Hi Wayne,Penz2nz wrote:Ciao, Dan
As the old guy said in Cool Hand Luke, "What we have here, is a failure to communicate."
The lack of commercial viability (which is my focus here) is the fact that the introspective nature of the lyric is too, specifically focused, and therefore lacks universal appeal.
In the opening two verses the singer is contemplating "his" life and condition. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but when you do that as a writer you must be sure to focus on those aspects of your life that are universally shared. Mention life as a cog in the corporate gear and you lose the average blue collar laborer, farmer, student, etc. etc.
You drive the last nail in this coffin with the last verse which mentions "my family" no problem here, but "my two children and my wife" eliminates anyone who doesn't live a life exactly matching that scenario.
Also: I don't consider "Every Breath You Take" an introspective song. Sting's (The Police) focus is not on himself, it's on that crazy chick he's hung up on.
As an old guy listening, I want to blame it on my being 1/2 deaf, whereas, my wife might say that I'm thick sometimes.
Whereas I might blame that on my Italian heritage.
My previous comment about understanding the lack of universal appeal was referring to the "...corporate scheme" line.
And i can see where being too specific about the size of one's family might be counterproductive towards a universal appeal as well.
Now I get it. Sorry it took so long.
As for my "Every Breath You Take" being too introspective, that was a bit of a tongue in check comment.
Thanks once again for your comments.
ciao, Dan