"Every Breath You Take" is a song by the English rock band The Police, released in 1983. The song became one of the most iconic hits of the 1980s and is often regarded as one of the greatest songs in rock history. Here are some interesting facts about the song and The Police:
Stalker-Inspired Lyrics: "Every Breath You Take" is often mistaken for a romantic love song, but it's actually about obsession and surveillance. Sting, the lead singer and songwriter, wrote the lyrics from the perspective of a possessive and controlling lover. The song's ominous and haunting melody contrasts with its seemingly sweet lyrics.
Hit Success: The song became a massive commercial success, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and staying there for eight weeks. It also topped the charts in numerous other countries around the world.
Grammy Awards: "Every Breath You Take" won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1984. The song's lyrical depth and musical arrangement contributed to its recognition as a timeless classic.
Album Inclusion: The song is part of The Police's fifth and final studio album, "Synchronicity," released in 1983. The album itself was highly successful, further solidifying The Police's reputation as one of the leading bands of the era.
Influence and Covers: The song's popularity has led to numerous covers by other artists over the years. Many artists from various genres have put their own spin on the song, contributing to its enduring appeal.
Music Video: The music video for "Every Breath You Take" features The Police performing the song in a dimly lit room, interspersed with shots of the band members walking around a garden. The video's simplicity and subdued atmosphere mirror the song's themes.
Sting's Songwriting Process: Sting wrote the song in Jamaica while the band was going through a period of intense tension and personal conflicts. He has mentioned that the writing process for the song was relatively quick, taking only about half an hour.
Misinterpretation: Due to its melody and hook, "Every Breath You Take" is often played at weddings and romantic events. Many listeners overlook the song's dark themes, and Sting has expressed amusement at this widespread misinterpretation.
Legal Disputes: The song's popularity led to some legal disputes over its rights. The song's publishing rights changed hands a few times, with Sting eventually regaining control of the rights in the late 2000s.
Cultural Impact: "Every Breath You Take" has become a staple of popular culture and is frequently referenced in movies, TV shows, and other forms of media. Its distinctive melody and lyrics have made it instantly recognizable to people of all generations.
"Every Breath You Take" remains a classic example of how a song's complex themes can be wrapped in an appealing musical package, leading to a lasting impact on listeners and pop culture.