The Police – Can’t Stand Losing You

About the song

“Can’t Stand Losing You” is a hauntingly poignant song by the British rock band the Police, released in 1978 as part of their debut album Outlandos d’Amour. The song’s release was a follow-up to their hit single “Roxanne”, which reached number 2 in the UK Singles Chart in 1979. Written by the band’s lead singer and bassist Sting, “Can’t Stand Losing You” is a deeply personal and introspective song that tackles the sensitive topic of teenage suicide.

According to Sting, the song’s lyrics were inspired by a teenage suicide, which he approached with a sense of gravity and sensitivity. The song’s composition is marked by its reggae influence and rock chorus, with Sting’s distinctive vocals soaring above the instrumentation. The Echoplex delay unit adds a layer of depth and texture to the song’s sound, creating a sense of space and atmosphere that draws the listener in.

The song’s B-side, “Dead End Job”, is a fascinating companion piece that offers a glimpse into Sting’s pre-Police life as a teacher. The song’s lyrics, written by drummer Stewart Copeland, describe the monotony and frustration of a dead-end job, while Sting’s vocals bring a sense of wry humor and irony to the proceedings. “Dead End Job” was initially only available on vinyl, but its inclusion on the 1993 compilation album Message in a Box introduced it to a new generation of fans.

Throughout “Can’t Stand Losing You”, the Police demonstrate their unique blend of musical styles and lyrical depth, creating a song that is both a powerful tribute to the struggles of youth and a testament to the band’s innovative spirit. With its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, “Can’t Stand Losing You” remains a standout track in the Police’s discography, a song that continues to resonate with listeners to this day.

Video

Lyrics

I’ve called you so many times today
And I guess it’s all true, what your girlfriends say
That you don’t ever want to see me again
And your brother’s gonna kill me and he’s six feet ten

I guess you’d call it cowardice
But I’m not prepared to go on like this

I can’t, I can’t, I can’t stand losing
I can’t, I can’t, I can’t stand losing
I can’t, I can’t, I can’t
I can’t stand losing you
I can’t stand losing you
I can’t stand losing you
I can’t stand losing you

I see you’ve sent my letters back
And my LP records and they’re all scratched
I can’t see the point in another day
When nobody listens to a word I say

You can call it lack of confidence
But to carry on living doesn’t make no sense

I can’t, I can’t, I can’t stand losing
I can’t, I can’t, I can’t stand losing
I can’t, I can’t, I can’t stand losing
I can’t, I can’t, I can’t stand losing
I can’t, I can’t, I can’t stand losing
I can’t, I can’t, I can’t stand losing

I guess this is our last goodbye
And you don’t care so I won’t cry
But you’ll be sorry when I’m dead
And all this guilt will be on your head

I guess you’d call it suicide
But I’m too full to swallow my pride

I can’t, I can’t, I can’t stand losing
I can’t, I can’t, I can’t stand losing
I can’t, I can’t, I can’t stand losing
I can’t, I can’t, I can’t stand losing
I can’t, I can’t, I can’t stand losing
I can’t, I can’t, I can’t stand losing
I can’t, I can’t, I can’t stand losing
I can’t, I can’t, I can’t stand losing
I can’t, I can’t, I can’t stand losing
I can’t, I can’t, I can’t stand losing
I can’t, I can’t, I can’t stand losing
I can’t, I can’t, I can’t stand losing
I can’t, I can’t, I can’t stand
Can’t stand losing you