Every Breath You Take

UB40's rendition of 'Every Breath You Take' delves into the intense and often unsettling emotions that accompany unrequited love and obsession. The lyrics, originally penned by Sting of The Police, are given a unique reggae twist by UB40, adding a layer of melancholy and longing to the already haunting words. The song's narrator is fixated on their former lover, watching their every move and feeling a deep sense of loss and yearning. This constant surveillance and the repeated refrain of 'I'll be watching you' underscore the obsessive nature of the narrator's feelings.

The song's verses paint a vivid picture of the narrator's emotional turmoil. Lines like 'Since you've gone I been lost without a trace' and 'I dream at night I can only see your face' highlight the depth of their despair and the void left by the lover's absence. The narrator's fixation is further emphasized by the repetition of phrases such as 'Every breath you take' and 'Every move you make,' suggesting an inability to move on and a relentless focus on the past relationship. This obsessive behavior is both a testament to the intensity of their feelings and a cautionary tale about the dangers of letting love turn into an unhealthy fixation.

UB40's musical style, characterized by its reggae influences, adds a unique dimension to the song. The laid-back rhythm contrasts with the intense lyrics, creating a juxtaposition that enhances the song's emotional impact. The reggae beat provides a sense of calm and steadiness, which is at odds with the narrator's inner turmoil, making the song even more poignant. This contrast between the music and the lyrics serves to highlight the complexity of human emotions and the often contradictory nature of love and obsession.