Britain’s Largest Choir Halts Performances of The Police’s ‘Every Breath You Take’ Over Controversial Lyrics and Their Narrative Impact

Choir Bans Classic Song

The UK’s largest choir has made the decision to no longer perform The Police’s ‘Every Breath You Take’ due to concerns over its lyrical content.

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This rock choir, with over 31,000 members throughout the UK, has historically included the 1983 hit in its performances, but it will now be removed from their lineup.

The choice stems from the song’s lyrics, which depict a potentially abusive relationship where the protagonist seems obsessed with a romantic pursuit.

Caroline Redman Lusher, the founder of Rock Choir, shared the rationale behind this decision in a letter addressed to choir members, highlighting the adverse effects it had on some individuals in the group.

“Dear Rocky, After considerable reflection and discussions with certain team members, I have made the tough decision to exclude ‘Every Breath You Take’ from our repertoire,” the letter disclosed (via Far).

“This is the first time I have ever decided to remove a song, but given the storytelling’s impact on some Rockies, and the potential – when taught – for adverse feelings among a broader audience, I think it’s best to replace this song.”

Sting Addresses Song’s Controversy

The choir operates in over 400 communities across the UK, and Redman Lusher recently received an MBE from King Charles III, recognizing her contributions to music and charitable endeavors.

Sting, who penned the song and was the frontman for The Police, has long dismissed accusations that “Every Breath You Take” carries dark implications.

In 1993, he spoke on the controversy, revealing that he interpreted the song more as a commentary on surveillance rather than as a tale of stalking.

“I woke up in the middle of the night with this line in my head, sat down at the piano, and wrote it in half an hour,” he recounted (via Far).

“The melody itself is quite general, a blend of countless others, but the lyrics are quite intriguing. It sounds like a sweet love song. I was unaware then of its sinister undertones. My thoughts were more about Big Brother, surveillance, and control.”

The artist also defended the song’s legacy last November amidst multiple allegations against Sean “Diddy” Combs, who sampled the 1983 hit for his own track “I’ll Be Missing You” in 1997.

Recent Developments Regarding Diddy

In light of Diddy’s ongoing legal troubles, which include charges of sex trafficking and other serious offenses, Sting expressed that the situation does not diminish the value of his song. “No. I mean, I don’t know what happened (with Diddy). But for me, it doesn’t ruin the song one bit. It’s still my song,” he stated.

In 2023, Diddy jokingly claimed he would have to pay Sting £4,020 ($5,000) daily for life due to the sample but quickly retracted this statement.

Diddy was arrested in September 2024 and denied bail after offering $50 million (£38.4 million). He is currently awaiting trial while reportedly on suicide watch. His trial is set for May 5, 2025, and if convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison.