MUMBAI: In the Valentine’s Days of your past, you might encountered that one person whose sight lingers on you a little too long, who gives you a handshake that is a little too strong, whose hands slowly move to your lower waist in a hug that shouldn't last that long. Well, those creeps are everywhere. And, yes, musicians could also be part of this category.

More often than not artists use their personal experiences to influence their music. However, not all romantic tracks actually mean what they sound like. Here are a few “romantic” songs that, after a certain point, take a really creepy turn.

Every Breath You Take – The Police

Yes, it may be a wonderful song at first listen, but wait for the explanation before you start shooting arrows. Granted it is a classic and Sting’s soothing voice makes ‘Every Breath You Take’ one of those tracks you would put on a mix-tape as a gift for your crush. The song might sound assuring and supportive, but when you have lyrics like

‘Every breath you take, every move you make,
Every bond you break, every step you take,
I'll be watching you.
Every single day, every word you say,
Every game you play, every night you stay,
I'll be watching you,’

Now, imagine the same song, with the same lyrics, but just don’t sing it. Read it. Out loud. That’s what your potential stalker is saying to himself, spying through his binoculars looking into your window. Apologies for having ruined Sting for you!

I Knew I Loved You – Savage Garden

In the spirit of sweet psychopathic stalkers, ‘I Knew I Loved You’ might seem romantic, until you realise it ends with ‘Before I Met You’.

‘I knew I loved you before I met you
I think I dreamed you into life.’

Those are the words spoken by true stalker, who wouldn’t stop at anything until he owns you. He is watching your every move. He might be under your bed, or even in your closet. He will leave clues so you know he’s there. But, he will only confront you when you least expected him to. He wants you, and he won’t stop until he gets you. 

Invisible – Clay Aiken

Yes, a former American Idol finalist and UNICEF National Ambassador for US, also has sociopathic lyrics which might give you the heebie jeebies.

‘If I was invisible, then I could just watch you in your room.’

Not sure how many people would be okay, knowing that there’s an invisible person in their room, simply watching them go about their daily activities. How about you just take a quick walk around your room, and listen very close for another person humming the song. Your stalker might just be closer to you than you think.

Nights On Broadway – The Bee Gees

The lyrics in this one directly portray stalker like tendencies, which, in my opinion, might require immediate attention. Here, the in-sync brothers seem to be possessed by an unnatural force making them seem unbelievably creepy. What would run through your mind when you hear someone sing-

“Here we are in the room full of strangers, standing in the dark where your eyes couldn't see me. 
Well, I had to follow you though you did not want me to, but that won’t stop my lovin’ you, I can’t stay away...”

If that isn't creepy enough, the song’s producer Grammy Award winner Arif Mardin asked if one of the Bee Gees members could do some screaming during the main chorus to make the song more exciting. Now, did one of the brothers take on the role of the stalker’s victim, is open for speculation.

Hello – Lionel Richie

This song takes the creepiness factor to a really disturbing level. In the video, Richie is a teacher who falls for his blind student. That is basically a video that tells the story of a woman who literally can’t see her teacher as he follows her through school from class to class. Imagine your teacher, saying,

‘I’ve been alone with you, inside my mind
And in my dreams I’ve kissed your lips a thousand times.
I sometimes see you, pass outside my door...’

The original influence of this chart-topping hit must pique the curiosity of many, especially the ones who love the works of Lionel Richie, but have only just come to realise the potential latent meaning of the lyrics of his songs.

Well, that makes a tiny list of songs that you probably might not want to play this Valentine’s Day, or maybe you do. If you or your stalker have something equally or more disturbing, feel free to add those in the comments below!