Rock Choir ? proudly claiming its title as ?the UK?s leading contemporary award-winning choir experience? ? has recently made headlines by banning the performance of the classic yet controversial song: ?Every Breath You Take? by The Police. This decision has sparked conversations among its members and the broader music community about the implications of song lyrics and their interpretations.

Understanding Rock Choir’s Decision and the New Song Choice

In a report by the Telegraph dated January 21, Rock Choir?s founder, Caroline Redman Lusher MBE, shared the reasoning behind this challenging decision in a heartfelt letter to the choir?s 31,000 members. She stated that after extensive discussions with her team, the choice to remove ?Every Breath You Take? was made with careful consideration. Lusher expressed concern about the song?s narrative and its potential negative emotional impact on some choir members, stating:

Dearest Rockies, after much thought and discussion with some of the team, I have made the difficult decision to remove ?Every Breath You Take? from the repertoire. I have never removed a song before now but due to the impact the narrative is having on some Rockies and the potential ? when it is taught ? of more negative and challenging feelings from the wider membership, I feel it would be wise to replace the song.

She emphasized the importance of fostering a supportive atmosphere, saying that ?Rock Choir is a safe and nurturing space.? She elaborated on this by saying:

As we know, some members use Rock Choir as therapy and a lifeline; they trust us to bring them joy and confidence in a safe environment. And although the song is popular with many of you and the narrative of this song wasn?t originally written to describe a coercive or abusive relationship, it can be interpreted that way.

Additionally, Louise Harris, Rock Choir?s Head of PR, echoed these sentiments in the Telegraph, noting:

Many song lyrics include themes and messages which can be interpreted in different ways. [?Every Breath You Take?] is no exception. However, even though we were prepared for queries, we weren?t expecting the level of upset we have encountered. Even though it was a small number of members who expressed upset and concern, we wouldn?t want even one Rock Choir member to feel unease when coming to sing with us and take part in Rock Choir. Since our decision was sent to the membership, we have received overwhelming support and understanding as we strive to offer a supportive, safe and inclusive experience for our Rockies.

Importantly, Lusher also indicated that ?Every Breath You Take? will be replaced with Foo Fighters? ?Learn to Fly.? She reassured fans of The Police and Sting that they would select another song from their catalog soon, stating: ?For the fans of the Police and Sting, do not despair! We will be choosing an alternative song from their catalogue for the near future. Leave this with me as I too am a huge fan of their music.?

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Explore the Impact and Reach of Rock Choir

Established in 2005, Rock Choir stands as Britain?s largest choir, offering through their official website ?local weekly rehearsals, performances, and life-affirming events to more than 400 towns and communities across the UK.? It has pioneered an inclusive approach by being the first of its kind to provide a no-audition and no-requirement-to-read-music choir experience, inviting individuals of all musical backgrounds to join and participate.

Over its impressive 20-year history, Rock Choir has garnered numerous accolades, including three Guinness World Records. These records include achievements such as ?The Largest Musical Act to Release an Album (signed),? ?The Biggest Hit Act in the UK,? and ?The Largest Song and Dance Routine held at Multiple Venues.? This extensive recognition showcases the choir’s significant impact on the music community.

Alongside their previous performance of ?Every Breath You Take,? Rock Choir has also captivated audiences with songs from iconic artists, including ?Bridge Over Troubled Water? by Simon & Garfunkel and ?Hallelujah? by Leonard Cohen.

Dive Deeper into The Police and the Meaning Behind ?Every Breath You Take?

Written by Sting, who served as the bassist and vocalist for The Police, ?Every Breath You Take? was the lead single from their fifth and final studio album, Synchronicity, released in 1983. The Telegraph article highlights that Sting composed the song during a tumultuous time in his life, following his separation from Frances Tomelty, the Northern Irish actress who was also his wife, while he was beginning a relationship with her close friend, Trudie Styler, whom he married in 1992.

In 2023, Loudwire included “Every Breath You Take” in their list of 15 Rock Songs That Are Actually Really Creepy, noting its transition from a perceived love song to a deeper, darker narrative. They explained that while it initially became ?a huge international hit,? beneath the surface, it depicts the story of ?an obsessive stalker, more or less.? This duality in interpretation underscores its complexity.

Upon its release, Sting candidly acknowledged the song’s darker themes during a sold-out concert in the U.S., declaring it ?a nasty little song, really rather evil. It?s about jealousy and surveillance and ownership.? However, he later reflected that he ?didn?t realize at the time how sinister it is.? In a 2023 interview with People magazine, he elaborated:

I think if the song has any power at all, it’s ambivalent. It could be sinister or it could be quite warm and sweet and nice, and people have both of those interpretations. And I would never contradict anyone who has a different interpretation of any of my songs because in many ways, that enriches the song.

Furthermore, Sting addressed the recent controversies surrounding Diddy, who sampled ?Every Breath You Take? in his 1997 hit ?I?ll Be Missing You,? stating in 2024 that the allegations have not tarnished the song?s legacy. ?No. I mean, I don?t know what went on [with Diddy]. But it doesn?t taint the song at all for me. It?s still my song,? he remarked.

Given the complexities of its meaning and Sting’s reflections, Rock Choir’s decision to discontinue the performance of ?Every Breath You Take? is understandable in light of these interpretations. As of now, neither Sting nor any member of The Police have publicly commented on Rock Choir’s choice.

What are your thoughts on this situation? How do you personally feel about “Every Breath You Take”? We welcome your insights!