'The Riddle' in question concerns an old man of Arran going round and round a hole in the ground. Not the most stimulating of exercises but it seems to mean a great deal to mystic Nik. When Sting comes out with this metaphysical hogwash, so sweet are his songs that he gets away with it. Nik Kershaw probably couldn't get away with pinching a pack of liquorice from Woolies. The only riddle is why folk keep buying the boy's records. (Paul Simper, No 1, November 17, 1984)
Somewhere in its dim and distant lineage, this song is related to "Mull Of Kintyre". With its Celtic folksy tune, pushed along by military drums and penny whistles, and references to 'wise men', I suspect it's the first genuine Christmas Single of the season - albeit a little early - and the song most likely to be whistled by your milkmen in the winter months ahead. (Neil Tennant, Smash Hits, November 8, 1984)
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