The Police, formed in London in 1977, became one of the most influential rock bands of the late 20th century, blending elements of punk, reggae, and new wave into a distinctive and globally successful sound. Consisting of Sting (vocals, bass), Andy Summers (guitar), and Stewart Copeland (drums), the trio quickly rose to prominence with hits like “Roxanne,” “Message In A Bottle,” and “Every Breath You Take.”
Their innovative approach, marked by tight musicianship and Sting’s distinctive voice, helped them achieve both critical acclaim and massive commercial success, selling over 75 million records worldwide. The Police won multiple Grammy Awards and became emblematic of the early MTV era with their striking videos and stylish presence. Though they disbanded in the mid-1980s at the height of their popularity, their legacy endures as one of the most dynamic and groundbreaking bands of their generation.
The Police’s 1983 single “Every Breath You Take” is one of the most iconic songs of the decade and a defining moment in the band’s career. Released from their final studio album Synchronicity, the track features Sting’s haunting vocals and a minimalist arrangement that gives it a hypnotic, unforgettable quality. Though often mistaken for a love song, its lyrics reveal a darker theme of obsession and surveillance, which only adds to its intrigue. The single topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks and went on to win the Grammy for Song of the Year, cementing its place as a timeless classic. Even today, “Every Breath You Take” remains instantly recognizable and continues to resonate across generations.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK charts on 4th June 1986.
| A-Side | Every Breath You Take (4:13) (Sting) Produced By Hugh Padgham & The Police |
| B-Side | Murder By Numbers (4:25) (Sting, Andy Summers) Produced By Hugh Padgham & The Police |
| Genre | Rock, Pop |
| Release Date | 28th May 1983 |
| Label | A & M RECORDS |
| Catalogue Number | AM 117 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 22nd May 1983 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 01 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 10 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [10 Weeks] – 22nd May 1983 – 30th July 1983 |
| 7-[1]-1-1-1-2-9-20-28-40 |
Officially Released Versions
Every Breath You Take [Single Version] [4:13]
Every Breath You Take [Alternate Mix] [4:03]
Every Breath You Take [Backing Track] [4:07]
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
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
Mm, mm, mm, mm
Mm, mm, mm
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
Written By Sting
