Introduction:
Released in 1983, “Every Breath You Take” by The Police is one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s, known for its haunting lyrics and unforgettable guitar riff. Written by Sting during a time of personal upheaval following his separation from his first wife, the song captures the dark, obsessive side of love. While many listeners interpret the song as a romantic ballad, Sting intended it to reflect themes of surveillance, control, and possessiveness, likening it to a “nasty little song” about an overbearing lover rather than a tender love anthem. Its ambiguous nature has led to misinterpretations, with couples even choosing it for weddings despite its underlying tone of jealousy and obsession.
The recording process was fraught with tension among the band members. The Police were experiencing internal conflicts, particularly between Sting and drummer Stewart Copeland, which intensified during the production of their final album, Synchronicity. Despite these challenges, guitarist Andy Summers added the now-famous guitar riff, inspired by his earlier experimentation with classical duets, giving the track a unique sound.
The music video, directed by Godley & Creme, added to the song’s mystique, with its black-and-white cinematography and minimalist, shadowy visuals. “Every Breath You Take” became an enormous commercial success, reaching number one in multiple countries and winning the 1984 Grammy for Song of the Year. The track remains a staple of The Police’s legacy, frequently covered, sampled, and referenced in pop culture, including in Puff Daddy’s “I’ll Be Missing You” in 1997 as a tribute to The Notorious B.I.G