The Police

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Everyone I know is lonely
And God is so far away
And my heart belongs to no one
So now sometimes I pray

[Chorus]
Take the space between us
And fill it up some way
Take the space between us
Fill it up
Fill it up

[Verse 2]
Oh my God, You take the biscuit
Treating me this way
Expecting me to treat You well
No matter what You say
How can I turn the other cheek?
It's black and bruised and torn
I've been waiting
Since the day that I was born

[Interlude]
Fill it up
Fill it up
Fill it up
[Chorus]
Take the space between us
Fill it up some way
Take the space between us
Fill it up, fill it up
Fill it up, fill it up
Fill it up, fill it up

[Verse 3]
The fat man in his garden
The thin man at his gate
My God, You must be sleeping
Wake up, it's much too late

[Chorus]
Take the space between us
Fill it up some way
Take the space between us
Fill it up, fill it up
Fill it up, fill it up
Fill it up, fill it up

[Outro]
Do I have to tell the story
Of a thousand rainy days
Since we first met?
It's a big enough umbrella
But it's always me
That ends up getting wet

O My God is a song by the legendary rock band, The Police. Released on their 1983 album, Synchronicity, it showcases the band's ability to create a fusion of different sounds while still maintaining their trademark reggae rock sound. The song incorporates lyrics from two earlier Police songs, "Three o' Clock Shit" and "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic".

About O My God

The song, "O My God," is one of the many expressions from the enigmatic Sting, who is known for his tendency to sing about spiritualism and existentialism, incorporating biblical references in his lyrics. He uses this track to express his disbelief in religion, which he addressed in an interview with Time magazine, where he stated that he doesn't like religion because it creates so much chaos and hatred in the world. However, the lyrics of the song are more complex than just being straightforward atheistic expressions.

The lyrics of "O My God" contain references to the Book of Lamentations in the Bible, which the police often incorporate into their music and lyrics. Sting seems to have adapted the Biblical text to reflect present-day issues, with lyrics that are subversive, condemning, philosophical, and reminiscent. In the song, Sting ponders the inconsistencies of organized religion with a jaded perspective:

Lord, where did all your power go?
Can you see it's out of control?
Well, I'm waiting for some miracle to
Wake me up from this mess

The song also has a strong upbeat tempo, thanks to Stewart Copeland's percussion, which plays an important role in the band's music creation and contributes to their overall sound. The incorporation of various instruments and musical styles adds depth to the song, showcasing The Police's versatility in creating hits.

"O My God" serves as an indicator of the growing sophistication of The Police's work, as it is a stirring amalgamation of their influence and abilities. The melody is lighthearted, and the lyrics, though deep and layered, invite the listener to sing along to the catchy chorus.

Nevertheless, the song was not without its controversies. Due to its title, the song sparked a lot of criticism from religious groups who felt that its title was inappropriate. Some people accused The Police of blasphemy, claiming that the title and the lyrics were sacrilegious. In reality, however, the song is a genuine expression of the band's opinion about religion and religious rhetoric in society.

Conclusion

O My God is a song that features a captivating melody, thought-provoking lyrics, and a cleverly constructed rhythm that showcases The Police's traits as a band. The song reflects on the band's influence on the rock landscape and Sting's philosophy on life, religion, and everything in between. It is a testament to their versatility and complexity, and it remains an essential part of their musical legacy. For ardent fans of the Police and avid music enthusiasts, "O My God" is a must-have song on their playlists, as it continues to inspire, inform, and entertain them.

• Release Date: June 1, 1983
• Artist: The Police