King of Pain

"King of Pain" is a song by The Police, originally released on their 1983 album Synchronicity.

It was released as a worldwide single by A&M Records. It was the second single from Synchronicity in the US and the fourth single in the UK.

Reaching #3 in the US charts in October 1983, the single is The Police's most successful US single (together with "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic") after "Every Breath You Take" based on chart position. In the UK, it reached #17 in the charts in January 1984.

Interestingly, "King of Pain" was the only single from Synchronicity that did not have an accompanying music video.

Alanis Morissette covered this song during her MTV Unplugged performance (released on the 1999 album Alanis Unplugged). "Weird Al" Yankovic also parodied the song with "King of Suede", a monologue of a clothing store owner known for his suede garments.

The song is performed by the indie rock band Brandtson on The Militia Group's compilation, ¡Policia! - A Tribute to the Police.

Mudvayne also covered the song for their 2007 release By the People, for the People.

B-side: "Tea In The Sahara" (Live)
Released: January 1984 (1984-01)
Format: 7", 12"
Recorded: 1983
Genre: New Wave
Length: 4:59
Label: A&M - AM 176
Writer(s): Sting
Producer: The Police

There's a little black spot on the sun today
It's the same old thing as yesterday
There's a black hat caught in a high tree top
There's a flag-pole rag and the wind won't stop

I have stood here before inside the pouring rain
With the world turning circles running 'round my brain
I guess I'm always hoping that you'll end this reign
But it's my destiny to be the king of pain


There's a fossil that's trapped in a high cliff wall
(That`s my soul up there)
There's a dead salmon frozen in a waterfall
(That`s my soul up there)
There's a blue whale beached by a spring tide's ebb
(That`s my soul up there)
There's a butterfly trapped in a spider's web
(That`s my soul up there)

I have stood here before inside the pouring rain
With the world turning circles running 'round my brain
I guess I'm always hoping that you'll end this reign
But it's my destiny to be the king of pain

There's a king on a throne with his eyes torn out
There's a blind man looking for a shadow of doubt
There's a rich man sleeping on a golden bed
There's a skeleton choking on a crust of bread

King of pain

There's a red fox torn by a huntsman's pack
There's a black-winged gull with a broken back
There's a little black spot on the sun today
It's the same old thing as yesterday

I have stood here before inside the pouring rain
With the world turning circles running 'round my brain
I guess I'm always hoping that you'll end this reign
But it's my destiny to be the king of pain

King of pain
I'll always be king of pain
I'll always be king of pain