Glad to see it pointed out, as I was going to do so. When I was younger I looked a little like Sting and played upon it, Best days of my courting life if I may say.
The student in the song is the chaser. The teacher is trying to keep his distance, but finds it difficult because it is tempting, after all. The reference to Lolita is his own warning to himself of what could happen. So he is begging the girl to stay away from him. All the attention he is getting from her causes issues with the school staff.
@Heartstung It's still astounding to me that she manages to get it wrong nearly every single time. This isn't the GIRL saying "don't stand so close to me" it's the bloody teacher trying to fend off the advances. How in the WORLD does someone miss that?
Ugh! She's soooo missing the point that Sting so eloquently made (should be needless to say he's a brilliant writer). Of course it's the young hoochie lusting the teacher! (I was one of those girls!!! I thought boys were stupid and I knew I was smarter but the fiiiiine "young teacher"... smart, gorgeous and could teach me stuff? Hell yeah, I fancied him) Sting was a teacher for some time BTW, surely lots of girls fancied him.
Lidda Berkley 9yr old girls didn’t in my class until we got to middle school when he came back to see us...he was and always will be Mr Sumner. They tore our old school down a few years ago just after that you can see us all on The One Show with Sting 😀
Back when this song was made it was before teachers started seducing students, which began in the 1990’s, I think. In the 80’s students would crush on teachers but that’s about as far as it got. See Van Halen’s “Hot for Teacher” for example. Sting was making a Lolita literary reference with this song.
@@psiclone23 sorry Steve teachers have been messing around with students forever. Laws came on the books that dealt with the teacher/student relationships. If you were a male student and had something going with a teacher you enjoyed it and kept your mouth shut. This song is about the student liking the teacher.
Steve Carroll There’s nothing new about teachers seducing students - that’s been going on for much longer than since the 80s. What was new was people starting to write songs about teachers seducing students
The student was flirting with the teacher and everyone noticed making the teacher a subject of gossip among other students and the school faculty. The teacher was tempted but wasn't trying to seduce the student and wanted her to stop flirting.
I agree it is about the pupil lusting after the teacher. But with the lyrics going Temptation, frustration So bad it makes him cry Wet bus stop, she's waiting His car is warm and dry So he is saying don't stand so close to me, it's tempting him and he gets so frustrated that he can't can't act upon his attraction. So you could say she was also correct in my eyes.
One of my all time favourite bands. It's about resisting temptation. A young teacher asking the attractive girl not to stand so close to him. It's the exact opposite of predatory behaviour.
Sting, the lead singer and primary songwriter for this excellent band, was a teacher for a brief time. Being a handsome young man (still is, as an older man), he had to deal with a few schoolgirl crushes, no doubt. But I also interpret these lyrics slightly differently than some others commenting here. If you read the lyrics, you get the distinct impression that, not only is she crushing on him... but hes struggling with an attraction to her. And you also begin to think that he finally fails in resisting the "temptation, frustration, so bad it makes him cry". Rumors start flying; the teacher gets accused of inappropriate behavior, which he denies, until: "it's no use, he sees her, he starts to shake and cough". The next line says, "just like the old man in that book by Nabokov". Vladimir Nabokov was the author of a famous fictional book in the 50s called "Lolita". The story is about an older man and professor, Humbert Humbert, who has a torrid affair with an adolescent girl. It was made into a movie, at least twice, the first one being made in the 60s. The book was both popular, and scandalous. So, as I have always interpreted it, the teacher character in the song tried to resist, but eventually did give in to the temptation to get inappropriately involved with the student. He did try not to, though, as indicated by the song's title, and the fact that he says it through the whole song. I could be wrong; but read the lyrics, and see what you think.
Concerning whether the teacher "gave in" or not, I think they made the song intentionally ambiguous. The only thing we know for sure is that there was mutual attraction, and that created problems. There just isn't enough evidence to conclude that the teacher acted on his desires.
@@clintonsmith5163 of course, some songs are written to be ambiguous, leaving the interpretation up to the listener; in fact, unless the songwriter specifically comes out and says, this definitely means this, I suppose any song could. But there are a few lines in this song that lead me to the interpretation I find, and I laid them out above. The section that seals it for me is: "it's no use, he sees her, he starts to shake and cough/just like the old man in that book by Nabokov". Being that Nabokov is famous for writing the controversial bestseller, "Lolita"... in the 1950s, no less... it is easy to interpret that the teacher character, like Nabokov's Humbert, crossed the same ethical line.
gary jones certainly, I do. But analyzing song lyrics... which are just poetry set to music... is something people do. And, it's fun. You do know that lots of people do that... RIGHT?!? Be safe!
In an interview he gave when _Zenyatta Mondatta_ came out, Sting said "it's all there in the song - the flirtation, the frustration, the _rape in the car."_ The song is definitely about something happening, not just flirting.
@gary jones except that, being the songwriter is much like being the author of a fiction book; you DO know how the story ends, because you wrote the story. 😄🤣😆
If you re-listen to the very start of the song, it let's you know that it's the schoolgirl with the crush. "Young teacher, the subject of schoolgirl fantasies. She wants it so badly, knows what she wants to be." At no point in the song is it implying that the teacher is instigating anything. The schoolgirl is trying so hard to get his attention, and is flirting outrageously with to get him to notice her. But dispite him constantly telling her to. "Don't stand so close to me.". The students gossip about her behaviour towards that particular teacher, and no doubt from the things the schoolgirl has told them, because of what she's deluded herself into thinking what is actually going on. That gossip gets to the other teachers in the staffroom and the accusations start flying, despite nothing actually going on, on the teachers side of things anyway. And he's still telling her to once again. "Don't stand so close to me."
@@gingerfellah5665 She's still the instigator, the 'predator' so to speak in this story. He may feel temptation but doesn't want anything to happen and is worried the attention she's creating may mess his life up. When you were say you were in no doubt, how did you guys interpret the lyrics when the song came out?
@@gingerfellah5665 the lyrics don't identify a women becoming sexualy aware, but like you say that's based on todays interpretation but couldn't see that being so even back then. Does he pick her up?...... That's doesn't stop her being the instigator or makes him a sexualy predator, the lyrics are clear even though he may be tempted he doesn't want the attention or his life destroyed. No were in the song does the teacher take advantage of the pupil, and no you can't hide behind "it's not made clear" and she's no innocent pupil either, she's acting predotory towards him, using her age doesn't justify her actions, if she was a boy would you pass off his action? I certainly wouldn't. Edit: but that is based on modern interpretation I suppose, I can't see a band even back then being so audacious as to make a song about a teacher fucking a young girl.
@@gingerfellah5665 actions make someone predotory not the age, excluding someone so young they haven't mentally fully developed yet of course (or so old they've lost some mental ability), yes we may give leeway to such behaviour at a young age but that doesn't change what those actions are. There have been court cases were young females have been found to be predotory. Just because the target of predotory behaviour is a teacher doesn't make it less so. The descriptive nature of the lyrics does not indicate a person (male or female) simply "coming of age". As for there's no mention of fucking, what do you think happens in a "lolita" style relationship, they go to his place and play scrabble, the implication is there IF the song is about a teacher in a relationship with a young girl.
@@gingerfellah5665 please don't feel I'm trying to argue or anything, just some healthy discussion based on difference in opinion. I feel girls can get away with allot more nowadays then boys......but this isn't a dick measuring exercise. There's plenty of shit both genders have to put up with, hopefully it will get better.
The teacher isn't lusting after students it's the other way round and the teacher is trying to keep distance the second line is "SHE wants HIM, so badly"
And he says, ‘temptation, frustration’. ‘Don’t stand so close to me’ because when she stands close to him, it’s hard for him to resist her. Plus lots of clues in the video as the teacher’s taking off his shirt.
+whovianhistory buff 2345 "Getting pretty tired of these guys walking around in cowboy hats and cowboy boots, you ever see these jackoffs? Can we kill some of these motherfuckers? Walking around in a fucking cowboy hat, grown men! It's not even Halloween for christ's sakes. I say "hey Tex, grow up and get yourself a wardobe consistent with the century you're living in."" - George Carlin
Regatta de Blanc is my favourite album by The Police. 'It's Alright For You ' 'Bring on the Night' are also great. 'Outlandos' though has my favourite song. 'So Lonely' . The first two albums will always be their best.
@@ckin50 Sure... and teenage girls have always been "tempting" but as adults we know to stay away... to tell them "don't stand so close to me." There was a study done about 10 years ago (okay, 2008, so 12 years ago) which had adult men looking at pictures of females and assigning an attractiveness value to them based solely on physical characteristics. When the men KNEW the ages of the girls in the photos, the most attractive girls were 18-21. When the men were told the wrong ages, and all of the women were said to be over 18, even though they were looking at the exact same photos, the most attractive females were the 15-16 year olds. This shows men know to stay away because it's wrong to pursue someone under age, but also shows women are at their most empirically physically attractive to the average male in their teen years.
Notice the t-shirt Sting wears, it's The Beat (a.k.a. The English Beat) which is a ska-influenced band. They made 3 albums back in the '80s, tons of great songs, hope you give them a listen. Try 'Save It for Later' or 'I Confess' or 'Doors of Your Heart.'
I took it as the student was being bad and the teacher was taking all the heat for the students bad actions. This...”don’t stand so close to me” Just my initial take on the song
It was based on a School girl having a crush on the teacher and the teacher struggling to cope with it without starting school gossip and send the wrong message. Hence don’t stand so close.
Wow you are playing all the bands I have seen in concert as kid and teenager, I saw the Police in concert with Thompson Twins, Madness, and Devo,. It was hosted by MTV live this was MTV's very first live sponsored tour it started in Arizona.. the concert was fantastic!!
Best band, Best album...almost best song. This was what all of the older kids were listening to in 1980.We discovered them 1982...and we still listen to their music...almost everyday. Thanks for posting. Rock 'n Roll!
For a while Sting worked as a teacher while also playing in jazz - fusion group Last Exit in Newcastle, before moving to London and so on and so forth. He heard stories about teacher / pupil relationships during that time. Imo, this album "Zenyatta Mondatta" has stood better the test of time than "Synchronicity".
i grew up in the same part of n-east england as sting ( lead singer) ! always nice for me to hear a familiar accent! please listen to message in a bottle by him, but a live acoustic version ..... its a hug for anyone who suffers from anxiety / depression / social isolation / loneliness. big love to all :D
Not many reaction videos for the Police up until now. There was no bigger band in the 80's, so that's kind of surprising, actually. These guys would be the headliner of a rock festival back in that era.
Had a small role in Quadrophenia as well. Just had a look on IMBD and he was also in quite a few films I've never heard off. one called the Bride 1985, he played Frankenstein.
Stewart Copeland! Drummer in my top 5. I always look around for songs reacted to and you turn up a lot lately. The Police have a lot of great stuff in their first 4 albums. #5 Synchronicity was 1/2 and 1/2. It was like a change to be public. Stewart is like the reggae, jazz, ska, rock, blues mix. "Canary in a Coal Mine" - "Message in a Bottle" - "Synchronicity II" In Eddie Murphy's first movie, 1982, in 48 hrs, he sang their song "Roxanne" while he's in prison...
I'm calling The Police. - - - - - Okay, actually I'm calling for more of your reaction videos to their songs. - Roxanne and Every Breath You Take would be excellent choices. -
I’ve always liked this song, but appreciated it even more once I learned of its meaning. Even beyond the surface, from a personal account, Sting had just read ‘Lolita’ and was inspired to write this song about it. You can even hear him say “just like the old man in the book by Nabokov.” So, it’s a remarkable song about a remarkable novel. There’s no defense of the actions in the book, by either the original author or the writers of this song. Must be clear on that.
*so much to unpack here.. the literary reference . The tee shirt sting wears....punky reggae or ragga punk* I could talk for 2 hours on this 1 song and video
I have been a fan of The Police for over 40 years since I was 11 years. I also have The Police and Sting fanbase pages on Facebook. I like seeing people enjoy their music for the first time. Thank you!
Hey India, the lead singer and bass player for The Police is Sting. You’ve reacted to Shape of My Heart from his solo career after The Police. I love his solo work but The Police for me were the greatest. They were at one time the biggest rock band in the world early/mid 80’s. A lot of their music was rock/reggae mix, even slight dash of punk in their start. Will remain my all time favorite band.
The Police was an incredibly talented group and this song really brings back memory's for me. They are so awesome. Please react to more of their music.
To sum it up: student after the teacher. Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner aka "Sting" was actually a teacher before being a legendary musician. I remember watching this video even before MTV. It was on an HBO show called Video Jukebox. The Police were one of my favorite all-time bands. Rock, punk, mixed with jazz. Incredible group. The drummer, Stewart Copeland's father was a "Spook" for "The Company." A CIA agent.
This song is loosely based on the novel "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov. The novel is interesting, but it's also about the internal struggle of the adult trying to abate the attraction he has to the young girl. In the song, he tells her not to be near him. The ultimate point is that, even though SHE is the one pursuing him, he is weak and doesn't want to break. It's about temptation, much like Eve and the apple :)
The shock on your face when you realise that the teacher is tempted, knowing that the student has a crush on him, is wonderful! Does he act on it? Does he not act on it? Like you say, if he does, ‘call the police’.
Over the years alot of Rock Stars are certified Teachers. Gene Simmons of Kiss, Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, and Gene Simmons Of Kiss. Olivia Newton John's Father was a College Professor who became a Dean, in Australia and she would later receive her own Honors Degree. Sting lived above a Chinese Takeaway Shop and another Geordie (Newcastle) Icon is Cheryl Ann Tweedy from Girls Aloud.
Indie....I think you got it backwards. The young Female student was flirting with the young Male teacher who was trying to maintain his and her dignity.
Well I think the lyrics are also pretty clear that the teacher is guilty of some kind of indiscretion. The line “his car is warm and dry” implies something there. And in the following verses rumor and professional catastrophe appear to follow. As to whether we should like the song, the topic of the art shouldn’t really bear on whether it’s good art. It tells a story, the telling of the story isn’t really intended to make us take a side in who is right or wrong - it’s just a story.
The Police were a super talented bunch who created some of the most memorable, catchy tunes, oftentimes with a really dark meaning in the lyrics. Their (probably) best known song is Every Breath You Take is a lot darker than Don't Stand So Close To Me, imo, and one of the catchiest songs of the 80's.
Sting is very smart he writes songs that (you interpret) he does say “it’s no use he sees her” but doesn’t complete the storyline..it’s a take on literature and sadly a snapshot of modern day events he of course is not promoting this relationship,, speaking of interpretation his song Every breath you take” is not a love song 💌
@@sukie584 Yes predators see what they want. But school girls do have crushes. It was indeed inappropriate for the teacher to give her a ride. This is one of those songs that is left to the listener to determine. I just don't really want to see Sting as predator.
kitty Katt yes. Kids are sexual. But it is always incumbent on the adult to not act on it. I was a teen in the 70s and had a 25 year old boyfriend at 15. Was I alluring? Probably, but that was on him to not act on it. My crush on an older man was not me instigating. It was me being a teenager. But it wasn’t as looked down upon then as strongly as today.
@@sukie584 My response to the song is simply based on the content and the video. I don't have a childhood experience that I can attach to it to make it my own. So it is easy for me to take the song at face value with no judgements. But I do understand that songs can often have an emotional effect on people. There is a song by Oingo Boingo called LITTLE GIRLS which had quite the opposite effect on me.
The Police is great. There are several good tracks. Best: Spirits in a material world In no particular order: Roxanne So lonely Message in a bottle Walking on the moon Can't stand losing you De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da Wrapped around your finger Every little thing she does is magic
In that day, for me, there was the Police, Rush, and Stray Cats (on top of my music radar)...each amazing for different reasons...but in each case, only a trinity...each unique and wonderful :) Nice reaction! Peace!
The three piece Anglo-American hit-making machine of the late 70s and early 80s had several UK number one singles (of which this is one). Questions may have been raised over the 'White Reggae' sound but it was terribly fashionable in Britain at that time and this is undeniably a banger.
Sting ( the lead singer) used to be a teacher. He is hella good looking and I’m sure girls would flirt like crazy. He was did the right thing! I’m sure there were times it was rough but he left and pursued his dreams of singing. I believe in a interview he spoke of teachers giving him a hard time even though his conscious was clear. I love this song ! Thank you for listening to it !!
The lusting definitely goes both ways. "Just like the old man in that book by Nabokov" references Vladimir Nabokov, writer of famous Novel "Lolita", which is about an older man in love with a teenage girl.
Yeah, as most of the comments say she was after him. And he may or may have not gotten involved (wrong move). Their stalking song was "Every Breath You Take". Take some time to read the lyrics to that, now THAT'S CREEPY!!
A lot of his songs are very dark, but as you said - catchy as hell. I grew up loving his music and then as a stared listening to the lyrics as I grew older thinking: wait a minute… what? But still… they’re catchy as hell!
These times are real and those lyrics are real. Gotta like songs about real emotions. Check some more of their videos out. Yeah infatuation and lust confused as love was the virus he was singing about...
time-old tale. but definitely do more The Police. Very talented band, they mixed ska, punk, new wave, reggae.... Try Everything She Does is Magic... you'll hum it for a week.
Great line and use of rhyme: "It's no use, he sees her He starts to shake and cough Just like the old man in That book by Nabakov" For those who don't know, Nabakov is the author of "Lolita".
"Should we like this song?" Umm.. yeah. If you like it. It's just a song. You don't have to participate in anything that happens in a SONG or approve of it. It's gonna be ok...
Review the police song :Da do do do Just for the record , back in the day teachers were always hooking up with there students ask my H.S. biology teacher,. I had a blast!!
This was definitely personal to Sting the lead singer because he trained and worked as a teacher in Britain for a couple of years.... GRT tune...this reminds me of my maths teacher in high school he was just so obvious with this one student she looked and acted a lot older than others but she was still 14/15 as soon as her hand went up he'd be there pering down her shirt.. .honest real pervy stuff... Mr d xxxx
You would like OMD -Maid of Orleans which the video is supposed to be Joan of arc and the video was filmed at fountains abbey such a pretty place in Yorkshire England
The title is perfect in our time of social distancing. Another song that is quite relevant is “It’s Nature’s Way” by Spirit.It’s a three hanky song. It is simple and repetitive, but the delivery is so emotional.
Sting actually used to be a teacher before joining The Police. He stated that he had multiple students heavily crushing on him
Glad to see it pointed out, as I was going to do so. When I was younger I looked a little like Sting and played upon it, Best days of my courting life if I may say.
No doubt he was the subject of many schoolgirl fantasies.
For Geordie standards, he's pretty good looking , so yeah
That's what he says
Cama You Jimmy Nailed it.
The student in the song is the chaser. The teacher is trying to keep his distance, but finds it difficult because it is tempting, after all. The reference to Lolita is his own warning to himself of what could happen. So he is begging the girl to stay away from him. All the attention he is getting from her causes issues with the school staff.
@Heartstung It's still astounding to me that she manages to get it wrong nearly every single time. This isn't the GIRL saying "don't stand so close to me" it's the bloody teacher trying to fend off the advances. How in the WORLD does someone miss that?
@@ArtofFreeSpeech I guess everyone hears what they want to hear.KnowwhutImean?
Ugh! She's soooo missing the point that Sting so eloquently made (should be needless to say he's a brilliant writer). Of course it's the young hoochie lusting the teacher! (I was one of those girls!!! I thought boys were stupid and I knew I was smarter but the fiiiiine "young teacher"... smart, gorgeous and could teach me stuff? Hell yeah, I fancied him) Sting was a teacher for some time BTW, surely lots of girls fancied him.
@@liddaberkley7478 This girl is stupid! Zenyatta mondatta forever!
Lidda Berkley 9yr old girls didn’t in my class until we got to middle school when he came back to see us...he was and always will be Mr Sumner. They tore our old school down a few years ago just after that you can see us all on The One Show with Sting 😀
The pupil fancies the teacher. The teacher is trying to keep the pupil at arm's length, hence "don't stand so close to me". Pretty simple really.
India has a habbit of turning the meaning of songs upside down
@@danielmann5427 ..i know its funny..its like what song are you listening to
Back when this song was made it was before teachers started seducing students, which began in the 1990’s, I think. In the 80’s students would crush on teachers but that’s about as far as it got. See Van Halen’s “Hot for Teacher” for example. Sting was making a Lolita literary reference with this song.
@@psiclone23 sorry Steve teachers have been messing around with students forever. Laws came on the books that dealt with the teacher/student relationships. If you were a male student and had something going with a teacher you enjoyed it and kept your mouth shut. This song is about the student liking the teacher.
Steve Carroll There’s nothing new about teachers seducing students - that’s been going on for much longer than since the 80s. What was new was people starting to write songs about teachers seducing students
No the teacher was not lusting over the student. It is the other way around. Which is why they are saying don't stand so close to me.
Yep yep.
Thought it was interesting how India got it the wrong way round despite the lyrics being clear......
Interesting ...her generation...victims victim victim mentality...me too'ed up the gazoooooo...
The student was flirting with the teacher and everyone noticed making the teacher a subject of gossip among other students and the school faculty. The teacher was tempted but wasn't trying to seduce the student and wanted her to stop flirting.
I agree it is about the pupil lusting after the teacher. But with the lyrics going
Temptation, frustration
So bad it makes him cry
Wet bus stop, she's waiting
His car is warm and dry
So he is saying don't stand so close to me, it's tempting him and he gets so frustrated that he can't can't act upon his attraction. So you could say she was also correct in my eyes.
One of my all time favourite bands. It's about resisting temptation. A young teacher asking the attractive girl not to stand so close to him. It's the exact opposite of predatory behaviour.
Sting, the lead singer and primary songwriter for this excellent band, was a teacher for a brief time. Being a handsome young man (still is, as an older man), he had to deal with a few schoolgirl crushes, no doubt. But I also interpret these lyrics slightly differently than some others commenting here.
If you read the lyrics, you get the distinct impression that, not only is she crushing on him... but hes struggling with an attraction to her. And you also begin to think that he finally fails in resisting the "temptation, frustration, so bad it makes him cry".
Rumors start flying; the teacher gets accused of inappropriate behavior, which he denies, until: "it's no use, he sees her, he starts to shake and cough". The next line says, "just like the old man in that book by Nabokov".
Vladimir Nabokov was the author of a famous fictional book in the 50s called "Lolita". The story is about an older man and professor, Humbert Humbert, who has a torrid affair with an adolescent girl. It was made into a movie, at least twice, the first one being made in the 60s. The book was both popular, and scandalous.
So, as I have always interpreted it, the teacher character in the song tried to resist, but eventually did give in to the temptation to get inappropriately involved with the student. He did try not to, though, as indicated by the song's title, and the fact that he says it through the whole song. I could be wrong; but read the lyrics, and see what you think.
Concerning whether the teacher "gave in" or not, I think they made the song intentionally ambiguous. The only thing we know for sure is that there was mutual attraction, and that created problems. There just isn't enough evidence to conclude that the teacher acted on his desires.
@@clintonsmith5163 of course, some songs are written to be ambiguous, leaving the interpretation up to the listener; in fact, unless the songwriter specifically comes out and says, this definitely means this, I suppose any song could. But there are a few lines in this song that lead me to the interpretation I find, and I laid them out above. The section that seals it for me is: "it's no use, he sees her, he starts to shake and cough/just like the old man in that book by Nabokov". Being that Nabokov is famous for writing the controversial bestseller, "Lolita"... in the 1950s, no less... it is easy to interpret that the teacher character, like Nabokov's Humbert, crossed the same ethical line.
gary jones certainly, I do. But analyzing song lyrics... which are just poetry set to music... is something people do. And, it's fun. You do know that lots of people do that... RIGHT?!? Be safe!
In an interview he gave when _Zenyatta Mondatta_ came out, Sting said "it's all there in the song - the flirtation, the frustration, the _rape in the car."_ The song is definitely about something happening, not just flirting.
@gary jones except that, being the songwriter is much like being the author of a fiction book; you DO know how the story ends, because you wrote the story. 😄🤣😆
If you re-listen to the very start of the song, it let's you know that it's the schoolgirl with the crush.
"Young teacher, the subject of schoolgirl fantasies. She wants it so badly, knows what she wants to be."
At no point in the song is it implying that the teacher is instigating anything. The schoolgirl is trying so hard to get his attention, and is flirting outrageously with to get him to notice her. But dispite him constantly telling her to. "Don't stand so close to me.". The students gossip about her behaviour towards that particular teacher, and no doubt from the things the schoolgirl has told them, because of what she's deluded herself into thinking what is actually going on. That gossip gets to the other teachers in the staffroom and the accusations start flying, despite nothing actually going on, on the teachers side of things anyway. And he's still telling her to once again. "Don't stand so close to me."
@@gingerfellah5665
She's still the instigator, the 'predator' so to speak in this story.
He may feel temptation but doesn't want anything to happen and is worried the attention she's creating may mess his life up.
When you were say you were in no doubt, how did you guys interpret the lyrics when the song came out?
@@gingerfellah5665 the lyrics don't identify a women becoming sexualy aware, but like you say that's based on todays interpretation but couldn't see that being so even back then.
Does he pick her up?...... That's doesn't stop her being the instigator or makes him a sexualy predator, the lyrics are clear even though he may be tempted he doesn't want the attention or his life destroyed.
No were in the song does the teacher take advantage of the pupil, and no you can't hide behind "it's not made clear" and she's no innocent pupil either, she's acting predotory towards him, using her age doesn't justify her actions, if she was a boy would you pass off his action? I certainly wouldn't.
Edit: but that is based on modern interpretation I suppose, I can't see a band even back then being so audacious as to make a song about a teacher fucking a young girl.
@@gingerfellah5665 actions make someone predotory not the age, excluding someone so young they haven't mentally fully developed yet of course (or so old they've lost some mental ability), yes we may give leeway to such behaviour at a young age but that doesn't change what those actions are.
There have been court cases were young females have been found to be predotory.
Just because the target of predotory behaviour is a teacher doesn't make it less so.
The descriptive nature of the lyrics does not indicate a person (male or female) simply "coming of age".
As for there's no mention of fucking, what do you think happens in a "lolita" style relationship, they go to his place and play scrabble, the implication is there IF the song is about a teacher in a relationship with a young girl.
@@gingerfellah5665 please don't feel I'm trying to argue or anything, just some healthy discussion based on difference in opinion.
I feel girls can get away with allot more nowadays then boys......but this isn't a dick measuring exercise.
There's plenty of shit both genders have to put up with, hopefully it will get better.
"She wants HIM so badly".
The teacher isn't lusting after students it's the other way round and the teacher is trying to keep distance the second line is "SHE wants HIM, so badly"
I remember in an interview that Sting said he was actually shocked what a 15 year old would say to him.
Yes, she doesn't pay attention to well, and seems to turn songs upside down. I still enjoy watching here reactions, but her interpretations are wrong
And he says, ‘temptation, frustration’. ‘Don’t stand so close to me’ because when she stands close to him, it’s hard for him to resist her. Plus lots of clues in the video as the teacher’s taking off his shirt.
+whovianhistory buff 2345 "Getting pretty tired of these guys walking around in cowboy hats and cowboy boots, you ever see these jackoffs? Can we kill some of these motherfuckers? Walking around in a fucking cowboy hat, grown men! It's not even Halloween for christ's sakes. I say "hey Tex, grow up and get yourself a wardobe consistent with the century you're living in."" - George Carlin
Listen to "Can't Stand Losing You" or "Message In A Bottle"! The Police was a great band!
Also try "Roxanne". And the video for "Every little thing she does" is just as fun as this one.
Regatta de Blanc is my favourite album by The Police. 'It's Alright For You
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'Bring on the Night' are also great. 'Outlandos' though has my favourite song. 'So Lonely' . The first two albums will always be their best.
Can't stand loosing you is awesome! A lesser known song, but so powerful!
Or Englishman in new york
Sounds like he's trying to keep her away from him, as to not be tempted.
The student is hitting on the teacher and the he is trying to resist the temptation .
It's the other way around. The girl is after the teacher. His response: Don't Stand So CLose to Me
Because she’s tempting him.
@@ckin50 Sure... and teenage girls have always been "tempting" but as adults we know to stay away... to tell them "don't stand so close to me." There was a study done about 10 years ago (okay, 2008, so 12 years ago) which had adult men looking at pictures of females and assigning an attractiveness value to them based solely on physical characteristics. When the men KNEW the ages of the girls in the photos, the most attractive girls were 18-21. When the men were told the wrong ages, and all of the women were said to be over 18, even though they were looking at the exact same photos, the most attractive females were the 15-16 year olds.
This shows men know to stay away because it's wrong to pursue someone under age, but also shows women are at their most empirically physically attractive to the average male in their teen years.
This song is what it is telling you about this Virus listen to this song.
TechnoEstate why are so many men attracted to children bro. Did you know 25% of men are more attracted to girls 12 and under vs women 18-25
When The Police called it quits in 1986 I finally understood the pain & anguish felt by teenagers in 1970 when The Beatles broke up.
Try reacting to Everything she does is Magic and Every breath she takes, two Police standouts
Yes, two classics for sure from a great great band. But around here, it's strictly "lyrics/video."
Notice the t-shirt Sting wears, it's The Beat (a.k.a. The English Beat) which is a ska-influenced band. They made 3 albums back in the '80s, tons of great songs, hope you give them a listen. Try 'Save It for Later' or 'I Confess' or 'Doors of Your Heart.'
It's the 2020 song of the year!
Yeah. I'm surprised late night comedians haven't made the connection.
They were so awesome! We waited with great anticipation for every new release. I love the Zenyatta Mondatta album
I took it as the student was being bad and the teacher was taking all the heat for the students bad actions. This...”don’t stand so close to me”
Just my initial take on the song
It was based on a School girl having a crush on the teacher and the teacher struggling to cope with it without starting school gossip and send the wrong message. Hence don’t stand so close.
Wow you are playing all the bands I have seen in concert as kid and teenager, I saw the Police in concert with Thompson Twins, Madness, and Devo,. It was hosted by MTV live this was MTV's very first live sponsored tour it started in Arizona.. the concert was fantastic!!
You got this. All the feelings. It's not meant to be comfortable. It's part of why it's such a great song.
When I first heard this song, every school girl I knew fancied Sting.
Perfect song for the times LOL
Bloody right .. stay safe
As has been stated by others , it's the student lusting after the teacher , not the other way around.
Best band, Best album...almost best song. This was what all of the older kids were listening to in 1980.We discovered them 1982...and we still listen to their music...almost everyday. Thanks for posting. Rock 'n Roll!
Thanks for doing The Police.....try "Message in a Bottle", "Roxanne". "My Beds too big with out you"
Great suggestions. I feel like Bed's too big without you is oddly underrated. Such a great song.
For a while Sting worked as a teacher while also playing in jazz - fusion group Last Exit in Newcastle, before moving to London and so on and so forth. He heard stories about teacher / pupil relationships during that time. Imo, this album "Zenyatta Mondatta" has stood better the test of time than "Synchronicity".
i grew up in the same part of n-east england as sting ( lead singer) ! always nice for me to hear a familiar accent! please listen to message in a bottle by him, but a live acoustic version ..... its a hug for anyone who suffers from anxiety / depression / social isolation / loneliness. big love to all :D
The Police is an absolutely brilliant mix of musical styles.
Not many reaction videos for the Police up until now. There was no bigger band in the 80's, so that's kind of surprising, actually. These guys would be the headliner of a rock festival back in that era.
You can't go wrong with the Police. The lead singer Sting went on to have a nice long career. Even stared in 80s movie called Dune as a villain.
Had a small role in Quadrophenia as well. Just had a look on IMBD and he was also in quite a few films I've never heard off. one called the Bride 1985, he played Frankenstein.
"that book by Nabokov" is Lolita, in which a teacher gets in a relationship with his 12 year old student.
Stewart Copeland! Drummer in my top 5. I always look around for songs reacted to and you turn up a lot lately. The Police have a lot of great stuff in their first 4 albums. #5 Synchronicity was 1/2 and 1/2. It was like a change to be public. Stewart is like the reggae, jazz, ska, rock, blues mix. "Canary in a Coal Mine" - "Message in a Bottle" - "Synchronicity II" In Eddie Murphy's first movie, 1982, in 48 hrs, he sang their song "Roxanne" while he's in prison...
A song about "Social Distancing!" lol
mnyshrpknvs I approve of this comment
The perfect theme song for social distancing!!! 😉 I love stings voice ❤️🥰
She's crushing on him, not the other way around.
Please do The Police “Wrapped Around Your Finger”
bass out the wazoo
I'm calling The Police.
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Okay, actually I'm calling for more of your reaction videos to their songs.
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Roxanne and Every Breath You Take would be excellent choices.
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hahahahaha.... that was funny!
*Davie504 has joined the chat*
I agree with your recommendations
This was before "Sting" (singer) went solo. Don't you recognize that distinctive sounding voice?
The chorus is perfect for today, thanks for drpping so many videos India, we need you now more than ever.
This song was a huge hit in the 80s (as was the video - Sting shirtless, hello!) and no one cared what it was about. Still a great song!
nice of you to pick the original in stead of the 86 version...happy to be able to have seen them live
I’ve always liked this song, but appreciated it even more once I learned of its meaning. Even beyond the surface, from a personal account, Sting had just read ‘Lolita’ and was inspired to write this song about it. You can even hear him say “just like the old man in the book by Nabokov.” So, it’s a remarkable song about a remarkable novel. There’s no defense of the actions in the book, by either the original author or the writers of this song. Must be clear on that.
*so much to unpack here.. the literary reference . The tee shirt sting wears....punky reggae or ragga punk*
I could talk for 2 hours on this 1 song and video
I have been a fan of The Police for over 40 years since I was 11 years. I also have The Police and Sting fanbase pages on Facebook. I like seeing people enjoy their music for the first time. Thank you!
Every breath you take I'll be watching you...girl!!!!
Hey India, the lead singer and bass player for The Police is Sting. You’ve reacted to Shape of My Heart from his solo career after The Police. I love his solo work but The Police for me were the greatest. They were at one time the biggest rock band in the world early/mid 80’s. A lot of their music was rock/reggae mix, even slight dash of punk in their start. Will remain my all time favorite band.
I would like to see you react to The Police - Every Breath You Take and hear your thoughts on the song and the lyrics.
Love that song ❤
Your facial expressions during a reaction always brighten my day.
I was a yuff (youth) back when this was a hit. First time I've seen the video. Thank you so much. And The Police were so cool and articulate!
Yes. Biggest band in the world for a few years and they hardly get mentioned. Lots of good songs to react to with them.
The Police was an incredibly talented group and this song really brings back memory's for me. They are so awesome. Please react to more of their music.
So glad you chose this song!!!
Instant flashback.....to my teen years!!
MTV.......
To sum it up: student after the teacher. Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner aka "Sting" was actually a teacher before being a legendary musician. I remember watching this video even before MTV. It was on an HBO show called Video Jukebox. The Police were one of my favorite all-time bands. Rock, punk, mixed with jazz. Incredible group. The drummer, Stewart Copeland's father was a "Spook" for "The Company." A CIA agent.
This song is loosely based on the novel "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov. The novel is interesting, but it's also about the internal struggle of the adult trying to abate the attraction he has to the young girl. In the song, he tells her not to be near him. The ultimate point is that, even though SHE is the one pursuing him, he is weak and doesn't want to break. It's about temptation, much like Eve and the apple :)
Love the Police and sting :) hope you choose to do more of their work :)
This intro is the biggest tease in rock history.
Late 80s Sting - Fortress Round Your Heart. Stunning!
The shock on your face when you realise that the teacher is tempted, knowing that the student has a crush on him, is wonderful! Does he act on it? Does he not act on it? Like you say, if he does, ‘call the police’.
Over the years alot of Rock Stars are certified Teachers. Gene Simmons of Kiss, Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, and Gene Simmons Of Kiss. Olivia Newton John's Father was a College Professor who became a Dean, in Australia and she would later receive her own Honors Degree. Sting lived above a Chinese Takeaway Shop and another Geordie (Newcastle) Icon is Cheryl Ann Tweedy from Girls Aloud.
Indie....I think you got it backwards.
The young Female student was flirting with the young Male teacher who was trying to maintain his and her dignity.
Every Breath You Take is another great song by The Police, among many.
Well I think the lyrics are also pretty clear that the teacher is guilty of some kind of indiscretion. The line “his car is warm and dry” implies something there. And in the following verses rumor and professional catastrophe appear to follow. As to whether we should like the song, the topic of the art shouldn’t really bear on whether it’s good art. It tells a story, the telling of the story isn’t really intended to make us take a side in who is right or wrong - it’s just a story.
The Police were a super talented bunch who created some of the most memorable, catchy tunes, oftentimes with a really dark meaning in the lyrics. Their (probably) best known song is Every Breath You Take is a lot darker than Don't Stand So Close To Me, imo, and one of the catchiest songs of the 80's.
Sting is very smart he writes songs that (you interpret) he does say “it’s no use he sees her” but doesn’t complete the storyline..it’s a take on literature and sadly a snapshot of modern day events he of course is not promoting this relationship,, speaking of interpretation his song Every breath you take” is not a love song 💌
Not sure how you decided the teacher is lusting after the student. It clearly states "she wants him so badly".
kitty Katt that’s how all predators frame things. He’s the adult.
@@sukie584 Yes predators see what they want. But school girls do have crushes. It was indeed inappropriate for the teacher to give her a ride. This is one of those songs that is left to the listener to determine. I just don't really want to see Sting as predator.
kitty Katt yes. Kids are sexual. But it is always incumbent on the adult to not act on it. I was a teen in the 70s and had a 25 year old boyfriend at 15. Was I alluring? Probably, but that was on him to not act on it. My crush on an older man was not me instigating. It was me being a teenager. But it wasn’t as looked down upon then as strongly as today.
@@sukie584 My response to the song is simply based on the content and the video. I don't have a childhood experience that I can attach to it to make it my own. So it is easy for me to take the song at face value with no judgements. But I do understand that songs can often have an emotional effect on people. There is a song by Oingo Boingo called LITTLE GIRLS which had quite the opposite effect on me.
Great song. Stewart’s drum intro and Andy’s open harmonics makes this song.
The Police is great.
There are several good tracks.
Best:
Spirits in a material world
In no particular order:
Roxanne
So lonely
Message in a bottle
Walking on the moon
Can't stand losing you
De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da
Wrapped around your finger
Every little thing she does is magic
I love you so much!! Your reactions are the best!
In that day, for me, there was the Police, Rush, and Stray Cats (on top of my music radar)...each amazing for different reasons...but in each case, only a trinity...each unique and wonderful :) Nice reaction! Peace!
Keep doing more Police reactions. Just fantastic songs with great musicians. I have just sent a message in a bottle with an S.O.S. to the world.
Sting is from Wallsend (near Newcastle, England) and was a teacher in Cramlington before he made it as a musician.
I'm from Cramlington.
The three piece Anglo-American hit-making machine of the late 70s and early 80s had several UK number one singles (of which this is one). Questions may have been raised over the 'White Reggae' sound but it was terribly fashionable in Britain at that time and this is undeniably a banger.
So glad u found The Police. They are amazing
Now thats an honest reaction right there....love it. The inner turmoil is both genuine and humorous.......creepy but catchy she said...😁😁😁
Sting - aka Gordon Sumner - was a teacher and this song is about a student's obsession not the teacher's.
Sting ( the lead singer) used to be a teacher. He is hella good looking and I’m sure girls would flirt like crazy. He was did the right thing! I’m sure there were times it was rough but he left and pursued his dreams of singing. I believe in a interview he spoke of teachers giving him a hard time even though his conscious was clear. I love this song ! Thank you for listening to it !!
The lusting definitely goes both ways.
"Just like the old man in that book by Nabokov" references Vladimir Nabokov, writer of famous Novel "Lolita", which is about an older man in love with a teenage girl.
Yeah, as most of the comments say she was after him. And he may or may have not gotten involved (wrong move). Their stalking song was "Every Breath You Take". Take some time to read the lyrics to that, now THAT'S CREEPY!!
Of course we love this song! It's a classic.
I love this channel! Thank you!
React to Walking on the moon and Every little thing she does is magic by the Police
Fun fact: Stewart Copeland was the drummer and his brother Miles cofounded IRS Records, which released a ton of 80s music.
Lol!!!! Great analysis. Love ur channel. 👍
Fue mi grupo favorito en mi juventud, tengo varios vinilos de aquélla época.
A lot of his songs are very dark, but as you said - catchy as hell. I grew up loving his music and then as a stared listening to the lyrics as I grew older thinking: wait a minute… what? But still… they’re catchy as hell!
Def digging this hairstyle - liking this 80's vibe you got going.
Yeah...this song is the exact opposite of predatory behavior. One of my favorite Police songs and they have many great ones.
No, it's the other way around. He's telling HER not to stand so close. Listen to the opening line of the song again.
These times are real and those lyrics are real. Gotta like songs about real emotions. Check some more of their videos out. Yeah infatuation and lust confused as love was the virus he was singing about...
It's really good how you react to the old school songs I love it think everyone that watches loves it to
And your hair!!!! Love love love!!!
time-old tale. but definitely do more The Police. Very talented band, they mixed ska, punk, new wave, reggae.... Try Everything She Does is Magic... you'll hum it for a week.
Great line and use of rhyme:
"It's no use, he sees her
He starts to shake and cough
Just like the old man in
That book by Nabakov"
For those who don't know, Nabakov is the author of "Lolita".
"Should we like this song?" Umm.. yeah. If you like it. It's just a song. You don't have to participate in anything that happens in a SONG or approve of it. It's gonna be ok...
Odd fun fact: the baseline two tones are used on Ballys' Elektra pinball.
The lower tone for main playfield and the high tone for the upper playfield.
Review the police song :Da do do do
Just for the record , back in the day teachers were always hooking up with there students ask my H.S. biology teacher,. I had a blast!!
The line "Wet bus stop, she's waiting, his car is warm and dry" suggests that they became involved, but in public " Dont stand so close to me."
This was definitely personal to Sting the lead singer because he trained and worked as a teacher in Britain for a couple of years.... GRT tune...this reminds me of my maths teacher in high school he was just so obvious with this one student she looked and acted a lot older than others but she was still 14/15 as soon as her hand went up he'd be there pering down her shirt.. .honest real pervy stuff... Mr d xxxx
You would like OMD -Maid of Orleans which the video is supposed to be Joan of arc and the video was filmed at fountains abbey such a pretty place in Yorkshire England
Love it, particularly when the instrumental REALLY kicks in.
@@Wesker1984 Loved listening to OMD playing it Live last November in Oxford amazing
The title is perfect in our time of social distancing. Another song that is quite relevant is “It’s Nature’s Way” by Spirit.It’s a three hanky song. It is simple and repetitive, but the delivery is so emotional.