Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic

The Police

From the album

Ghost in the Machine (1981)

Written by

Sting

Key:D major
Duration:4:19

Listen to the Song

Summary

Originally written by Sting years before The Police found fame, "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" became the band's most accessible hit from their 1981 album Ghost in the Machine. Its unusual blend of synthesizers, Caribbean-tinged rhythms, and a jubilant pop melody set it apart from the trio's typical guitar-driven sound, reaching #1 in the UK and #3 in the US.

new wave80s popsynth-drivenThe Policeunrequited love

Musical Analysis

The song's harmonic identity is defined by the interplay between D major and D minor, creating a push-pull tension that mirrors the lyrical theme of romantic yearning. The verse's prolonged emphasis on the dominant (A) without resolving to D builds anticipatio…

Chords

verse:A - Asus4 - A - G - D
chorus:D - Bm - G - A

History

Sting wrote "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" in early 1977, well before The Police achieved commercial success. The song predates the band's formation and was initially considered too soft for their punky, reggae-rock sound. An early solo demo was record…

“The final album version is built on top of Sting's demo rather than a fresh band recording”

Full Musical Analysis

The song's harmonic identity is defined by the interplay between D major and D minor, creating a push-pull tension that mirrors the lyrical theme of romantic yearning. The verse's prolonged emphasis on the dominant (A) without resolving to D builds anticipation, while the lydian-inflected bass line adds an ethereal, uplifting quality. The chorus's resolution to a clear D major progression provides cathartic release, making the harmonic journey as emotionally satisfying as the melody itself.

Sting wrote "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" in early 1977, well before The Police achieved commercial success. The song predates the band's formation and was initially considered too soft for their punky, reggae-rock sound. An early solo demo was recorded using basic equipment — an acoustic guitar, bass, African drum, and a TEAC 4-track recorder — in the loft of producer Mike Howlett's home in Acton, London. Sting held onto the song for years, convinced it was a hit despite its departure from the band's established style.

Originally written by Sting years before The Police found fame, "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" became the band's most accessible hit from their 1981 album Ghost in the Machine. Its unusual blend of synthesizers, Caribbean-tinged rhythms, and a jubilant pop melody set it apart from the trio's typical guitar-driven sound, reaching #1 in the UK and #3 in the US.

Deep Analysis Available

Detailed analysis of this section is not yet available for this song.

Song DNA

Genre

Rock

Era

80s

Mood

Uplifting

Tempo

Upbeat

Key

Major

Texture

Layered

Sound

Synth-heavy

Feel

Syncopated

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Listen & Learn

Statistics

6.3M

Plays

1.1M

Listeners

126K

Genius Views

6

Annotations

100%

Popularity

4:19

Duration

4/4

Time

Credits

Written by

Sting

Produced by

The PoliceHugh Padgham

From the album Ghost in the Machine

Original release

  • Ghost in the Machine1981

Compilations

  • Greatest Hits1986
  • Every Breath You Take1986
  • The 80’s: The Album of the Decade1989