Reggatta De Blanc (Remastered 2003)
Message In A Bottle
The Police
Album:
Reggatta De Blanc (Remastered 2003)
Genre:
Punk
Release date:
1979-10-02
Song's meaning
Lyrics
Just a castaway, an island lost at sea, oh
Another lonely day, with no one here but me, oh
More loneliness than any man could bear
Rescue me before I fall into despair, oh

I'll send an S.O.S to the world
I'll send an S.O.S to the world
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
Message in a bottle, yeah

Message in a bottle, yeah

A year has passed since I wrote my note
I should have known this right from the start
Only hope can keep me together
Love can mend your life
Or love can break your heart

I'll send an S.O.S to the world
I'll send an S.O.S to the world
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
Message in a bottle, yeah

Message in a bottle, yeah
Oh, message in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, yeah

Walked out this morning, I don't believe what I saw
Hundred billion bottles washed up on the shore
Seems I'm not alone at being alone
Hundred billion castaways, looking for a home

I'll send an S.O.S to the world
I'll send an S.O.S to the world
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my

I hope that someone gets my
Message in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, oh
Message in a bottle, yeah

Sending out an S.O.S
Sending out an S.O.S
Sending out an S.O.S
I'm sending out an S.O.S
Sending out an S.O.S
Sending out an S.O.S
Sending out an S.O.S
Sending out an S.O.S
I'm sending out an S.O.S

I'm sending out an S.O.S
I'm sending out an S.O.S
I'm sending out an S.O.S
I'm sending out an S.O.S
I'm sending out an S.O.S
I'm sending out an S.O.S
I'm sending out an S.O.S

I'm sending out an S.O.S
I'm sending out an S.O.S
I'm sending out an S.O.S
I'm sending out an S.O.S
I'm sending out an S.O.S
I'm sending out an S.O.S
I'm sending out an S.O.S
I'm sending out an S.O.S
I'm sending out an S.O.S
Song's meaning
The song's opening lines, "Just a castaway, an island lost at sea / Another lonely day, no one here but me," set the tone for the narrator's sense of isolation and loneliness. He describes sending a message in a bottle, hoping that someone will find it and respond, offering him a chance for human connection.


As the song progresses, the narrator's desperation for human connection becomes more and more apparent. He sings, "Seems that I have found somebody here / I'd love to meet her face to face if only I could make her see." Despite the odds, the narrator continues to hold out hope that his message will be received and that he will find the love and connection he craves.


Overall, "Message in a Bottle" is a poignant and emotional song about the human need for connection and the power of hope in the face of isolation and loneliness. Its message of hope and perseverance continues to resonate with listeners today, making it a timeless classic of the rock genre.