Roxanne
Michael George 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 Michael George's song "Roxanne" speaks to a woman named Roxanne who is a prostitute, and the singer is pleading with her to stop selling her body for money. The first verse sets the tone by stating that those days are over and how she doesn't have to put on the red light, which is a referred to as a symbol of prostitution in red-light districts. The singer acknowledges that Roxanne doesn't have to sell her body to the night anymore, and he wants her to realize that she has a choice.
In the second verse, the singer continues to plead with Roxanne to stop prostituting herself. The lyrics express that she doesn't need to wear a dress tonight and walk the streets for money. The singer begs her to care if it's wrong or right because her life will be better if she chooses the right path. He repeats the phrase "you don't have to" multiple times to emphasize the message.
The chorus reiterates the singer’s message. He lets Roxanne know that he loves her since he knew her, he wouldn't talk down to her, and he has to tell her how he feels. He doesn't want to share her with another boy, and he has made up his mind not to. He tells her to put away her makeup and that it's a bad way to live.
Overall, the song is a desperate plea for Roxanne to leave behind her life of prostitution and start anew. It's a powerful message of hope and redemption that anyone can change their ways and live a better life.
Line by Line Meaning
Roxanne
The singer addresses Roxanne directly.
You don't have to put on the red light
You don't have to work as a sex worker anymore and advertise your services by hanging out on the streets with that red light. Those days should be over by now.
Those days are over
The singer emphasizes that the times have changed and Roxanne doesn't need to sell her body anymore.
You don't have to sell your body to the night
You don't have to sacrifice your dignity and moral values by selling your body to strangers and customers.
You don't have to wear that dress tonight
You don't have to dress up in revealing clothes or wear something skimpier to grab attention from potential customers.
Walk the streets for money
You don't have to be a part of the sex industry or turn to prostitution for money.
You don't care if it's wrong or if it's right
The lyric suggests that Roxanne is indifferent to the consequences of her decisions and doesn't care if what she's doing is morally right or wrong.
I loved you since I knew ya
The artist admits that he has always had love feelings for Roxanne ever since he knew her.
I wouldn't talk down to ya
The artist respects Roxanne and wouldn't treat her condescendingly, even though she used to be a prostitute.
I have to tell you just how I feel
The artist wants to express how he truly feels about Roxanne and his concern about her current lifestyle choices.
I won't share you with another boy
The singer wants a long-lasting, committed relationship with Roxanne and cannot bear to see her with another man.
I know my mind is made up
The artist is confident that he knows what he wants and what he wants is a commitment with Roxanne.
So put away your make up
The singer wants Roxanne to be herself and not to use cosmetics or dress up to please anyone else.
It's a bad way
The current lifestyle Roxanne is living is dangerous and not healthy for her.
Baby don't put it on
The singer appeals to Roxanne one final time, pleading with her not to put on that red light and to leave the world of prostitution.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
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.