Roxanne
George Michael Lyrics
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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
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
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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The way George always delivered his loving songs was with care and whole hearted tenderness.
Rest in peace lovely soul.
You are truly missed.
Abhijit Chaudhuri
This version is class apart! No one could have imagined Roxanne , a rock record can sound so sexy when made into a jazz cover. George Michael you were one of the greatest ever. Miss you so much!! Happy Birthday GEORGEOUS GEORGE!!💛
Hayley Chambers
Á
Aliyah A.
So true.
Greystoke1986
A voice and a talent that is so rare. Many can sing, but not like this.
Toamba19l
Solo El pudo hacer una versión mejor que la original. Único George no abra otro igual que pena no tenerte más y solo conformarnos con tus joyas 😔💕🌹
Victoria Slesarenko
He understood women like no other. Hypnotizing, soothing velvet voice. Rare talent, kind soul, whole package. We were blessed to have him.
Nicholas Powell
How good is this version,George was a genius.
Hanna Mioducka
Mój Boże! On już nie żyje ale mam wielki szacunek dla jego twórczości artystycznej. Ten niepowtarzalny głos. Mieszkam na wyspach dość długo ale martwi mnie to że tutaj nic więcej o Tak wibitnym artyście nic nikt nie wie.
River Song
RIP Michael. Endless talent. Endlessly missed.