Don't Stand So Close To Me

The Police

About Don't Stand So Close To Me

"Don't Stand So Close to Me" is a hit song by the British rock band the Police, released in September 1980 as the lead single from their third album Zenyatta Mondatta. It concerns a schoolgirl's crush on her teacher which leads to an affair, which in turn is discovered. The band's third No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, it was also the best selling single of 1980 in the UK. The song also charted in the top ten in Australia, Canada and the US. The Police won the 1981 Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for this song.  


Year:
1995
60 
#1

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

Young teacher, the subject
Of schoolgirl fantasy
She wants him so badly
Knows what she wants to be

Inside her 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 staffroom
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 Nabakov

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

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


The Police

The Police was an English rock band formed in London in 1977. For the vast majority of their history, the band consisted of Sting (lead vocals, bass), Andy Summers (guitar) and Stewart Copeland (drums). The Police became globally popular in the late 1970s and are generally regarded as one of the first New Wave groups to achieve mainstream success, playing a style of rock that was influenced by punk, reggae, and jazz. more »

7 fans

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Date
"Don't Stand So Close to Me" was released on September 19, 1980 as part of The Police's third studio album "Zenyatta Mondatta."
Chart Performance
The song topped the UK Singles Chart, becoming The Police's third number one hit in the UK. It also reached number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Grammy Awards
"Don't Stand So Close to Me" won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1982.
Inspiration
The track was inspired by the personal experiences of the lead singer, Sting, who was a school teacher prior to pursuing his music career. The song's lyrics revolve around a sexually charged relationship between a teacher and a student.
Re-recording
In 1986, The Police attempted to re-record the song for their compilation album "Every Breath You Take: The Singles," but had to use a synthesizer for the signature guitar line due to disagreements among band members.
Literary References
The lyrics reference Vladimir Nabokov's novel "Lolita" as well as the classic tale of Tristan and Iseult, implying the forbidden nature of the relationship described.
Covid-19 Pandemic
The song experienced a resurgence in popularity during the covid-19 pandemic of 2020 due to its title, suggesting social distancing.
Music Video
The official music video for the song was directed by Derek Burbidge and featured scenes with each band member teaching in unique classrooms.
Film Appearance
"Don't Stand So Close to Me" was used in the film "Rock 'n' Roll High School Forever" (1991).
Sting's Reflection
In later years, Sting confirmed that he felt the '86 version of the song was "utterly abominable," commenting that it was the purest expression of the animosity the band was facing at that time.

Discuss the Don't Stand So Close To Me Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Don't Stand So Close To Me Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/27287315/The+Police/Don%27t+Stand+So+Close+To+Me>.

    Missing lyrics by The Police?

    Know any other songs by The Police? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Don't Stand So Close To Me

    29M
    140.6K     3,887

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1981

    Billboard #10


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Manic Monday reached number two on the UK Chart in 1986 for The Bangles but which pop superstar actually wrote the song and gave it to the lead singer (Susanna Hoffs) in order to try and win her affection?
    A Prince
    B Michael Jackson
    C Billy Joel
    D Bono

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    The Police tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!