Murder by Numbers Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Once that you've decided on a killing
First you make a stone of your heart
And if you find that your hands are still willing
Then you can turn a murder into art
[Verse 2]
There really isn't any need for bloodshed
You just do it with a little more finesse
If you can slip a tablet into someone's coffee
Then it avoids an awful lot of mess
[Chorus]
Because it's murder by numbers, 1, 2, 3
It's as easy to learn as your ABC
It’s murder by numbers, 1, 2, 3
It's as easy to learn as your ABC
[Verse 3]
Now if you have a taste for this experience
And you're flushed with your very first success
Then you must try a twosome or a threesome
And you'll find your conscience bothers you much less
[Verse 4]
Because murder is like anything you take to
It's a habit-forming need for more and more
You can bump off every member of your family
And anybody else you find a bore
Once that you've decided on a killing
First you make a stone of your heart
And if you find that your hands are still willing
Then you can turn a murder into art
[Verse 2]
There really isn't any need for bloodshed
You just do it with a little more finesse
If you can slip a tablet into someone's coffee
Then it avoids an awful lot of mess
[Chorus]
Because it's murder by numbers, 1, 2, 3
It's as easy to learn as your ABC
It’s murder by numbers, 1, 2, 3
It's as easy to learn as your ABC
[Verse 3]
Now if you have a taste for this experience
And you're flushed with your very first success
Then you must try a twosome or a threesome
And you'll find your conscience bothers you much less
[Verse 4]
Because murder is like anything you take to
It's a habit-forming need for more and more
You can bump off every member of your family
And anybody else you find a bore
[Chorus]
Because it's murder by numbers, 1, 2, 3
It's as easy to learn as your ABC
It's murder by numbers, 1, 2, 3
It's as easy to learn as your ABC
[Verse 5]
Now you can join the ranks of the illustrious
In history's great dark hall of fame
All our greatest killers were industrious
At least the ones that we all know by name
[Verse 6]
But you can reach the top of your profession
If you become the leader of the land
For murder is the sport of the elected
And you don't need to lift a finger of your hand
[Chorus]
Because it's murder by numbers, 1, 2, 3
It's as easy to learn as your ABC
Murder by numbers, 1, 2, 3
It's as easy to learn as your ABCDE
[Bridge]
123, ABC
123, ABC
123, ABC
Because it's murder by numbers, 1, 2, 3
It's as easy to learn as your ABC
It's murder by numbers, 1, 2, 3
It's as easy to learn as your ABC
[Verse 5]
Now you can join the ranks of the illustrious
In history's great dark hall of fame
All our greatest killers were industrious
At least the ones that we all know by name
[Verse 6]
But you can reach the top of your profession
If you become the leader of the land
For murder is the sport of the elected
And you don't need to lift a finger of your hand
[Chorus]
Because it's murder by numbers, 1, 2, 3
It's as easy to learn as your ABC
Murder by numbers, 1, 2, 3
It's as easy to learn as your ABCDE
[Bridge]
123, ABC
123, ABC
123, ABC
[Outro]
It's murder by numbers, 1, 2, 3
It's as easy to learn as your ABC
It's murder by numbers, 1, 2, 3
It's as easy to learn as your ABCDE
[Light applause]
It's murder by numbers, 1, 2, 3
It's as easy to learn as your ABC
It's murder by numbers, 1, 2, 3
It's as easy to learn as your ABCDE
[Light applause]
About
Genius Annotation
Though originally the B-side to the Every Breath You Take single, track eleven of 1983’s Synchronicity was added to the CD and cassette versions to pad out the timing. While musically the track follows a standard lounge jazz formula, the subject matter is anything but.
Written like a how-to guide on becoming a serial killer, the song takes an unexpected twist at the end when the narrator suggests becoming an elected official. Apparently it’s easier and legal to kill scores of people if you’re a “leader of the land.” The lack of faith in politicians is one of Sting’s trademarks throughout his career.
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
- 3.O My God
- 4.Mother
- 8.King of Pain
- 11.Murder by Numbers
Credits
Produced By
Written By
Recorded At
AIR Montserrat, Salem, Montserrat; Le Studio, Morin-Heights, Quebec, Canada
Release Date
June 1, 1983
Murder by Numbers Covers
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