Sinister Love: A Discursive Psychology of the Song "Every Breath You Take"

This study utilizes discursive psychology to analyze the song "Every Breath You Take" by The Police. The research aims to uncover the underlying meanings and ideologies surrounding love, desire, and control portrayed in the lyrics. The study employs a qualitative research design, utilizing data collection methods such as transcription and analysis of the song lyrics, as well as secondary data sources like interviews and critical analyses. The data analysis process involves steps such as word cloud generation, coding with Atlis.ai, and thematic analysis. Based from the findings, the songwriter portrays himself as an observer, reflecting societal norms and expectations. The song addresses issues of autonomy, boundaries, and privacy in relationships, focusing on obsession and longing rather than love or affection. The themes of obsession, possessiveness, and surveillance can be understood within larger social and cultural discourses about intimacy, gender, and power. The analysis supports the idea of interpretive flexibility, acknowledging that interpretation is subjective and influenced by individual experiences and perspectives.