About the song
“Don’t Stand So Close to Me” is a timeless classic by the iconic British rock band, The Police. Released in 1980, this song has become an anthem for the anxieties and uncertainties of adolescence, as well as a testament to the band’s unique blend of reggae, punk, and new wave influences. Written by Sting, the song’s lyrics are a poignant exploration of the complex emotions and desires that arise when a teacher becomes romantically involved with a student.
The song’s title, “Don’t Stand So Close to Me,” is a poignant reminder of the blurred lines between teacher and student, and the consequences that can arise when these boundaries are crossed. The lyrics are a masterclass in subtlety, with Sting’s distinctive vocals conveying a sense of longing and vulnerability as he sings about the forbidden love that has developed between him and his student.
Musically, “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” is a standout track in The Police’s discography, featuring a haunting guitar riff and a driving beat that propels the song forward. The song’s atmospheric production, courtesy of producer Hugh Padgham, adds to the sense of tension and foreboding that permeates the lyrics.
Despite its dark subject matter, “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” has become a beloved classic, with its themes of forbidden love and adolescent angst resonating with listeners of all ages. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to The Police’s innovative sound and Sting’s masterful songwriting, which continues to captivate audiences to this day.
In this essay, we will delve deeper into the lyrics and themes of “Don’t Stand So Close to Me,” exploring the ways in which the song’s exploration of forbidden love and adolescent anxiety continues to resonate with listeners today. We will also examine the song’s musical and cultural context, and how it has become an iconic representation of The Police’s unique sound and style.
Video
Lyrics
Young teacher, the subject
Of schoolgirl fantasy
She wants him so badly
Knows what she wants to be
Inside him, there’s longing
This girl’s an open page
Book marking, she’s so close now
This girl is half his age
Don’t stand, don’t stand so
Don’t stand so close to me
Don’t stand, don’t stand so
Don’t stand so close to me
Her friends are so jealous
You know how bad girls get
Sometimes it’s not so easy
To be the teacher’s pet
Temptation, frustration
So bad it makes him cry
Wet bus stop, she’s waiting
His car is warm and dry
Don’t stand, don’t stand so
Don’t stand so close to me
Don’t stand, don’t stand so
Don’t stand so close to me
Loose talk in the classroom
To hurt they try and try
Strong words in the staff room
The accusations fly
It’s no use, he sees her
He starts to shake and cough
Just like the old man in
That book by Nabokov
Don’t stand, don’t stand so
Don’t stand so close to me
Don’t stand, don’t stand so
Don’t stand so close to me
Don’t stand, don’t stand so
Don’t stand so close to me
Don’t stand, don’t stand so
Don’t stand so close to me
Don’t stand, don’t stand so
Don’t stand so close to me
Don’t stand, don’t stand so
Don’t stand so close to me
Don’t stand, don’t stand so
Don’t stand so close to me
Don’t stand, don’t stand so
Don’t stand so close to me