Roxanne (The Police) Lyrics
George Michael
Lyrics
"Roxanne"
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
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
Song & Lyrics Facts
George Michael's cover of "Roxanne" was released in 1987 as the lead single from his debut solo album, Faith. The original song was written by Sting and performed by The Police for their 1978 album Outlandos d'Amour.
George Michael's version is a soulful ballad with a gospel-influenced arrangement. His lyrics are an interpretation of Sting's original, which tells the story of a man who falls in love with a prostitute. The single was a huge success, reaching number 12 on the UK Singles Chart and becoming one of George Michael's most beloved songs. It also earned him a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1988. The music video features a cameo appearance by Sting himself, making it one of the earliest examples of collaboration between two major artists. The song has been covered numerous times since its release, proving to be timeless thanks to its heartfelt lyrics and powerful arrangement.