Don't Stand So Close To Me

The song 'Don't Stand So Close To Me' by The Police delves into the controversial and uncomfortable subject of a young girl's infatuation with her teacher, and the teacher's struggle with the temptation and societal boundaries. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a schoolgirl who harbors a fantasy about her teacher, a man who is significantly older and in a position of authority. The phrase 'this girl is half his age' underscores the inappropriateness and potential consequences of any reciprocation of her feelings.

The chorus, 'Don't stand, don't stand so, don't stand so close to me,' can be interpreted as the teacher's internal plea for distance to avoid any further temptation or misunderstanding. It reflects his awareness of the precarious situation and his attempt to maintain professional and ethical boundaries. The song also touches on the gossip and judgment that such a situation provokes, as seen in the lines 'Loose talk in the classroom' and 'Strong words in the staff room.' The teacher is caught in a web of rumors and the disapproval of his peers, which adds to his distress.

The reference to 'that book by Nabokov' is a clear nod to Vladimir Nabokov's novel 'Lolita,' which is about a middle-aged man's obsession with a twelve-year-old girl. This literary allusion serves to further highlight the taboo nature of the teacher's predicament and the cultural awareness of such forbidden relationships. The song, with its catchy tune and serious subject matter, invites listeners to consider the complexities of human desire, the importance of professional boundaries, and the impact of societal judgment.