About the song
“Every Breath You Take,” a haunting ballad by the British band The Police, epitomizes the band’s prowess in blending new wave and soft rock styles. Released as the lead single from their fifth and final studio album, *Synchronicity* (1983), the song made an indelible mark on music history upon its debut on May 20, 1983, under A&M Records. Written by the band’s lead vocalist, Sting, the lyrics draw from his personal experiences, navigating the aftermath of divorce from his first wife, Frances Tomelty, and embarking on a relationship with her close friend, Trudie Styler—a situation that stirred considerable controversy at the time.
Sting’s lyrics delve into themes of obsession and jealousy, centering on a possessive lover who meticulously monitors every breath and move of his romantic interest. This emotional intensity is underscored by the song’s production, handled collectively by The Police—Sting, Stewart Copeland, Henry Padovani, and Andy Summers—alongside Hugh Padgham, who previously collaborated with them on their album *Ghost in the Machine* (1981).
Upon its release, “Every Breath You Take” garnered widespread critical acclaim for its melodic depth, Sting’s emotive vocals, and the production quality. It achieved notable commercial success, topping charts in countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, and reaching the top 10 in numerous global markets including Australia, France, Italy, Norway, Spain, and Sweden. In the U.S., it held the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100 for eight consecutive weeks, marking The Police’s first and only chart-topping single there.
Beyond its commercial success, the song earned multiple accolades, including three Grammy nominations and wins for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, Song of the Year, and Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocal(s) at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards. Its music video, directed by Godley & Creme, juxtaposes scenes of The Police performing in a dimly lit ballroom with visuals of a man painstakingly cleaning windows, adding to the song’s atmospheric allure.
“Every Breath You Take” has since become a cultural touchstone, frequently appearing in lists of the greatest songs of all time by various music publications. It ranks at number 84 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and is included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll. Its enduring popularity is further evidenced by its extensive use in film and television soundtracks, as well as its reinterpretations by artists ranging from Bruce Springsteen to Maroon 5, cementing its status as a timeless classic in the annals of popular music.
Video
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
And 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
I’ll be watching you
I’ll be watching you
whoo, hoo
(Every game you play)
(Every night you stay) I’ll be watching you
I’ll be watching you
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