Every Breath You Take
Vonda Shepard & Robert Downey Jr Lyrics


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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, 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 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)
Every move you make, every vow you break
Every smile you fake, every claim you stake (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)

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)
Every move you make, every vow you break
Every smile you fake, every claim you stake (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)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Every Breath You Take" written by Sting and performed by The Police speak of the singer's obsession with a former lover, and Vonda Shepard and Robert Downey Jr's version takes on a more haunting and melancholy tone. The song explores the concept of possessiveness and the destructive nature of jealousy. The lyrical repetition of "every breath you take, every move you make" highlights the singer's intense focus on his former lover's every action, indicating that he cannot move on from the relationship. The phrase "every bond you break, every step you take" emphasizes the singer's belief that he has ownership over the person he is singing about, and their every move belongs to him.


The use of "I'll be watching you" throughout the song adds to the overall sense of possessiveness and control that the singer feels towards their former lover. Despite the relationship being over, the singer is unable to let go and continues to monitor their every move. The desperation in the lyrics is apparent, particularly in the chorus when the singer states "how my poor heart aches with every step you take." The imagery of a heart physically aching due to the actions of someone else highlights the toll that possessiveness can take on an individual.


Overall, "Every Breath You Take" is a haunting portrayal of the negative emotions associated with the end of a relationship, particularly when one partner has become overly possessive of the other.


Line by Line Meaning

Every breath you take and every move you make
I am hyper-focused on you, noticing every little thing you do


Every bond you break, every step you take, I'll be watching you
I am keeping a close eye on your every action and decision


Every single day and every word you say
I am vigilant every moment you are near me, listening to your every word


Every game you play, every night you stay, I'll be watching you
I do not trust you and am paying attention to your activities even when you think I am not aware


Oh, can't you see you belong to me
You are mine and I will not let you go


How my poor heart aches with every step you take
I am obsessed with you and feel pain when you are not with me


Every move you make, every vow you break
I notice the promises you break and I am keeping track of your every action


Every smile you fake, every claim you stake, I'll be watching you
I am aware of the things you deny or try to hide, and I am keeping a close eye on you


Since you've gone I've been lost without a trace
I am unable to function without you and am constantly thinking of you


I dream at night, I can only see your face
You are always on my mind, even when I am sleeping


I look around but it's you I can't replace
I have tried to find someone else, but they cannot compare to you


I feel so cold and I long for your embrace
I am feeling lonely and desperate for your affection


I keep crying, "Baby, baby, please"
I am begging you to come back to me and be with me again


I'll be watching you
I will always keep an eye on you, even if you do not know or want me to




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Gordon Sumner

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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