Meaning of "Perfect Love Gone Wrong" by Sting

The lyrics of "Perfect Love Gone Wrong" delve deep into the emotional turmoil of feeling replaced and unloved. The comparison of the speaker to a loyal dog emphasizes their devotion to their partner, only to be discarded like an old toy when someone new comes along. The feelings of inadequacy, rejection, and longing for what was once perfect but has now soured permeate the verses. The imagery of a shaggy dog howling all night and feeling like it's a dog's life loving someone who loves another person adds a layer of despair and resignation to the narrative. The inclusion of the French lyrics adds a sense of sophistication and the speaker's attempt to rationalize and come to terms with the situation, ultimately accepting that the perfect love they once had has now gone wrong due to the entrance of a third party. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of heartache, betrayal, and the devastation of a once-strong love crumbling.