Robin Thicke’s newly released album, “Paula,” is a musical appeal for his estranged wife to return to their once-happy home.
With songs such as “Lock the Door,” “Love Can Grow Back,” “Get Her Back” and “Something Bad,” it sounds more like he’s trying to woo a restraining order than his wife. But the creepy songs are far from the first love ballads to prompt the installation of a home security system.
Here’s a list of the songs that any capable stalker should have on his or her playlist.
‘One Way or Another,’ Blondie (1979)
We can’t imagine that the beautiful Debbie Harry was ever the hunter and not the hunted.
Creepiest lyrics:
“I will drive past your house
And if the lights are all down
I’ll see who’s around”
‘Every Breath You Take,’ The Police (1983)
This whole song could have been the inspiration for “The Silence of the Lambs.” The only redeeming quality is that it’s Sting, not Buffalo Bill, who will be skinning you alive.
Creepiest lyrics:
“Every breath you take
And every move you make
Every bond you break, every step you take
I’ll be watching you”
‘Sunglasses at Night,’ Corey Hart (1984)
Very few people can get away with sunglasses at night: for example, Chicago Bear Jim McMahon and Vogue Editor Anna Wintour. Which makes this type of behavior even more disturbing.
Creepiest lyrics:
“I wear my sunglasses at night
So I can, so I can
Watch you weave
Then breathe your story lines”
‘I Want You to Want Me,’ Cheap Trick (1977)
This is an upbeat ode to not taking no for an answer.
Creepiest lyrics:
“I want you to want me
I need you to need me
I’d love you to love me
I’m beggin’ you to beg me”
‘Hello,’ Lionel Richie (1983)
As if the lovely Lionel would ever suffer from confidence deficiency. But he’s clearly got someone’s face tattooed in his mind.
Creepiest lyrics:
“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
Hello!
Is it me you’re looking for?”
‘I Will Possess Your Heart,’ Death Cab for Cutie (2008)
Emo rockers don’t care that you don’t care, but these guys are going to need an eviction notice.
Creepiest lyrics:
“There are days when outside your window
I see my reflection as I slowly pass
And I long for this mirrored perspective
When we’ll be lovers, lovers at last”
‘I Will Follow Him,’ Little Peggy March (1963)
Crazy is not just a modern invention. Before the explosion of free love, Little Peggy March was a pioneer of stalker behavior.
Creepiest lyrics:
“I will follow him, follow him wherever he may go
There isn’t an ocean too deep
A mountain so high it can keep me away”
‘Run for Your Life,’ The Beatles (1965)
Before O.J., there was the Fab Four. In this day and age, the foppish Brits would have had to put a “trigger warning” on their ode to jealousy-fueled violence.
Creepiest lyrics:
“Well I’d rather see you dead, little girl
Than to be with another man
You better keep your head, little girl
Or I won’t know where I am”
‘Don’t You Want Me,’ The Human League (1981)
Violent threats can sound much less threatening when put to electronic beats, but do not be fooled.
Creepiest lyrics:
“But don’t forget, it’s me who put you where you are now
And I can put you back down too”
‘Keep On Loving You,’ REO Speedwagon (1980)
There is nothing scarier than someone who doesn’t take no for an answer, except someone who doesn’t take no for an answer while singing hard rock ballads on no sleep.
Creepiest lyrics:
“And I’m gonna keep on lovin’ you
‘Cause it’s the only thing I wanna do
I don’t wanna sleep, I just wanna keep on lovin’ you”