Roxanne

The Police

About Roxanne

"Roxanne" is a song by English rock band The Police. The song was written by lead singer and bassist Sting and was released in April 1978 as a single from their debut album Outlandos d'Amour. It was written from the point of view of a man who falls in love with a prostitute. On re-release in 1979, the song peaked at No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart. The song ranked No. 388 on the Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" and was voted No. 85 by VH1 on its list of the "100 Greatest Rock Songs". In 2008, "Roxanne" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. 


Year:
1995
91 

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Roxanne you don't have to put on the red light
Those days are over you don't have to sell your body to the night
Roxanne you don't have to wear that dress tonight
Walk the streets for money you don't care if it's wrong or if it's right
 
Roxanne You don't have to put on the red light
Roxanne You don't have to put on the red light
Roxanne (put on the red light)
Roxanne (put on the red light)
Roxanne (put on the red light)
Roxanne (put on the red light)
Roxanne (put on the red light) Oh
 
I loved you since I knew ya 
I wouldn't talk down to ya
I have to tell you just how I feel 
I won't share you with another boy 
I know my mind is made up so put away your make-up
I told you once I won't tell you again it's a bad way
 
Roxanne you don't have to put on the red light
Roxanne you don't have to put on the red light
Roxanne (you don't have to put on the red light)
Roxanne (put on the red light)
Roxanne (put on the red light)
Roxanne (put on the red light)
Roxanne (put on the red light)

Roxanne (put on the red light)
Roxanne (put on the red light)
Roxanne (put on the red light)
Roxanne (put on the red light)
Roxanne (put on the red light)
Roxanne (you don't have to put on the red light)
Roxanne (put on the red light)
Roxanne (put on the red light)
Roxanne (put on the red light)
Roxanne (put on the red light)

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


The Police

The Police was an English rock band formed in London in 1977. For the vast majority of their history, the band consisted of Sting (lead vocals, bass), Andy Summers (guitar) and Stewart Copeland (drums). The Police became globally popular in the late 1970s and are generally regarded as one of the first New Wave groups to achieve mainstream success, playing a style of rock that was influenced by punk, reggae, and jazz. more »

7 fans

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Band Creation
"The Police", the band responsible for "Roxanne", was formed in 1977 with Sting as the lead vocalist.
Song Origin
The song "Roxanne" was written by Sting in 1978. The inspiration came to him after touring the infamous red-light district in Paris.
Translation Inspiration
Sting was inspired by the characters from the play 'Cyrano de Bergerac', thus the song's title "Roxanne" reflects the name of the love interest in Edmond Rostand's famous drama.
Genre Classification
The song, a fusion of rock and reggae, was a new sound at the time of its release and helped the band's uniqueness to stand out, paving the way for their stardom.
Song Message
"Roxanne" tells the tale of a man who falls in love with a prostitute and attempts to convince her to give up her lifestyle.
Initial Reception
Despite being one of "The Police's" most iconic songs, "Roxanne" initially failed to chart on its first release but went on to reach no. 12 in the UK Singles chart when re-released in 1979.
Breakthrough Success
The song played a crucial part in setting The Police's career on track, and they went on to become one of the biggest bands of the late 70s and 80s.
Song's Duration
The song's duration is 3 minutes and 12 seconds long.
Hall of Fame
In 2008, "Roxanne" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for its cultural and historic significance.
Cover Versions
Numerous artists have covered the song, including Fall Out Boy and Rihanna, demonstrating its lasting appeal and influence.
Featured in Movies
"Roxanne" has been featured in several films and television shows, including 'Moulin Rouge!', where it was part of a larger medley, and '48 Hrs.', where Eddie Murphy's character humorously sings it.
Concert Staple
"Roxanne" has been a staple of The Police and Sting’s solo concerts and remains one of their most popular live songs.

Discuss the Roxanne Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Roxanne Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/27287324/The+Police/Roxanne>.

    Missing lyrics by The Police?

    Know any other songs by The Police? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Roxanne

    116.5M
    698.1K     23,969

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1979

    Billboard #32


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    What year was the album "Please Please Me" by the Beatles released?
    A 1963
    B 1967
    C 1978
    D 1982

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    The Police tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Roxanne

    »