Meaning of "Mad About You" by Sting
The lyrics of "Mad About You" delve into the deep emotions and desires of love. The speaker describes feeling lost and alone, walking a lonely mile in the moonlight while being surrounded by a million shining stars. Despite this external beauty, their heart is longing for someone who seems to be on a distant planet, separated from them. This distance is emphasized by the imagery of a planet whirling around the April moon. The speaker's sadness is conveyed through the repetition of the line, "Whirling in an arc of sadness." They confess that they are lost without the person they love, emphasizing the profound impact this love has on their life.
The second verse discusses the speaker's thoughts of their loved one while in dark valleys, hearing ancient songs of sadness. Every step they take, every footstep, is associated with the thought of this person. The stars are seen as insignificant compared to this love, described as mere grains of sand. The image of a dried-up ocean adds to the feelings of loss and emptiness, as if the love they desire is unattainable. The speaker laments and begs for a longer time together, asking, "How much longer?" Significantly, the lyrics mention a city in the desert that represents the illusion of power and importance. Despite the achievements of mankind, the works of man, the city lies in broken pieces, showing the ultimate futility of such ambitions. The speaker admits that their life would become a prison if the person they love marries someone else, highlighting the extent of their longing and attachment.
The third verse combines the theme of love with a sense of loneliness and vulnerability. The speaker expresses that they have never felt more alone in their life than they do now, despite having dominion over all they see. The possessions and accomplishments mean nothing without love. The lyrics suggest that there are no true victories or meaningful histories without love, emphasizing the importance of human connection and affection.
The lyrics then mirror the opening verses, bringing back the image of walking a lonely mile in the moonlight near Jerusalem. The repetition solidifies the speaker's feeling of being lost without their loved one. They acknowledge that the person holds power over their emotions and can ruin everything they see. Even though the prisons around them are blown to dust, meaning their enemies are defeated, the person they love has the ability to set those enemies free.
The song concludes by emphasizing the transient nature of worldly achievements. The speaker acknowledges that all their kingdoms, symbolizing their accomplishments, will eventually turn to sand and fall into the sea. In the grand scheme of things, these achievements hold no lasting significance. The repetition of being "mad about you" reinforces the speaker's intense and unwavering love for the other person, which surpasses any material or external success.
