The Meaning Behind The Song: Mad About You by Sting
Sting, the English singer, songwriter and former policeman, is known for creating music that is introspective, enigmatic and full of meaning. His songs are renowned for their depth and ambiguity, and Mad About You, from his album The Soul Cages, is no exception. The track, which was released in 1991, is a complex, multi-layered work that explores themes of love, loss and memory. In this article, we will delve into the meaning behind Mad About You, examining its lyrics and uncovering the stories and experiences that inspired its creation.
The Lyrics
Mad About You is a poignant and emotional song, with lyrics that evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia. The song begins with the following words:
“A stone’s throw from Jerusalem
I walked a lonely mile in the moonlight
And though a million stars were shining
My heart was lost on a distant planet
That whirls around the April moon
Whirling in an arc of sadness
I’m lost without you
I’m lost without you”
These opening lines are rich in symbolism and metaphor, setting the tone for the rest of the song. The reference to Jerusalem, a city that is steeped in history and significance, immediately creates a sense of weight and importance. The use of the phrase “a lonely mile” implies a sense of solitude and isolation. The fact that this is taking place “in the moonlight” suggests a sense of mystery and shadow. Finally, the reference to the “distant planet that whirls around the April moon” is a particularly artful piece of imagery, creating a sense of distance, disorientation and alienation.
The chorus of the song is equally enigmatic:
“I’m mad about you
You’re mad about me
Babe, couple of fools run wild
Ain’t nobody’s business but ours”
This chorus is catchy and memorable, and it is easy to assume that the song is simply a celebration of a new romance. However, as we will see, there is much more going on beneath the surface.
The Stories Behind The Song
According to Sting, Mad About You was inspired by a number of different experiences and emotions. One of the key inspirations behind the song was the death of his father, who had passed away just a few years earlier. In interviews, Sting has spoken about how he struggled to come to terms with his father’s passing, and how it had a profound impact on his life and his music. The opening lines of the song, with their sense of sadness and loss, can be seen as a reflection of this experience.
Another inspiration behind Mad About You was Sting’s travels in Israel and the Middle East. In 1985, Sting travelled to Egypt to film a video for his song “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free”. While he was there, he became fascinated by the culture and history of the region, and he later went on to visit Israel and other parts of the Middle East. The imagery and symbolism of Mad About You can be seen as a reflection of this interest in the region.
Finally, one of the other key inspirations behind Mad About You was Sting’s own experiences of love and relationships. At the time that he wrote the song, Sting was going through a difficult divorce from his first wife, Frances Tomelty. The chorus of the song, with its sense of passionate, all-consuming love, can be seen as a reflection of the intensity of his new relationship with his second wife, Trudie Styler.
FAQs
What does “a stone’s throw from Jerusalem” mean in Mad About You?
The phrase “a stone’s throw from Jerusalem” is a reference to the city of Jerusalem, which is known to be a place of great religious and historical significance. The use of this phrase in the song creates a sense of weight and importance, and sets the tone for the rest of the track.
Is Mad About You a love song?
While the chorus of Mad About You is certainly romantic in nature, the song as a whole is much more complex than a simple love song. The lyrics explore themes of loss, memory and cultural identity, making it a multi-layered work that can be interpreted in many different ways.
What inspired Sting to write Mad About You?
Mad About You was inspired by a number of different experiences and emotions. These included Sting’s own experiences of love and relationships, his travels in Israel and the Middle East, and the death of his father.
Who played on Mad About You?
Mad About You features a number of talented musicians, including Sting himself on vocals, bass and keyboards, as well as Dominic Miller on guitar, Vinnie Colaiuta on drums and David Sancious on keyboards.
What is the meaning of the chorus in Mad About You?
The chorus of Mad About You is a celebration of passionate, all-consuming love. It expresses a desire to be close to another person, and a willingness to “run wild” with them, regardless of what others might think.
What album is Mad About You on?
Mad About You is on Sting’s album The Soul Cages, which was released in 1991. The album was a critical and commercial success, and is often cited as one of Sting’s best works.
What are the themes of Mad About You?
The themes of Mad About You include love, loss, memory, cultural identity and the search for meaning. The song is a complex and multi-layered work that can be interpreted in many different ways.
What is the meaning behind the line “I’m lost without you” in Mad About You?
The line “I’m lost without you” in Mad About You expresses a sense of longing and a desire for connection. It can be seen as a reflection of Sting’s own experiences of love and loss, as well as his exploration of universal themes of loneliness and disconnection.
What is the significance of the April moon in Mad About You?
The reference to the “distant planet that whirls around the April moon” in Mad About You is a piece of intricate imagery that creates a sense of distance, disorientation and alienation. It can be seen as a reflection of the themes of loss and loneliness that pervade the song.
What is the backstory behind the making of The Soul Cages album?
The Soul Cages is a deeply personal album that was inspired by a number of different experiences in Sting’s life, including the death of his father. The album is often cited as one of Sting’s best works, and helped to establish his reputation as a multi-dimensional artist.
What is the message of Mad About You?
The message of Mad About You is that love is a powerful and all-encompassing force, capable of overcoming even the darkest moments of life. It is a song that celebrates passion, connection and the willingness to take risks for love.
What inspired Sting’s interest in the Middle East?
Sting has always been fascinated by the culture and history of the Middle East, and has explored this interest throughout his career. He has travelled extensively in the region, and has often drawn inspiration from the sights, sounds and stories of the region in his music.
What other songs should I listen to if I like Mad About You?
If you enjoy Mad About You, you might also want to check out other classic Sting tracks such as Fields of Gold, Shape of My Heart and Englishman in New York. Each of these songs features Sting’s trademark mix of introspection, enigma and emotional power, and will appeal to fans of his unique style.
