Every Breath You Take

The song 'Every Breath You Take' by The Police is often perceived as a romantic ballad, but a closer analysis reveals a theme of obsession and surveillance. Written by Sting, the lyrics depict a figure who watches every move, word, and action of another person, suggesting a constant and intrusive presence. This ongoing vigilance is reinforced through repetitive phrases that emphasize control and possessiveness, such as 'I'll be watching you'.

Sting, the band's lead singer, began writing the song after the end of a relationship, intending to create a love song. However, he later acknowledged that the lyrics took on a darker, more obsessive tone. The repeated observations and the insistence on the observer’s constant presence create an atmosphere of stalking rather than affection. The question 'Can't you see / You belong to me?' highlights the narrator’s possessiveness and emotional pain, as he feels lost and incomplete without the other person.

The song also plays with public perception, as many listeners interpret it as a heartfelt love song. Sting has commented on this irony, explaining that the song is actually about obsession and control rather than genuine love. This contrast between popular interpretation and the true meaning of the lyrics is one of the elements that make 'Every Breath You Take' such an intriguing and multifaceted piece, reflecting the complexity of human emotions and the thin line between love and obsession.