ROXANNE
Police feat. Sting Lyrics

Roxanne
Addressing the recipient of the song by name, indicating that they are the subject of the message

You don't have to put on the red light
You do not need to engage in prostitution by soliciting clients on the street, symbolized by the red light district

Those days are over
Implying that prostitution was once necessary for survival, but society has progressed beyond that need

You don't have to sell your body to the night
You do not need to engage in sex work to earn a living, especially in the darkness of night

Roxanne
Addressing the recipient of the song by name again, reiterating that they are the focus of the message

You don't have to wear that dress tonight
You do not need to dress in a provocative manner to attract the attention of potential clients

Walk the streets for money
Suggesting that the only way to earn a living in this scenario is to walk the streets in search of clients

You don't care if it's wrong or if it's right
Indicating that the danger and immorality of prostitution are not a concern for the recipient

I loved you since I knew ya
Expressing the singer's long-standing affection for Roxanne, despite her profession

I wouldn't talk down to ya
Asserting that the singer does not consider himself superior to Roxanne, despite societal judgments about her profession

I have to tell you just how I feel
The singer feels compelled to express his love and concern for Roxanne

I won't share you with another boy
The singer wants to be exclusive with Roxanne and does not want her to engage in prostitution with other men

I know my mind is made up
The singer is confident in his decision to not share Roxanne with others

So put away your make-up
Suggesting that Roxanne does not need to wear makeup to attract clients or the singer

Told you once, I won't tell you again it's a bad way
The singer warns Roxanne that prostitution is not a good way of life and does not want her to continue with it

You don't have to put on the red light
Reiterating that Roxanne does not need to engage in prostitution

(Roxanne) put on the red light
Using Roxanne's name to reinforce the message that she should avoid prostitution

(Roxanne) put on the red light
Repetition of Roxanne's name and action, emphasizing the message

Oh!
Expressing the singer's frustration that Roxanne continues to engage in prostitution despite his warnings

You don't have to put on the red light (Roxanne)
Reiterating the message that Roxanne does not need to engage in prostitution

(Roxanne) put on the red light
Using Roxanne's name again to reinforce the message

(Repeated chorus)
Repeating the message throughout the song to emphasize its importance