Every single day and every word you say/
Every game you play, every night you stay, I’ll be watching you.

The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” is the most famous example of a song that sounds like a love song but really isn’t-it’s about a voyeur/stalker. We’ve had lots of these similar pseudo-love songs throughout the list. Half of the times I argue that the song would be better if the song were an actual love song, however, “Every Breath You Take” is better once we understanding the lyrics.

The primary reason is because of Sting’s excellent delivery of the lyrics. Upon further examination, he isn’t delivering these lines in a sultry (or loving) manner…it is in an intense manner that is appropriate for the lyrics. That is why it works so well.

The guitar riff in the intro and throughout the song is iconic. The bass plays a big part too. Even though it is only repeated sixteenth notes, there is an intensity about them that push the song along and also mimic a racing pulse (somewhat). The bridge does a great job of reinforcing the message of an obsessive individual—and it is also a perfect fit with the rest of the song. As we get to the top of this list, we start to see songs that are basically flawless.

For another classic song you thought was a love song, but isn’t check here.

Every Breath You Take 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 and every move you make,
Every bond you break 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…

written by Sting