The Police – Roxanne

About The Song

“Roxanne” by The Police is a song from their debut album, “Outlandos d’Amour”, written by lead singer and bassist Sting. It was released as a single on April 7, 1978. The song’s enduring popularity is evident as it has appeared on all of The Police’s greatest hits albums and was ranked No. 388 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

The song is about a man who falls in love with a prostitute and has been banned by the BBC for its controversial subject matter. The song was inspired by Sting’s encounter with a prostitute in Paris. The song has been described as a tango, bossa nova, and samba. The song has become one of the band’s most popular songs and has been covered by various artists.

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

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)
Rox—

I loved you since I knew you
I wouldn’t talk down to you
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

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 (you don’t have to 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