Every Breath You Take
Vintage Reggae Soundsystem Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
Every move you make
Every bond you break
Every single day (oh)
Oh, can't you see
You belong to me
How my poor heart aches
With every step you take
Every move you make
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
Yeah, I'll be watching you
Vintage Reggae Soundsystem's rendition of "Every Breath You Take" was initially written and performed by the band, The Police, and released in 1983. The song is believed to be a pop culture classic that has become popular at weddings, karaoke bars, and on radio airwaves for the past three decades. The song is a haunting love song, but its true meaning is rather chilling; it's about a stalker who is obsessively watching his love interest's every move.
The first two verses set the tone for the song, with the stalker singing about his watchful eye on his love interest. The lyrics show the obsession of the stalker with the repetition of every phrase, as he sings, "Every breath you take, Every move you make, Every bond you break, Every step you take I'll be watching you." The chorus states that he owns her, "Oh, can't you see, You belong to me, How my poor heart aches, With every step you take," which implies that he doesn't want to lose what he sees as his possession.
In the second verse, the stalker reveals that his love interest has left him, heightening his obsession, "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." Despite her rejection, he remains fixated, continuously watching her every move.
Line by Line Meaning
Every breath you take
I am paying close attention to your every inhalation.
Every move you make
I am observing every action you take.
Every bond you break, every step you take
All of your relationships and movements are being monitored by me.
I'll be watching you
I will be keeping a close eye on you.
Every single day
No matter what day of the week it is, I will be observing you.
Every word you say
I am listening intently to every utterance you make.
Every game you play, every night you stay
Your activities and whereabouts are under my constant surveillance.
Oh, can't you see
Are you unable to comprehend?
You belong to me
You are my possession.
How my poor heart aches
I am tormented emotionally.
With every step you take
Every movement you make causes me distress.
Every vow you break
Every promise you do not keep is noted by me.
Every smile you fake, every claim you stake
I am aware of any insincere expressions or assertions you make.
Since you've gone I've been lost without a trace
I am directionless and adrift without you.
I dream at night, I can only see your face
You occupy my thoughts and dreams exclusively.
I look around, but it's you I can't replace
I am unable to find a substitute for you.
I feel so cold and I long for your embrace
I am emotionally distant and crave physical affection from you.
I keep crying baby, baby please
I am constantly weeping and begging for your return.
Every move you make
Reiterating the fact that all your actions are being monitored.
Every bond you break
Continuing to emphasize the scrutiny of your relationships.
Every single day (oh)
Once again confirming the constant attention being paid.
Yeah, I'll be watching you
I will continue to observe you vigilantly.
Writer(s): Sting
Contributed by Skyler W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.