Sarah McLachlan – “Possession” by Sarah McLachlan, is a song exploring the dark side of fame and obsession, written from the perspective of an overly devoted, perhaps even delusional, fan.
McLachlan drew inspiration from intense fan letters and the feeling of unease they created, channeling that into the song’s unsettling narrative.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown: Inspired by fan letters: The song’s lyrics are partially derived from letters written to McLachlan by an obsessive fan, who also later sued her for copyright infringement, claiming she used his words without permission.
From the stalker’s perspective:
McLachlan wrote the song from the point of view of a stalker, exploring the mindset of someone consumed by obsession and capable of violence.
A song of obsession:
The lyrics delve into the manipulative and desperate nature of obsession, portraying a parasocial relationship that is both erotic and menacing.
A song of duality:
While the chorus can be interpreted romantically (“I would be the one to hold you down”), the verses reveal a darker, more menacing undercurrent of obsession and control.
Cleansing through creation:
McLachlan has stated that writing the song was a cathartic experience, allowing her to process the fear and frustration of dealing with obsessive fans.
A song of love or obsession?
The song’s power comes from its ability to evoke both romantic and unsettling feelings, blurring the line between love and obsession