“Somebody’s Watching Me” is a song written and recorded by American singer Rockwell, released as his debut single on December 27, 1983 with the instrumental version on the B-side as the lead single from his debut album of the same name. The song became an instant hit and is particularly noted for its distinctive vocals and paranoia-themed lyrics.
“Somebody’s Watching Me” was written by Rockwell, whose real name is Kennedy William Gordy. Rockwell is the son of Motown founder Berry Gordy. Despite his famous lineage, he aimed to establish his own identity in the music industry. Rockwell secured a recording contract with Motown, partly under the condition that his famous family connections were not used to promote his work.
The lyrics of “Somebody’s Watching Me” revolve around the theme of paranoia and the feeling of being constantly observed. The song captures the anxiety and suspicion of someone who believes they are being watched at all times, whether at home, in the shower, or even while eating dinner. The chorus, featuring the lines “I always feel like somebody’s watchin’ me / And I have no privacy,” vividly expresses this sense of unease and intrusion. Musically, “Somebody’s Watching Me” blends elements of new wave, synth-pop, and funk. The song features a catchy synthesizer riff, a strong bassline, and a rhythmic beat that drive its danceable groove. The distinctive, almost eerie keyboard melody complements the song’s theme of paranoia.
One of the key elements contributing to the song’s success is the uncredited contribution of Michael Jackson, who sings the chorus. Jackson’s recognizable voice and dynamic delivery add a powerful and memorable hook to the song. His brother, Jermaine Jackson, also provides backing vocals, further enriching the track’s vocal harmonies.
“Somebody’s Watching Me” was a commercial hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and achieving similar success internationally. It topped the charts in France, Belgium, and Spain, and also reached the top ten in several other countries. The song’s widespread popularity helped establish Rockwell’s career and brought him significant attention.
The music video for “Somebody’s Watching Me,” directed by Francis Delia, features Rockwell in various scenarios that amplify the song’s themes of surveillance and paranoia. The video includes scenes of Rockwell being watched by mysterious figures, adding a visual layer to the song’s narrative. The video’s eerie, somewhat humorous tone complements the song and contributed to its popularity on MTV.