About the song
“Every Breath You Take,” released in 1983, is a hauntingly beautiful and iconic track by the British rock band, The Police. Written by Sting, this song is often misinterpreted as a romantic ballad but is, in fact, a song about obsession, control, and the darker side of love. It’s a unique blend of pop, rock, and a touch of new wave, showcasing the band’s ability to craft complex and emotionally charged songs within a commercially appealing framework. “Every Breath You Take” is a testament to The Police’s musical innovation and their ability to create a timeless classic.
The song is characterized by its simple yet effective instrumentation: a minimalist drum beat, a subtle bassline, and the instantly recognizable guitar riff played by Andy Summers. Sting’s vocals are delivered with a mix of tenderness and underlying menace, perfectly capturing the song’s complex themes. The contrast between the song’s seemingly romantic melody and its unsettling lyrics makes it both beautiful and deeply thought-provoking. The song’s understated arrangement and its repetitive, almost hypnotic quality add to its lasting impact.
“Every Breath You Take” was a monumental commercial success, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of The Police’s most recognizable songs worldwide. The song also won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1984, recognizing its exceptional songwriting and cultural impact. Its inclusion on the band’s album Synchronicity further contributed to the album’s phenomenal success. “Every Breath You Take” has become a staple on radio stations and has been featured in countless films and television shows.
The enduring appeal of “Every Breath You Take” lies in its ability to be both beautiful and unsettling, masking a darker message behind a seemingly simple love song. Its complex themes, combined with its timeless melody and Sting’s powerful vocals, have made it a classic that continues to resonate with audiences across generations. It’s a testament to The Police’s innovative approach to music and their ability to craft songs that are both commercially successful and deeply meaningful. “Every Breath You Take” is more than just a hit song; it’s a cultural touchstone and a defining work in the band’s impressive discography.
Video
Lyrics
Every breath you take
And every move you make
Every bond you break
Every step you take
I’ll be watching you
Every single day
And every word you say
Every game you play
Every night you stay
I’ll be watching you
Oh, can’t you see
You belong to me?
How my poor heart aches
With every step you take?
Every move you make
And every vow you break
Every smile you fake
Every claim you stake
I’ll be watching you
Since you’ve gone, I’ve been lost without a trace
I dream at night, I can only see your face
I look around, but it’s you I can’t replace
I feel so cold, and I long for your embrace
I keep crying, baby, baby please
Oh, can’t you see
You belong to me?
How my poor heart aches
With every step you take?
Every move you make
And every vow you break
Every smile you fake
Every claim you stake
I’ll be watching you
Every move you make
Every step you take
I’ll be watching you
I’ll be watching you
(Every breath you take)
(Every move you make)
(Every bond you break)
(Every step you take) I’ll be watching you
I’ll be watching you
I’ll be watching you
whoo, hoo
(Every game you play)
(Every night you stay) I’ll be watching you
I’ll be watching you
I’ll be watching you
I’ll be watching you
(Every single day)
(Every word you say)
(Every game you play)
(Every night you stay) I’ll be watching you