“Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic”: The Police’s Irresistible Pop Charm
In October 1981, The Police released “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” and it was clear the band had shifted gears. Where early tracks leaned on punk and reggae grit, this single glided in on piano riffs, pop sparkle, and infectious energy. It became one of their most universally loved hits, helping their album Ghost in the Machine soar to multi-platinum heights.
But this song’s magic had been bubbling for years.
From demo to hit
Sting first wrote and demoed the track back in 1976, before The Police had even formed. He tried re-recording it in early 1981 at Le Studio in Quebec with keyboardist Jean Roussel, whose melodic piano runs were so captivating, they ended up anchoring the final version.
The rest of the band—Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers—struggled to match the feel of Sting’s demo. Eventually, their overdubs were added directly onto Sting’s original recording, a move that caused some tension within the group but ultimately delivered one of their most polished pop productions.
Sound & sentiment
The track combines reggae-rock rhythms, new wave brightness, and rich pop textures. Roussel’s piano gives it bounce, while layers of synth add depth. Copeland’s drumming is dynamic but restrained, and Summers’ guitar weaves through the mix with subtle accents.
Lyrically, it’s a romantic swoon. Sting sings of being infatuated with someone who seems completely out of reach—“It’s a big enough umbrella / But it’s always me that ends up getting wet.” There’s vulnerability beneath the upbeat tempo, a sense of longing and emotional hesitation that gives the song emotional punch.
Music video & visuals
Directed by Derek Burbidge, the video was filmed in Montserrat, where the band had been recording. It’s playful and relaxed—featuring studio footage and casual scenes around the island. Nothing flashy, but it matches the spirit of the track: bright, breezy, and full of charm.
Charts and global glow
Released in October 1981, “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” quickly became a global sensation. In the UK, it soared to No. 1, marking The Police’s fourth chart-topper there. It also reached the summit in Canada, Ireland, and the Netherlands, while climbing to No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it one of their highest-charting singles in America. The song continued its winning streak across Europe and beyond, peaking at No. 2 in Australia and Italy, No. 3 in Belgium, No. 5 in Norway, and landing in the Top 10 in New Zealand and South Africa. Its widespread success helped propel Ghost in the Machine to multi-platinum status and solidified The Police’s reputation as one of the most versatile and beloved bands of the era.
Still making hearts flutter
Decades later, “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” remains a fan favorite—covered by artists like Shawn Colvin, Petula Clark, and interpolated by the Black Eyed Peas. Sting re-recorded it for his 2010 orchestral album Symphonicities, proving the tune’s melodic strength and emotional versatility still shine in any arrangement.
It’s romantic, it’s relatable, and it’s undeniably magical. A perfect slice of early ’80s pop that still makes hearts race.