Synopsis
Sting moves through a stark, dreamlike landscape of deserted streets, rough stone arches, open roads, and crashing waves. A mysterious dark-haired woman appears in fragmented close-ups and silhouette, while the imagery shifts between live action, stuttering motion, and drawn-looking sequences. Sting is repeatedly shown alone, walking, lying on the ground, and confronting his own reflection. The video mirrors the song's emotional tension, presenting desire, self-control, and fear of vulnerability as a restless visual reverie.
Factoids & Trivia
- The video uses a predominantly black-and-white visual style, with the stark photography reinforcing the song's restrained but anxious mood.
- Written song lyrics are incorporated into the visual design, appearing as part of the video's rhythmic editing rather than simply functioning as captions.
- Model and actress Mitzi Martin appears as the enigmatic woman at the center of the video's visual imagery.
- The song comes from Sting's second solo album, ...Nothing Like the Sun, released in 1987. It was issued as a US single in January 1988.
- Andy Summers, Sting's former Police bandmate, played guitar on the recording.
- "Be Still My Beating Heart" reached No. 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the Mainstream Rock chart.
- The song received Grammy nominations for Song of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 31st Grammy Awards in 1989.
- The video was later included on the Fields of Gold: The Best of Sting 1984-1994 home-video compilation.