[ ]   [ ]   [ ]                        [ ]      [ ]   [ ]
The Police — Bring On The Night
Album: Reggatta de Blanc
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3192









Released: 1979
Length: 4:03
Plays (last 30 days): 1
The afternoon has gently passed me by
The evening spreads its sail against the sky
Waiting for tomorrow
Just another day
Zapping this yesterday goodbye

Bring on the night
I couldn't spend another hour of daylight
Bring on the night
I couldn't stand another hour of daylight

The future is but a question mark
Hangs above my head there in the dark
Can't see for the brightness
Is staring me blind
Zapping this yesterday goodbye

Bring on the night
I couldn't spend another hour of daylight
Bring on the night
I couldn't stand another hour of daylight
Comments (365)add comment
 CCSandman wrote:

At the very start I thought it was going to be The Charlatans - The Only One I Know


--Those Charlatans

No; seriously -- I've heard that, too, and I've been ready to crank things all the way up to 11 there for a sec!

 xcranky_yankee wrote:

maybe I missed the comment but the bass line is fantastic on this song, as well as the guitar and the drums. Not my favorite Police tune but all together brilliant!



They're far better musicians than most people are aware of. Sting's bass line in this song is so tight, showing he is as accomplished as Stewart and Andy at his instrument. 
 Chelonian wrote:


Sting is a fine musician but many UK citizens perceive him to be a bit pretentious. Morrissey gets flak for similar reasons.



They can go flak themselves!!   
EXCELLENT!  Thanx RP!   
bring on this song!!!
My all time favourite Police song 10/10
 easmann wrote:


Concurring mister dwhayslett. Andy Summers did amazing fret work with this band and gets little mention. The intentionally discordant and percussive guitar on this track adds tension and anxiety by design.

I "imaginate" that CoYoT51's post was meant to be ironic/sarcastic. At least, I hopify.


Andy Summers. SO good!
maybe I missed the comment but the bass line is fantastic on this song, as well as the guitar and the drums. Not my favorite Police tune but all together brilliant!
 Proclivities wrote:

He always takes up two spaces when he parks his car at the supermarket and he was notorious for not rewinding his video tapes when returning them to the shop.


Sting is a fine musician but many UK citizens perceive him to be a bit pretentious. Morrissey gets flak for similar reasons.
Such a brilliant song!
CoYoT51 wrote:
Am I the only one to try to imagínate what The Police might have been with a good guitarist?

dwhayslett wrote:
You may be the only one to assert that they didn't have a good guitarist.

Concurring mister dwhayslett. Andy Summers did amazing fret work with this band and gets little mention. The intentionally discordant and percussive guitar on this track adds tension and anxiety by design.

I "imaginate" that CoYoT51's post was meant to be ironic/sarcastic. At least, I hopify.
What a refreshing trip when it came out! It rocked things up on our favorite FM stations and landed often upon our turntables and tape-decks...
Winter Solstice anyone?
At the very start I thought it was going to be The Charlatans - The Only One I Know
What a F.... Hit Hat work ! Bravo Stewart
 cely wrote:

I've commented on this song before, but I think this is the prototypical and best Police song.  I can't think of anything better they've done.  




Stewart Copeland is a drum god.
 CoYoT51 wrote:

Am I the only one to try to imagínate what The Police might have been with a good guitarist?



Most likely.  And just as likely to be the only one that thinks "imaginate" is actually a word.
Well that was another killer segue... from Natural Mystic to this. Well played Mr. G, well played.
 Proclivities wrote:

He always takes up two spaces when he parks his car at the supermarket and he was notorious for not rewinding his video tapes when returning them to the shop.



Had a chance to see The Police in '79, probably would have been this tour.  Didn't go and regret it to this day!  I thought they were some kind of punk band.  Wrong...
Oh my God this song is amazing. The Police were so good. I saw them in concert in 2008. Fantastic.
The Bring on the Night with the American jazz men has a great version of this and many others. Not heard any of the tracks on RP, they would be a grand fit.
This whole album is just fantastic.
I've commented on this song before, but I think this is the prototypical and best Police song.  I can't think of anything better they've done.  
 ooloncoluphid wrote:

Are you serious? They had an awesome guitarist.

...and the best drummer. Sting is no slouch on the bass either.
 
Andy Summers has some wonderful work as a solo artist, including some work with Robert Fripp. 
I don't think this was a hit, but in a better world it would have been.
 cob427uk1 wrote:
Used to work in a record shop and a record rep told me of a warm up gig in a club for a new group who were going to be big. Course did not go and yes it was The Police and regretted it every since.
 
Ha! Yes! I had a friend who worked at the concert hall at the college I went to (Lawrence opera house) and he told me of this band coming to push their new record, this one. All I had heard at that point was Roxanne, and I didn't like that song so I blew it off. This is still my favorite Police record and I kick myself for not going to the show, and likely hanging with the band afterwards. 
This is how I feel at the end of an Alaskan summer. . . 
 CoYoT51 wrote:

Am I the only one to try to imagínate what The Police might have been with a good guitarist?
 
I'll interpret this as recognizing that we don't have to 'imaginate', because Andy Summers was, and is, a phenomenal guitarist. 
In latinamerica some bands got together and made a tribute to the police album. The cover for this song by Gustavo Cerati (from mitic argentinan band Soda Stereo) with Andy Summers is one of my favorites covers ever.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9D3rbDGSrM
This was the best sound that came out of the music scene in the late seventies. And there was a lot of competition at the time! The Police were the coolest band of all time IMO. Sting's appearance in the Who film Quadrophenia was timely and brilliant. I've followed Sting's music ever since this album was released. A true hero of mine.
A very arresting group, as always.
Thanks Bill. Awesome song. Would be great to hear some other lesser known tracks from this album too...
Used to work in a record shop and a record rep told me of a warm up gig in a club for a new group who were going to be big. Course did not go and yes it was The Police and regretted it every since.
 CoYoT51 wrote:
Am I the only one to try to imagínate what The Police might have been with a good guitarist?
 
Attend an Andy Summers concert and you will be converted.
 CoYoT51 wrote:
Am I the only one to try to imagínate what The Police might have been with a good guitarist?
 

Probably.
The story related to this song is very interesting and hard to imagine what is all about. One of my favorites.
10+. This is another 'Epic' tune for me. from the opening note - where I go scrambling to turn up the volume, all the way through - when nothing else gets done.
 CoYoT51 wrote:
Am I the only one to try to imagínate what The Police might have been with a good guitarist?
 
Are you serious? They had an awesome guitarist.

...and the best drummer. Sting is no slouch on the bass either.
 TampaPurple wrote:
Not sure of the lyric source on this one as of 4-15-19.  "Zapping this yesterday goodbye"?
I have always heard it as "As I bid this yesterday goodbye".  
 

Sting's website says
"God bid yesterday goodbye." I think I hear "God bid this yesterday..." but anyway. God.
 CoYoT51 wrote:
Am I the only one to try to imagínate what The Police might have been with a good guitarist?
 
You're very funny...
 CoYoT51 wrote:
Am I the only one to try to imagínate what The Police might have been with a good guitarist?
 
I would venturanate that you just may be...
Not sure of the lyric source on this one as of 4-15-19.  "Zapping this yesterday goodbye"?
I have always heard it as "As I bid this yesterday goodbye".  
Immortal masterpiece of angst
 CoYoT51 wrote:
Am I the only one to try to imagínate what The Police might have been with a good guitarist?
 
You may be the only one to assert that they didn't have a good guitarist.
 greiffenstein wrote:
In my book up there with Led Zeppelin as one of the greatest rock bands in history.  Can't think of a single song that's not awesome
 

The telephone is ringing... is that my mother on the phone?
"Just Like The White-Winged Dove..."
Am I the only one to try to imagínate what The Police might have been with a good guitarist?


This is goooooooooood! Thanks!
This gets one of my very limited votes for 'Epic'. A tune that always gets turned up.  

The police post punk/pre-synchronicity were just about perfect.
The distorted lead over the pure arpeggios, and then Sting's almost electric voice.  Too bad these guys haven't gotten back together in a songwriting reunion.
 unclehud wrote:
Recently read Stewart Copeland's autobiography ("Strange Things Happen").  It was an easy read, and fun, but completely self-absorbed.  That made me re-evaluate everyone's opinion that Sting is an egotistical asshole.  

If he is, then it's quite likely there were at least two egotistical assholes in the Police.

 
Ha! This is very true. Copeland was an angry young man out to prove his talent and worth to a disapproving father (I'd guess). The Police was supposed to be his project, his shot at approval. Sting's talent and front-man good looks pretty much made the band more of a Sting project and I think Copeland looked around with lot's of resentment and decided to blame Sting... is my guess.
 islander wrote:

Synchronicity has an era feel that is not my favorite, but as a whole I totally agree. Every time this or other early stuff on I look at the ratings and thing "man, this is just a little better than most of the other stuff I've rated a 10". 

 

The opening bass line of this song is epic. I think we should all get 5 votes for "epic" that we could use for our ultra-favorite songs. This would get two of mine.

not to forget this Stewart Copeland dude!

{#Drunk}

 ljoergen wrote:

got sick and tired of this Sting fellor!
He is here there everywhere.....

{#Ass} 

 

 greiffenstein wrote:
In my book up there with Led Zeppelin as one of the greatest rock bands in history.  Can't think of a single song that's not awesome

 
Synchronicity has an era feel that is not my favorite, but as a whole I totally agree. Every time this or other early stuff on I look at the ratings and thing "man, this is just a little better than most of the other stuff I've rated a 10". 

In my book up there with Led Zeppelin as one of the greatest rock bands in history.  Can't think of a single song that's not awesome
Recently read Stewart Copeland's autobiography ("Strange Things Happen").  It was an easy read, and fun, but completely self-absorbed.  That made me re-evaluate everyone's opinion that Sting is an egotistical asshole.  

If he is, then it's quite likely there were at least two egotistical assholes in the Police.
 I couldn't stand another 60 seconds of Sting singing he couldn't stand another hour of daylight. Wanna buy some lyrics?


 Proclivities wrote:

He always takes up two spaces when he parks his car at the supermarket and he was notorious for not rewinding his video tapes when returning them to the shop.

 


 On_The_Beach wrote:

And then there's the notorious flatulence.

  

So...perhaps not the Most Interesting Man in the World. {#Whipit}
Police music just doesn't "keep" for me. I don't think it's bad just not a sound that moves me.
 On_The_Beach wrote:

And then there's the notorious flatulence.

 
Does it.. sting?
Thank the Muses for all the new music that descended into the parched wasteland of music that was the 70's. New Wave, Punk... and the world was saved from the 60's.
 Proclivities wrote:
He always takes up two spaces when he parks his car at the supermarket and he was notorious for not rewinding his video tapes when returning them to the shop.
 
And then there's the notorious flatulence.
I've always preferred The Police to Sting's solo stuff. For me, it's edgier, grittier and way cooler!
 Proclivities wrote:

He always takes up two spaces when he parks his car at the supermarket and he was notorious for not rewinding his video tapes when returning them to the shop.

 

 NoEnzLefttoSplit wrote:
Sting gets a lot of stick, particularly from the Brits. Can someone explain to me why?  He doesn't seem so obviously up his own posterior like many other big names out there, and he is unquestionably a really talented musician. What's the problem people have with him? 
 
He always takes up two spaces when he parks his car at the supermarket and he was notorious for not rewinding his video tapes when returning them to the shop.
Always love the beginning of this track - so cool and funky.  Classic tune!
Sting gets a lot of stick, particularly from the Brits. Can someone explain to me why?  He doesn't seem so obviously up his own posterior like many other big names out there, and he is unquestionably a really talented musician. What's the problem people have with him? 
This is such a fantastic tune. The feel, the sound, the memories. Just a perfect song.
One of my favorite Police tunes.
Makbet because you know only strong mens and you think only this kind of men ale realny men for you, I surowe. 
QueenLucia wrote:
I just don't understand why adult men want to sound like Minnie Mouse--and I especially don't understand why so many people respond positively to that.  

 


I couldn't stand another hour of this kind of singing...

...this few minutes is just about enough. 
 easmann wrote:

I saw Sting several times in the 1990's with different musician lineups each time. The musicians were all highly talented and obviously having a very good time. Great shows.

"...a few good tunes sprinkled in with mediocrity."

That describes most of the albums ever produced. 

  Ha ha, one hopes.

Man, I love these guys.  I wish Sting wasn't such an a-hole, he's a phenomenal musician.  Just for clarification, I don't think he's an a-hole, but Andy and Stewart do...imagine how much more The Police could have produced if they hadn't wanted to kill Sting back in the 1980's
Nice songs
 coyote620 wrote:
I think if you asked people how many albums did the Police put out, I would guess to say their answer would be more than 5.

 
It would seem so, but they were really only together as a band for five or six years.
I think if you asked people how many albums did the Police put out, I would guess to say their answer would be more than 5.
 aspicer wrote:
Always so impressed by the musicianship when actively listening - fantastic!

 
No question.  Tight.
 coloradojohn wrote:
I hear ya, Bill. '79, for real! I was a Junior in High School, working at a Japanese restaurant that changed my life, kept me from having to go home where Mom & Dad fought their endless wars, gave my mind an exotic escape, and gave me cash for Cutlass, gas, beer & weed.

 

That's cool.
Picking up our luggage at the Kahului Airport.   Copied the vinyl onto cassette, and listened on a Walkman.  These guys were brand new, fresh, and a fabulous soundtrack for the week. 
got sick and tired of this Sting fellor!
He is here there everywhere.....

{#Ass} 
 annie_fannie wrote:

well, wouldn't you if your real name was Gordon? no offense to Gordons out there (my uncle included) but it's not exactly a contemporary or cool name now.

 

I always think this must be Blue Man Group every time I hear the opening of this tune.
Hilarious comments!

Not a big fan of Police but for whatever reason I like this one.  

Nice counter weight to Botswana at the time? 
I just don't understand why adult men want to sound like Minnie Mouse--and I especially don't understand why so many people respond positively to that.  
Always so impressed by the musicianship when actively listening - fantastic!
Another good tune marred by Sting's inability to hold a note.
I hear ya, Bill. '79, for real! I was a Junior in High School, working at a Japanese restaurant that changed my life, kept me from having to go home where Mom & Dad fought their endless wars, gave my mind an exotic escape, and gave me cash for Cutlass, gas, beer & weed.
 oldfart48 wrote:
if this brings back 1979 like no other, glad I was in a coma.......or KPIG

 
I have a feeling you have been in a coma for the vast majority of your life...{#Mrgreen}...you are very funny, BTW.  I don't think I have ever laughed so hard as when I read your jokes.
if this brings back 1979 like no other, glad I was in a coma.......or KPIG
 RobN wrote:
Like many of the songs from this band, it starts well, but the tediously repetitive lyrics are really irritating me before the end.

 

Do you mean like 19 robotic iterations of "sending out an SOS"  ? 
Because, yes I know what you mean.
Like there was some self-imposed embargo of words and rhymes.  
That said, the Cops did have some great songs, but "classic rock FM" annihilated the welcome my ears once extended to them.  
 Haven't you heard U2:+:_DL wrote:
Sting/the Police-  Probably the most overrated, over played, trite ego rock ever.
FTS
 


Although typically done in Reggae music...when the bass drum is used as the upbeat it creates a real pocket as this does. Using this element of rhythm in Rock music is fun and basically why I think Police succeeded as being different when they first hit the music scene. They were mislabeled as sort of "ska" rock for this very reason. 
Brilliant stuff.like the old police, can't stop to sing along with this
Like many of the songs from this band, it starts well, but the tediously repetitive lyrics are really irritating me before the end.
Bands go through different phases with their music. The Police seem to have done each phase very well. This is one of their best songs from their early, still reggae-influenced period. Great song and a great album.
 :+:_DL wrote:
Sting/the Police-  Probably the most overrated, over played, trite ego rock ever.
FTS
 
I think he was into tantric sex at this time LOL
Sting/the Police-  Probably the most overrated, over played, trite ego rock ever.
FTS
 treehugger wrote:
Even Sting calls himself Sting, as in "Shall Sting compare thee to a summer's day?" 
 
{#Roflol}
Sting wanted to use this song as a soundtrack to any movie made about Gary Gilmour. Unfortunately, he never got his wish.
 Cynaera wrote:

I hadn't viewed it that way at the time, Sasha2001, but in hindsight, I think you've made a pretty good point. Sting is nothing if not ego (otherwise, why doesn't he just use his real name?)  Still, I really enjoyed that "rock doc" and there were some fascinating performances and behind-the-scenes tidbits that kept it mostly real.  Was the double live album taken from the movie, or was it recorded separately?  Did it have the same band?

Whatever the case, I'll check it out - thanks! {#Cheers}
 
If you can, Its called "Bring on the Night" and I think it was recorded over the course of 6 shows in Europe. Not the same performances as shown in the movie in the movie. First CD I ever bought.

There's a neat back story that goes with the recording of "Dream of the Blue Turtles" where Sting basically took Wynton Marsalis' backup band crystallizing an anti-rock prejudice Wynton was developing. To pour salt in the wound, Wynton's little brother Branford is the featured Sax soloist.
hey, I remember these guys!
 treehugger wrote:

Even Sting calls himself Sting, as in "Shall Sting compare thee to a summer's day?" 
 
well, wouldn't you if your real name was Gordon? no offense to Gordons out there (my uncle included) but it's not exactly a contemporary or cool name now.
SOme of you may not know this but in 1998 a Police tribute album was compiled in latin america. The cover of this song between Andy Summers himself and Gustavo Cerati (a latin America rock legend, know sadly in a coma) is simply amazing. The name of the album is Outlandos D'Americas here is a link to the song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGqlCC9rWnA 
 MiracleDrug wrote:
Sting's kids call him Sting...
 
Even Sting calls himself Sting, as in "Shall Sting compare thee to a summer's day?" 
perfect. love this.
 Forest267 wrote:

"Loving You (Is Easy 'Cause You're Beautiful)" ... sounds awful.

 
Minnie Riperton...simultaneous cases of dengue fever and falciparum malaria would be a step up from That Song. One of The Worst Recordings Ever. The song referred to in "Experiment IV." 
 calihack27 wrote:
A great little set interrupted by this...sigh. I consider myself very open and my music tastes reflect this, but I have never understood why people love the Police so much. I find their sound repellant and literally have to change the channel when they come on.

Just my .02 cents
 
Easier to express that quantity in opinion than coin...
 ckcotton wrote:
Just gotta say it every time.... fricking awesome... love Andy's solo
 
What he said x2
I respect the naysayers below. But do love this song. I supposed the Police are an acquired taste.
A great little set interrupted by this...sigh. I consider myself very open and my music tastes reflect this, but I have never understood why people love the Police so much. I find their sound repellant and literally have to change the channel when they come on.

Just my .02 cents
typical brilliance from the best trio EVAH...

btw. "Sting" was a name bestowed on him by his bandmates, owing to a yellow and black striped sweater he wore...

A LOT {#Lol}

2nd btw.

Sting's kids call him Sting...


 Sasha2001 wrote:


At the time I thought of it as a great rock doc and an interesting creative departure (into jazz fusion). But I've come to view it more recently as a typical Sting ego trip. He surrounded himself with an all-star jazz ensemble but, I think, failed to utilize it to its full potential. Their reworking of Police b-sides and less popular songs were great however (if you're a big Police fan like me). But the stuff he recorded for the solo album, save for a few tracks like "children's crusade" was typical of the solo albums he's recorded since; a few good tunes sprinkled in with mediocrity. Check out double live album that came with the movie. A lot of great jams and some real instrumental virtuosity.
 
I hadn't viewed it that way at the time, Sasha2001, but in hindsight, I think you've made a pretty good point. Sting is nothing if not ego (otherwise, why doesn't he just use his real name?)  Still, I really enjoyed that "rock doc" and there were some fascinating performances and behind-the-scenes tidbits that kept it mostly real.  Was the double live album taken from the movie, or was it recorded separately?  Did it have the same band?

Whatever the case, I'll check it out - thanks! {#Cheers}
FWIW: Song is about the last night of murderer Gary Gilmore...the song title is among his last words.
Perfect timing, Bill, as dusk settles here on the east coast, bringing a long work week to an end.

I must say, I love Stewart Copeland's drumming in this song.

 sbegf wrote:

"Ice, Ice Baby" sounds awful
Anything by Britney Spears sounds awful

I like this, we should keep this going...  :)

 
"She's Having My Baby", and "Loving You (Is Easy 'Cause You're Beautiful)" ... sounds awful.