Every Breath You Take – The Police

Released in 1983, “Every Breath You Take” by The Police is one of the most enduring hits of the 1980s. Written by the band’s lead singer and bassist, Sting, the song became an instant classic, earning critical acclaim and significant commercial success. Its haunting melody, memorable chorus, and evocative lyrics have cemented its place in music history. The official music video for “Every Breath You Take” plays a crucial role in the song’s legacy, providing a visual narrative that complements its atmospheric sound and poignant theme.

The Song: A Deep Dive into a Classic
“Every Breath You Take” is often mistaken for a straightforward love song due to its memorable chorus and melodic structure. However, its lyrical content reveals a more complex and darker theme. The song’s lyrics reflect a sense of obsession and surveillance, with lines like “Every breath you take, every move you make, I’ll be watching you.” While it may appear to be a romantic ode on the surface, the song’s true essence explores themes of possessiveness and control.

Musically, the track is characterized by its minimalist yet compelling arrangement. The song opens with a distinctive guitar riff played by Andy Summers, which sets a hypnotic tone that carries through the track. Stewart Copeland’s drumming provides a steady, rhythmic backbone, while Sting’s vocals convey a sense of eerie calmness. The song’s instrumental arrangement is understated, allowing the lyrics and melody to take center stage.

The track’s production, handled by Hugh Padgham and The Police, utilizes a “stewed” sound, which was achieved by recording the drums in a large room to create a reverberating effect. This production choice, along with the use of a repeating guitar riff and a steady beat, contributes to the song’s haunting atmosphere.

The Music Video: A Visual Interpretation of Obsession
The official music video for “Every Breath You Take,” directed by the renowned filmmaker and director of photography, Michael S. Smith, was released alongside the single and played a significant role in its success. The video features a minimalist and stylish aesthetic that complements the song’s mood and themes.

The video opens with a close-up of Sting, who delivers the song’s opening lines directly to the camera. The visual style is stark, with black-and-white imagery and a focus on the band members in a performance setting. This monochromatic approach underscores the song’s contemplative and somber mood.

As the video progresses, the imagery alternates between shots of The Police performing in a dimly lit studio and a series of symbolic visuals. These visuals include images of Sting’s eyes, reinforcing the theme of surveillance and observation present in the lyrics. The band’s performance is characterized by a sense of detachment, with Sting’s intense gaze and measured delivery adding to the song’s underlying tension.

The video also features scenes of Sting and his bandmates—Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland—performing against a backdrop of abstract shapes and shadows. This visual approach enhances the song’s atmosphere, creating a sense of mystery and introspection.

One of the notable aspects of the video is its use of visual motifs that echo the song’s lyrical content. For example, the repetition of Sting’s gaze and the focus on his face and eyes emphasize the themes of monitoring and obsession. The video effectively captures the song’s psychological depth, making it a fitting complement to the track’s musical and lyrical elements.

Impact and Reception
“Every Breath You Take” was both a critical and commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. The song’s popularity was further bolstered by its music video, which became an iconic representation of 1980s music videos. The video’s minimalist and evocative style contributed to the song’s enduring appeal and established it as a staple of MTV’s early years.

The song’s success also extended to award circuits, where it received several accolades, including the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1984. The combination of its compelling melody, thought-provoking lyrics, and visually striking music video helped solidify “Every Breath You Take” as a timeless classic.

Despite its popularity, the song’s themes have sparked debate and interpretation. While it is often associated with romantic longing, many listeners and critics recognize its darker undertones, exploring the implications of possessiveness and control. This complexity has contributed to the song’s lasting relevance and continued discussion in popular culture.

Legacy and Conclusion
The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” remains one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s, and its music video is an integral part of its legacy. The video’s minimalist aesthetic, combined with its powerful imagery, enhances the song’s haunting and introspective qualities.

As time has passed, “Every Breath You Take” continues to be celebrated for its musical craftsmanship and lyrical depth. The official music video, with its striking visual elements and evocative presentation, ensures that the song’s impact endures. The track’s exploration of themes such as obsession and control, paired with its memorable melody and compelling video, has solidified its place as a classic in the annals of music history.

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, 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
(Every single day, every word you say)
(Every game you play, every night you stay)
I’ll be watching you
(Every move you make, every vow you break)
(Every smile you fake, every claim you stake)
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
(Every breath you take, every move you make)
(Every bond you break, every step you take)
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
(Every move you make, every vow you break)
(Every smile you fake, every claim you stake)
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