wrote:
Arf! Same here (sniff, itch, sneeze). I'm not sure that I agree with Sting's sentiments here. Ok, it's lovely having a woman share your bed, but on the other hand you do tend to get duvet creep and colonisation of bed space such that you end up on your side in a tiny area at the edge poised to fall out and freezing your bits off.
"Bed's too big ... with Ah-choo!" (It's pollen season around here.)
Arf! Same here (sniff, itch, sneeze). I'm not sure that I agree with Sting's sentiments here. Ok, it's lovely having a woman share your bed, but on the other hand you do tend to get duvet creep and colonisation of bed space such that you end up on your side in a tiny area at the edge poised to fall out and freezing your bits off.
Masterpiece. . .
Sounds like someone stepped on Mr. Sting's toes a time or two during this recording. *ow!*
Ahhh The Police happy happy joy joy
happy happy joy joy listen_n_sf wrote:
Good line. Old Stinky probably would have found some measure of fame regardless, but there's no denying Copeland is one amazing drummer.
Without Copeland there is no Sting. Only a minor itch.
Good line. Old Stinky probably would have found some measure of fame regardless, but there's no denying Copeland is one amazing drummer.So many great influences in this song. So much accomplished with only three instruments. Copland is a one-man orchestra.
This song reminds me why I liked the Police...
Too true.
Awesome song, awesome album.
"Bed's too big ... with Ah-choo!" (It's pollen season around here.)
This is a sexy song, great beat! 
nalle wrote:
Here's a Kroner, buy yourself a clue
Sorry but I must say, this is bad to the boone. Can´t stand it and now it´s time to MUTE.
Here's a Kroner, buy yourself a clue
Without Copeland there is no Sting. Only a minor itch.
badgerv wrote:
Might have already said that somewhere in this thread, but worth saying again.
prolly my favorite Police song
Might have already said that somewhere in this thread, but worth saying again.
Yessir, yessir
This was my earworm about 2 1/2 weeks ago. Not anymore, but still good to hear it.
prolly my favorite Police song
Jah mon.,,
A request...please play the alternate (mono) version of this song that appears on the box set. It's even better than this.
Sting back in the day, kept in check by the police, before he went lame and disapeared up his own a**e
Don't you just love the bass lines in this and most of the Police tracks.
What a band! What an album!!
Thank you very much, sir Bill!!!
Thank you very much, sir Bill!!!
Music ok, words terrible!
Sting's autobiography does a good job of describing all of the surrounding details and input and influences of the early Police albums. Worth the read if you enjoy early Police.
Sorry but I must say, this is bad to the boone. Can´t stand it and now it´s time to MUTE.
Ulises wrote:
Very. I saw them on this tour in a 1000-seater in '79 with the Specials opening. Great show.
Remember how refreshing this was after Disco?
Very. I saw them on this tour in a 1000-seater in '79 with the Specials opening. Great show.
Ulises wrote:
Remember how refreshing this was after Disco?
Yes, I do.
Remember how refreshing this was after Disco?
Yes, I do.
rbigelo wrote:
mine was zenyatta mondatta
This is where you hear their reggae influences. 'Reggatta de Blanc' was one of the first record albums I bought as an adult.
mine was zenyatta mondatta
As usual, stunning drumming.....er that's it.
This is where you hear their reggae influences. 'Reggatta de Blanc' was one of the first record albums I bought as an adult.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Remember how refreshing this was after Disco?
White reggae, as advertised (nice bass line).
Can this song/CD really be 30 years old?!!
Can this song/CD really be 30 years old?!!
Remember how refreshing this was after Disco?
On_The_Beach wrote:
Yes, no regrets, no love , no tears!?
White reggae, as advertised (nice bass line).
Can this song/CD really be 30 years old?!!
Y
Can this song/CD really be 30 years old?!!
Y
Yes, no regrets, no love , no tears!?
White reggae, as advertised (nice bass line).
Can this song/CD really be 30 years old?!!
Can this song/CD really be 30 years old?!!
My head's too big without you
My head's too big without you
My head's too big
Without YOU
My head's too big without you
My head's too big
Without YOU
Not my song!
This was one of the first songs I learned how to play on guitar
ThePoose wrote:
In my case, the issue is HER snoring and big bean-burrito farts.
Real classy thread-jacking! eddief wrote:
I'm just learning to play bass - can't wait to learn this one!
First song I ever learned on bass.
I'm just learning to play bass - can't wait to learn this one!
First song I ever learned on bass.
Too much information gentlemen!! ThePoose wrote:
In my case, the issue is HER snoring and big bean-burrito farts.
fredriley wrote:
Much as I love my GF, I can't agree with the words of this song. At least on my own in the bed I don't have to suffer 'duvet creep' and her colonisation of bed space such that I end up in a tiny strip of bed precariously perched above an ignominious drop. And in her own bed she doesn't have to suffer my snoring and farts...
jagdriver wrote:
A good example of minimalist bass. There is an old bassman's adage about playing: Figure out the absolute minimum number of bass notes you need to play—then play half of them. Ask Tina of the Heads.
Diggin' the bass.....
A good example of minimalist bass. There is an old bassman's adage about playing: Figure out the absolute minimum number of bass notes you need to play—then play half of them. Ask Tina of the Heads.
watched their show last year... as long as the videowalls were offline it was a pretty good illusion, but then...
but the music is still great !!!
but the music is still great !!!