Every Breath You Take
Phil Collins & Sting Lyrics
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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 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)
Every single day, every word you say
Every game you play, every night you stay (I'll be watching you)
The lyrics of "Every Breath You Take" by Phil Collins and Sting may at first seem romantic, but they are actually quite sinister. The song is about an obsessive stalker who is watching and following their ex-lover's every move, even after they have ended the relationship. The first two lines of the song immediately set the tone for this idea of obsessive surveillance. There's an overwhelming sense of intrusion with the repetition of "every." Every breath, every move, every bond, every step, and more, all suggest an obsessive and intense level of watching.
The chorus of the song takes on a desperate tone as the singer exclaims, "Oh, can't you see you belong to me?" Here, the stalker is exhibited as someone who believes they have some sort of ownership over the object of their desire. They are unable to let go and accept that the relationship is over, and that is causing them emotional pain. The vow to keep watching the other person, every move they make, every step they take, is further indication that the person is a victim to the stalker's obsession.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become more and more haunting. The verse which follows the chorus is about how the singer is lost without the person they are watching, and this is followed by a refrain of "I'll be watching you." The lyrics become more desperate, and the implication of the song is that the stalker is completely obsessed and unable to move on.
Line by Line Meaning
Every breath you take and every move you make
No matter what you do or where you go, I am always aware of your every action.
Every bond you break, every step you take, I'll be watching you
Even if you try to distance yourself from me, I won't let you go as I keep a close eye on you.
Every single day and every word you say
All your daily activities, as well as every conversation you have, I am always aware of them.
Every game you play, every night you stay, I'll be watching you
Even the slightest of things you do, whether you're out all night or just having some fun, I'll be keeping a tab on you.
Oh, can't you see you belong to me?
I want you to realize that you're mine and that I have ownership over you.
How my poor heart aches with every step you take
Every moment that you're away, it hurts me and makes me feel incomplete.
Every move you make, and every vow you break
I am aware of every decision you make, even if you break promises that you made to me.
Every smile you fake, every claim you stake, I'll be watching you
I am not fooled by your outward appearances or lies, I know the truth behind it all.
Since you've gone I've been lost without a trace
Ever since you left, I feel as if a part of me is missing and I can't find it.
I dream at night, I can only see your face
Even in my dreams, you continue to occupy my thoughts and I can't escape you.
I look around but it's you I can't replace
I have tried to fill the void, but nothing compares to the love I have for you.
I feel so cold and I long for your embrace
Without you, I feel empty and alone, and all I want is to be held in your arms again.
I keep crying, "Baby, baby, please"
I am begging you to come back to me, as I can't bear to be without you any longer.
I'll be watching you
No matter where you are, I'll always be keeping an eye on you and what you're doing.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Gordon Sumner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Micheal Carney
To anyone isn't a fan of Phil Collins, just remember he played with Zeppelin, Clapton and Sting in the same day
Oscar Urbina
In two different continents
xen0g3n
@TheCommentingDouche Well said.
Gwen Lyda
Michael Carney and he managed to have time to perform his songs too
Michal Kos
@Oscar Urbina and in two times
John Gray
They sound absolutely amazing together. Such a shame they never recorded together in the studio
K G
They actually did. On Phil Collins' album No Jacket Required Sting provides harmony background on songs: Long long way to go and: Take me home. Peter Gabriel also adds backing vocals on Take me home.
Alan Jones
What saxophone?
Rohan Padiyar
@Alan Jones A Soprano Sax.
Michael BradyVEVO
@K G Wow!!!! Hardly anyone remembers that, especially having the holy Trinity with Peter sing on "Take Me Home!!!" BRAVO to you!!!