Every Breath You Take
Glee
The Obsessive Vigilance of Love: Analyzing 'Every Breath You Take' by Glee
The song 'Every Breath You Take,' performed by the cast of Glee, delves into the darker side of love and obsession. The lyrics, originally written by Sting for The Police, are often misinterpreted as a romantic ballad. However, a closer examination reveals a narrative of possessiveness and surveillance. The repeated lines 'I'll be watching you' underscore a sense of constant monitoring, suggesting an unhealthy fixation on the subject of the singer's affection.
The chorus, with lines like 'Oh, can't you see, you belong to me,' highlights the singer's belief in ownership over the other person. This possessiveness is further emphasized by the pain expressed in 'How my poor heart aches with every step you take.' The singer's heartache is not just from love lost but from the inability to control the other person's actions. The lyrics convey a sense of desperation and longing, as the singer is unable to move on and remains fixated on their lost love.
The verses also paint a picture of a life consumed by this obsession. The singer admits to feeling 'lost without a trace' and dreaming of the person they cannot replace. This longing is coupled with a sense of coldness and a yearning for the lost embrace, indicating a deep emotional void. The repetition of 'I'll be watching you' throughout the song reinforces the idea of an omnipresent gaze, making it clear that the singer's love has turned into an all-consuming obsession. This portrayal of love as surveillance and control offers a stark contrast to more traditional romantic themes, providing a thought-provoking commentary on the boundaries between love and obsession.