About the song
The Police’s “When the World Is Running Down, You Make the Best of What’s Still Around” is a remarkable track that showcases the band’s ability to combine profound lyrical themes with their distinctive mix of rock, reggae, and new wave influences. Featured on their 1980 album Zenyatta Mondatta, this song is a testament to the band’s ability to create pieces that are both reflective and engaging.
Written by Sting, the lead vocalist and principal songwriter for The Police, the song captures a unique sense of resilience and pragmatic optimism. The lyrics delve into themes of enduring through hardships and finding value in life’s challenges. Sting uses evocative imagery and introspective lines to convey a message of hope and perseverance. The very title of the song hints at a philosophical approach to navigating difficult times, encouraging listeners to appreciate and make the most of what remains even when faced with adversity.
Musically, “When the World Is Running Down” is a showcase of The Police’s innovative sound. The track features a compelling arrangement with a distinctive bass line and a steady rhythm that are hallmarks of the band’s style. The song’s arrangement blends rhythmic complexity with a catchy melody, incorporating subtle reggae influences that complement Sting’s expressive vocal delivery. This combination creates a contemplative yet engaging atmosphere, perfectly mirroring the song’s reflective lyrics.
Upon its release, the song contributed to the overall success of Zenyatta Mondatta, an album that was widely acclaimed by critics and fans alike. Although it didn’t reach the same chart-topping heights as some of The Police’s other singles, it remains a significant and memorable part of their catalog. The thoughtful lyrics and distinctive musical style of “When the World Is Running Down” continue to resonate with audiences, reflecting The Police’s skill in blending deep lyrical content with innovative musical arrangements.
In summary, “When the World Is Running Down, You Make the Best of What’s Still Around” stands out as a significant track from Zenyatta Mondatta. It highlights The Police’s talent for combining lyrical depth with their unique sound, making it an enduring piece of the band’s legacy.
Video
Lyrics
… Turn on my V.C.R.
Same one I’ve had for years
James Brown on the Tami Show
Same tape I’ve had for years
I sit in my old car
Same one I’ve had for years
Old battery’s running down
It ran for years and years
Turn on the radio
The static hurts my ears
Tell me where would I go
I ain’t been out in years
Turn on the stereo
It’s played for years and years
An Otis Redding song
It’s all I own
When the world is running down
You make the best of what’s still around
When the world is running down
You make the best of what’s still around
Plug in my M.C.I
To exercise my brain
Make records on my own
Can’t go out in the rain
Pick up the telephone
I’ve listened here for years
No one to talk to me
I’ve listened here for years
When the world is running down
You make the best of what’s still around
When the world is running down
You make the best of what’s still around
When I feel lonely here
Don’t waste my time with tears
I run ‘Deep Throat’ again
It ran for years and years
Don’t like the food I eat
The cans are running out
Same food for years and years
I hate the food I eat
When the world is running down
You make the best of what’s still around
When the world is running down
You make the best of what’s still around
When the world is running down
You make the best of what’s still around
When the world is running down
You make the best of what’s still around
Turn on my V.C.R.
Same one I’ve had for years
James Brown on the Tami Show
Same tape I’ve had for years