About the song
“Roxanne,” the breakthrough single by British rock band The Police, remains one of the most iconic tracks from the late 1970s. Released on April 7, 1978, as a precursor to their debut album *Outlandos d’Amour*, the song was penned by the band’s lead singer and bassist, Sting. The narrative centers on a man who falls for a prostitute, a theme inspired by Sting’s observations of the Parisian streets during the band’s stay at a seedy hotel in 1977. The song’s title pays homage to the character Roxane from Edmond Rostand’s play *Cyrano de Bergerac*, which was referenced in a poster seen by Sting.
Initially envisioned as a bossa nova tune, “Roxanne” underwent a transformation into a tango thanks to a suggestion from drummer Stewart Copeland. This rhythmic shift became a defining feature of the song. The recording process was marked by a humorous moment when Sting accidentally played an atonal piano chord, leading to a distinctive intro with laughter preserved in the final cut. This playful mishap earned Sting the amusing credit of “butt piano” in the album’s liner notes.
Despite its innovative approach, “Roxanne” struggled to make an impact upon its first release, failing to chart. However, its re-release in April 1979 saw it rise to No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart, gaining significant traction. In North America, it debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1979, peaking at No. 32 in the US and No. 31 in Canada. The track’s success continued with its re-release in the UK, and it eventually became a staple in The Police’s repertoire, appearing on all their greatest hits compilations.
The song’s influence extends beyond its initial success. In 2008, “Roxanne” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and it has been ranked No. 388 on Rolling Stone’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” and No. 85 on VH1’s “100 Greatest Rock Songs.” Its timeless appeal was further demonstrated in 1997 when Puff Daddy remixed it as “Roxanne ’97,” featuring raps from Pras and samples from UTFO’s “Roxanne, Roxanne,” which peaked at No. 59 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Roxanne” has also been celebrated in various forms of media. The song’s tango rhythm was notably integrated into the 2001 film *Moulin Rouge!* with “El Tango de Roxanne,” merging it with Mariano Mores’ “Tanguera” for a dramatic effect. The track has inspired numerous covers, including renditions by Dilana on *Rock Star: Supernova* and Juliet Simms on *The Voice*. In 2022, Sting collaborated with Swedish House Mafia on “Redlight,” an interpolation of “Roxanne.”
As The Police’s debut single for A&M Records, “Roxanne” not only marked the beginning of their successful career but also established itself as an enduring classic, celebrated for its unique blend of musical styles and poignant storytelling.
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 nightRoxanne
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 rightRoxanne
You don’t have to put on the red light
Roxanne
You don’t have to put on the red lightRoxanne (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)
I loved you since I knew youI wouldn’t talk down to you
I have to tell you just how I feel
I won’t share you with another boyI 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 wayRoxanne
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)