Stalker Pop, Part 5: The ’80s Begin
In this entry in the ongoing occasional series on stalker pop, we move into the ’80s, or the Decade of the Stalker, pop-music-wise. So, just to get it out of the way, we kick off with perhaps the biggest stalker hit ever:
(No really good version of the video seems to be out there.) Ever since this came out, in 1984, there have been stories claiming people thought this was a love song and played it at proms and at weddings. I believe Sting even said he’d had fans tell him how romantic they thought it was.
But I dunno, that’s a little tough to buy. At best, this is a breakup song. And you know, the Police were not all sunshine-’n'-roses at the best of times, the creepy video doesn’t suggest that anybody’s having a good time, the tick-tock tune is not exactly cheery, and — most to the point — there is nothing ambiguous about the words:
“Every move you make/And every vow you break/Every smile you fake/Every claim you stake/I’ll be watching you.”
This is classic stalker stuff, creepy and accusing. And all the while he’s whining, “Oh, can’t you see/You belong to me” and complaining that “Since you’re gone, I’ve been lost without a trace.” Because, of course, it’s really all about his feelings….
And on a similar, earlier (1981) note, we have this, one of many inexplicable hits from the generally inexplicable and frequently misogynistic Hall & Oates:
This dude is following a woman around, apparently for the purpose of providing a running critique on her behavior: “I see you/You see me/Watch you blowin’ the lines/When you’re making a scene.” (I actually have no idea what that means.)
These magical “private eyes” apparently allow our singer to keep permanent tabs on this chick: “You can play with words/You play with love/You can twist it around.” And after this barrage of accusations, he requests: “Don’t lie when you’re hurting inside.” How very sensitive of him. But would you tell this dude your innermost feelings?
More, much more, to come.
Earlier stalker entries:
Part one
Part two
Part three
Part four
Categories: Sweet Emotion
1 Comment »
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February 22nd, 2010 at 3:44 pm
Whoa, I’m a bit behind in the comments, postings, readings and more. I did want you to know that I do enjoy what the two of you post, so here are some more comments.
I would have to agree with “Every Breath You Take” being one of the biggest stalker songs ever. It could apply to a male or female, but some of the lyrics, they seem more longing than stalking:
“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 ”
Now Private Eyes, that’s more like a stalker song,
but where is the line drawn?
Sounds like she jilted him doesn’t it?
Looking forward to more
Great article Bridey!