Roxanne
Incubus (feat. The Police) 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 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
Oh

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
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

You don't (Roxanne) 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
You don't (Roxanne) have to put on the red light
(Roxanne) Put on the red light
You don't (Roxanne) have to put on the red light




(Roxanne) Put on the red light
(Roxanne) Put on the red light

Overall Meaning

The song Roxanne by Incubus (feat. The Police) is based on the original song by The Police, which was written by lead vocalist Sting. The lyrics are addressed to a prostitute named Roxanne, emphasizing her freedom to make choices about her body and not be forced to sell it on the streets. The song encourages Roxanne to break free from this lifestyle and not put on the red light, a symbol of prostitution.


The chorus repeats the phrase "put on the red light" several times, highlighting how society has forced women like Roxanne into this role, commodifying them for men's pleasure. The verses then shift to a more personal level, as the singer declares his love for Roxanne and his desire to see her as more than just a sex worker. He tells her that he won't share her with another man and tries to convince her to leave the streets behind.


Overall, the song Roxanne is a powerful commentary on the exploitation and objectification of women in society, calling for an end to the practice of prostitution and urging women like Roxanne to take back control of their bodies and their lives.


Line by Line Meaning

Roxanne
Addressing Roxanne


You don't have to put on the red light
You don't have to sell your body for money anymore


Those days are over
Prostitution is a thing of the past


You don't have to sell your body to the night
You don't have to work as a prostitute


Roxanne
Addressing Roxanne again


You don't have to wear that dress tonight
You don't have to dress up to work as a prostitute tonight


Walk the streets for money
Work as a prostitute walking the streets for money


You don't care if it's wrong or if it's right
You don't care if it's morally right or wrong to work as a prostitute


Roxanne
Addressing Roxanne again


Put on the red light
Turning on the red light, which is often used to signal the presence of prostitutes


Oh
Expressing emotions


I loved you since I knew ya
I have loved you since I met you


I wouldn't talk down to ya
I would never talk to you disrespectfully


I have to tell you just how I feel
I have to express my feelings to you


I won't share you with another boy
I am not willing to compete with other guys for your attention


I know my mind is made up
I am confident in my decision


So put away your make-up
Stop dressing as a prostitute


Told you once, I won't tell you again it's a bad way
I have already told you this is not a good path for you to take, and I won't say it again


You don't (Roxanne) have to put on the red light
Repeating the point that she doesn't have to work as a prostitute anymore


Put on the red light
Repeating the action of turning on the red light for emphasis


You don't (Roxanne) have to put on the red light
Reiterating that she has other options besides prostitution


Put on the red light
Emphasizing that she no longer has to use the red light




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Gordon Sumner

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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All comments from YouTube:

@DEdens1525

At my first job this kid I worked with loved it every time I played this song. He requested it every shift. Years later he died in a car crash on the way to his wedding, because of a drunk driver. To this day this songs says dear to me as a memory of a lost friend.

@terrencemoldern2756

Forever ago but yeah that’s sad. Definitely good to have this song in remembrance though. Definitely have one or two in mind for some particular persons I love

@novemberdelta7864

I couldnt imagine getting into a fatal car accident on the way to a wedding.. that's absolutely horrible

@FenrirFire18

Horrible tale...but at least you help to keep his memory alive!

@paigemcgriff9483

i'm so sorry for your loss. heartbreaking.

@nickdeanda6432

Damn bro! Sorry, love this song. Now it will have a different meaning to me. Rip

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Just got back from seeing them in concert. Brandon sounds exactly like he did over 20 years ago. And still gorgeous as hell. Dare I say, it was a stellar show.

@Crystal.cs22501

They just announced that they'll be a headliner for Louder Than Life (Louisville, Ky) needless to say I'm extremely excited!!

@lacejuda29

I'm gonna see them next month and I can't wait. Hope you had fun!

@againmine648

Enjoying live in Maine tonight! 🤘🏽🤘🏽

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