About this ebook
“Sting’s gift for prose and reverence for language, nearly the equal of his musical gifts, shine on every page. Even when Broken Music addresses the quixotic life of an aspiring rock & roller, it reads like literature from a more rarified time when adults didn’t condescend to the vulgarities of pop culture.” —Rolling Stone
Having been a songwriter most of my life, condensing my ideas and emotions into short rhyming couplets and setting them to music, I had never really considered writing a book. But upon arriving at the reflective age of fifty, I found myself drawn, for the first time, to write long passages that were as stimulating and intriguing to me as any songwriting I had ever done.
And so Broken Music began to take shape. It is a book about the early part of my life, from childhood through adolescence, right up to the eve of my success with the Police. It is a story very few people know.
I had no interest in writing a traditional autobiographical recitation of everything that’s ever happened to me. Instead I found myself drawn to exploring specific moments, certain people and relationships, and particular events which still resonate powerfully for me as I try to understand the child I was, and the man I became.
Having been a songwriter most of my life, condensing my ideas and emotions into short rhyming couplets and setting them to music, I had never really considered writing a book. But upon arriving at the reflective age of fifty, I found myself drawn, for the first time, to write long passages that were as stimulating and intriguing to me as any songwriting I had ever done.
And so Broken Music began to take shape. It is a book about the early part of my life, from childhood through adolescence, right up to the eve of my success with the Police. It is a story very few people know.
I had no interest in writing a traditional autobiographical recitation of everything that’s ever happened to me. Instead I found myself drawn to exploring specific moments, certain people and relationships, and particular events which still resonate powerfully for me as I try to understand the child I was, and the man I became.
Ratings and reviews
4.6
20 reviews
John Bardsley
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March 28, 2021
The same literary and philosophical world view of Sting's lyrics comes through in the prose. Sting takes a very honest look at his upbringing and notes how much it informs his work as a musician and a human being. There's an acknowledgement of the strengths and weaknesses that combined to drive him to success and self actualization. Sting often describes various formative experiences and hints at what the after effects of those experiences would be in his life as he continued on his meteoric rise. Its an interesting writing technique and gives the book an interesting departure from a simple point A to point B narrative.. The end result is a very enjoyable read for any fan of The Police and Sting. Personally, as a musician I also related to of Sting's way of escaping hard reality through the power of playing and creating music. And of course, any one who's ever played in a band will relate to the pay-your-dues mentality you have to have when you're packed in a van or car with your gear and sleeping on floors to play your music...good stuff!
2 people found this review helpful
A Google user
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July 24, 2012
This is such a great insight to Gordon Sumner's life growing up and the journey's he has been on. Love it and love him!!
Saras wati
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December 5, 2015
He has his own way on telling his story. He explain every moment in sensual details. Amazing book
1 person found this review helpful
About the author
Sting is an award-winning singer, songwriter and human rights activist.
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