About the song
Now, one might raise an eyebrow at this title. Isn’t there already a hugely popular song by The Police with that exact name? Well, buckle up, my friend, because Strait’s take is a whole different ball game.
---> Scroll down for the VIDEO
Released in 2010 as part of his album Twang, “The Every Breath You Take” marked Strait’s 91st single, a staggering number for any artist, let alone a country legend. This song, however, wasn’t just another chart-topper. It garnered a Grammy nomination in the “Best Country Song” category in 2011, solidifying its place not just as a commercial success but also a critical darling.
But what truly elevates “The Every Breath You Take” is the emotional depth it brings to the table. Unlike the Sting-led rock anthem about obsessive love, Strait’s song takes a decidedly introspective turn. Composed by the talented trio of Dean Dillon, Jessie Jo Dillon, and Casey Beathard, the lyrics paint a poignant picture of appreciating life’s precious moments, big and small.
Strait, known for his smooth baritone and unpretentious delivery, becomes the narrator, a weathered soul reflecting on the passage of time. The song unfolds like a heartfelt conversation, a father sharing wisdom with a child. It opens with a seemingly mundane scene – a young boy on a baseball field, looking up to see his dad cheering him on. But Strait, ever the master storyteller, uses this ordinary moment to highlight the extraordinary – the “breath you take” that isn’t just about physical survival, but about savoring the joy of witnessing your child’s accomplishments.
The narrative then takes a more profound turn, shifting to the “breath she took” during childbirth, a moment that literally takes your breath away with the miracle of new life. This emotional roller coaster continues as the song contrasts the exhilaration of birth with the inevitable reality of life’s impermanence, the “breath you take” that is your last.
“The Every Breath You Take” isn’t a morbid reflection on mortality. It’s a gentle nudge to slow down, to appreciate the simple joys – a child’s laughter, a sunrise, a shared meal with loved ones. It reminds us that life is a collection of these seemingly insignificant breaths, and within them lies the beauty and wonder of existence.
So, the next time you hear the title “The Every Breath You Take”, don’t mistake it for the 80s rock anthem. This is George Strait, country music royalty, offering a timeless and poignant reminder to cherish every precious moment, every “breath you take”.
Video
Lyrics
“The Breath You Take”
He saw the hit, the run, the slide, there ain’t no bigger fan
In the parking lot after the game
He said, “Dad, I thought you had a plane to catch?”
He smiled and said, “Yeah, son, I did”
But life’s not the breath you take, the breathing in and out
That gets you through the day, ain’t what it’s all about
You just might miss the point trying to win the race
Life’s not the breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away
Fast forward fifteen years and a thousand miles away
Boy’s built a life, he’s got a wife and a baby due today
He hears a voice saying, “I made it son”
Says, “I told you dad, you didn’t have to come”
He smiles and says, “Yeah, I know you did”
But life’s not the breath you take, the breathing in and out
That gets you through the day, ain’t what it’s all about
You just might miss the point trying to win the race
Life’s not the breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away
Just like it took my breath when she was born
Just like it took my breath away when dad took his last that morn
Life’s not the breath you take, the breathing in and out
That gets you through the day, ain’t what it’s all about
Just might miss the point if you don’t slow down the pace
Life’s not the breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away