If You Love Somebody Set Them Free

The Police's song 'If You Love Somebody Set Them Free' delves into the complex relationship between love and freedom. The repeated refrain 'Free, Free, Set them free' underscores the central message: true love is not about possession or control but about allowing the loved one to be free. This idea challenges the conventional notion that love involves holding on tightly to someone. Instead, the song suggests that genuine affection requires letting go and trusting in the strength of the bond.

The lyrics explore various metaphors to illustrate the pitfalls of possessive love. For instance, the lines 'If you want to keep something precious / You got to lock it up and throw away the key' and 'Or a beast in a gilded cage / That's all some people ever want to be' highlight how attempts to control or possess a loved one can lead to their emotional imprisonment. These metaphors serve as a caution against the desire to dominate or restrict a partner, emphasizing that such actions can stifle the very essence of what makes the relationship valuable.

Furthermore, the song touches on the broader societal issue of materialism and the human tendency to equate possession with happiness. The lines 'So many riches, so many souls / Everything we see we want to possess' critique the pervasive belief that owning things or people can bring fulfillment. By juxtaposing this with the idea of setting a loved one free, the song suggests that true contentment comes from valuing freedom and independence over material or emotional ownership. This message resonates with the band's broader themes of questioning societal norms and advocating for personal and collective liberation.