ROXANNE
George Michael Lyrics


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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

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

Baby don't put it on
Baby don't put it on




Baby don't put it on
Baby don't put it on

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to George Michael's song "Roxanne" are a plea to a prostitute named Roxanne to leave her life on the streets behind. The opening lines "You don't have to put on the red light, those days are over" are a reference to the red lights used in windows to signal that a prostitute is available for business. The song encourages Roxanne to leave her job as a prostitute and lead a different life, free from the pressures and dangers of her current occupation. The repeated chorus of "Roxanne, you don't have to put on the red light, you don't have to" further reinforces this message.


The lyrics also reveal the singer's personal feelings towards Roxanne. He professes his love for her, and vows not to share her with anyone else. This adds a layer of complexity to the song, as it suggests that the singer sees more in Roxanne than just her job as a prostitute. He sees her as a person, worthy of love and respect, regardless of her past or present circumstances. Ultimately, the song is a call for empathy and understanding towards those who work in the sex industry, and a plea for them to be given the opportunity to pursue a better life.


Line by Line Meaning

Roxanne
Addressing the woman named Roxanne


You don't have to put on the red light
You don't have to be a prostitute anymore


Those days are over
The time of being a prostitute has passed


You don't have to sell your body to the night
You don't have to offer your body for money anymore


You don't have to wear that dress tonight
You don't have to dress up for work tonight


Walk the streets for money
Being a prostitute and walking on the streets is not necessary anymore


You don't care if it's wrong or if it's right
Your actions are not driven by ethics, either it is right or wrong


I loved you since I knew ya
I am in love with you since I first saw you


I wouldn't talk down to ya
I would not disrespect you or belittle you


I have to tell you just how I feel
I must tell you about my feelings for you


I won't share you with another boy
I am claiming my exclusive right to you


I know my mind is made up
I am sure of what I want


So put away your make up
Stop pretending and being someone for money


I told you once I won't tell you again
This is the final time I am explaining this to you


It's a bad way
Being a prostitute is a bad way of living


Baby don't put it on
Baby don't put on that red light and sell your body for money


Baby don't put it on
I am repeating my request to you not to become a prostitute


Baby don't put it on
This is my third and final request to you


Baby don't put it on
I am persuading you to turn away from prostitution




Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gordon Sumner

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@MAllen-ng8pl

I didn’t know he covered this. What a voice.

@wolfanaut416

His voice is the first thing you hear in heaven. ♥️

@lobsterolo

Wish it would be!

@silviac221

I hope that heaven exists and that I'll be going there, so that I can meet him.

@mrmorden5648

yes

@tone84

It’s been 6 years already. I will never forget you❤

@danielachristian3836

He was an angel living here on earth, giving us all his love through his music <3

@edcox1630

How I wish I had been born with a sensual voice such as George's was. No other man black, green or white will ever surpass this man's talent.

@wxstednxghts8862

Green? 💀

@antoniscal

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