Mad About You

Sting's song 'Mad About You' is a profound exploration of intense emotional attachment and the pain of unrequited love, set against a backdrop of grand historical and cosmic imagery. The lyrics begin with a solitary walk under the moonlight, a setting that immediately evokes a sense of isolation and introspection. The reference to Jerusalem adds a layer of historical and possibly spiritual significance, suggesting a journey or quest not just of physical distance but of existential meaning.

The song's chorus, 'I'm mad about you,' uses the dual meaning of 'mad'—to be crazy about someone and to be driven to madness by the intensity of one's feelings. This play on words is central to understanding the song's deep emotional conflict. The imagery of kingdoms turning to sand and falling into the sea symbolizes the transient nature of worldly achievements and possessions in the face of overwhelming emotional turmoil. The protagonist's declaration of being 'lost without you' and the repeated references to loneliness and desolation underscore the depth of his attachment and despair.

The latter verses of the song introduce a city in the desert, a metaphor for the futility and decay of human endeavors without love. The ancient king's vanity and the broken city symbolize the ultimate failure of all human ambition when isolated from genuine emotional connection. The song closes by reinforcing the theme of love's essential role in giving meaning to life, despite the inevitable decay of all material things. Sting's lyrical craftsmanship weaves these themes into a tapestry of love, loss, and existential yearning, making 'Mad About You' a poignant reflection on the human condition.