About the song
“Roxanne” stands as a cornerstone of The Police’s early career, released in 1978 as a single preceding their debut album *Outlandos d’Amour*. Penned by lead singer and bassist Sting, the song tells the tale of a man who falls for a prostitute, inspired by Sting’s observations near the band’s lodging in a seedy Parisian hotel during a tour. The title itself draws from the character Roxane in the play *Cyrano de Bergerac*, a nod to the literary and theatrical underpinnings that influenced Sting’s lyrical narrative.
Initially conceived as a bossa nova piece, the song took on its distinctive tango rhythm thanks to a suggestion by Police drummer Stewart Copeland. During the recording process, a serendipitous incident where Sting sat on a piano keyboard produced an atonal chord that became iconic, humorously credited in the liner notes as Sting playing the “butt piano.”
Despite initial reservations from the band about its commercial viability, “Roxanne” was enthusiastically endorsed by Miles Copeland III, leading to its release as The Police’s debut single under A&M Records. While it did not immediately chart in the UK upon its initial release, a reissue in 1979 propelled it to No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, it reached No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking their breakthrough into the American market.
The song’s enduring popularity is underscored by its inclusion in various “greatest songs” lists, such as Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” and VH1’s “100 Greatest Rock Songs.” In 2008, it was honored with induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame, solidifying its status as a classic in rock music history.
“Roxanne” has not only influenced contemporary music but has also been reinterpreted in diverse forms. It featured prominently in the 2001 film *Moulin Rouge!* as “El Tango de Roxanne,” blending seamlessly with traditional Argentine tango elements. Moreover, its impact extended into the realm of electronic dance music when it was interpolated into “Redlight” by Swedish House Mafia in 2022.
With its evocative lyrics, infectious melody, and timeless appeal, “Roxanne” remains a pivotal track in The Police’s repertoire, embodying their signature blend of rock, reggae, and lyrical depth. Its cultural significance continues to resonate, cementing its place in the annals of music as a definitive example of the band’s early creative brilliance and enduring influence.
Video
Lyrics
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
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
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
You don’t (Roxanne) 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
You don’t (Roxanne) have to put on the red light
(Roxanne) Put on the red light
You don’t (Roxanne) have to put on the red light
(Roxanne) Put on the red light
(Roxanne) Put on the red light