Moon over Bourbon Street
Sting & The Police Lyrics
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I see faces as they pass beneath the pale lamplight
I've no choice but to follow that call
The bright lights the people and the moon and all
I pray everyday to be strong
For I know what I do must be wrong
Oh you'll never see my shade or hear the sound of my feet
While there's a moon over bourbon street
It was many years ago that I became what I am
I was trapped in this life like an innocent lamb
Now I can never show my face at noon
And you'll only see me walking by the light of the moon
The brim of my hat hides the eye of a beast
I've the face of a sinner but the hands of a priest
Oh you'll never see my shade or hear the sound of my feet
While there's a moon over bourbon street
She walks everyday through the streets of New Orleans
She's innocent and young from a family of means
I have stood many times outside her window at night
To struggle with my instinct in the pale moonlight
How could I be this way when I pray to god above
I must love what I destroy and destroy the thing I love
Oh you'll never see my shade or hear the sound of my feet
While there's a moon over bourbon street
The lyrics of Sting and Chris Botti's song "Moon over Bourbon Street" narrate the story of a vampire who roams the streets of New Orleans at night while trying to resist his urge to drink human blood. The singer portrays himself as a tragic figure who is aware of his wrongdoings but cannot help falling into temptation. He talks about how he follows the call of the moon over Bourbon Street that draws him towards the bright lights and the people.
Throughout the song, the singer grapples with his inner demons, trying to reconcile the love and destruction that come with his nature. He describes himself as having the face of a sinner but the hands of a priest, indicating a juxtaposition between his nature and his desire to do good. He also speaks of his struggle with his inner conflict when he stalks an innocent woman he loves from afar, depicting his torment as he struggles to resist the urge to harm her.
The lyrics of "Moon over Bourbon Street" are a dark and haunting tale of forbidden love and self-discovery. The singer's internal struggle and the beauty of the song's melody make it a haunting and memorable number. With its gothic and evocative lyrics, the song has remained an iconic part of Sting's repertoire for over 30 years.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a moon over Bourbon Street tonight
The moon is shining bright over Bourbon Street tonight.
I see faces as they pass beneath the pale lamplight
People's faces are visible under the dim lights.
I've no choice but to follow that call
I am compelled to follow my instincts.
The bright lights, the people, and the moon and all
The vibrant atmosphere of the street and the night sky are captivating.
I pray everyday to be strong
I pray every day to resist my temptations.
For I know what I do must be wrong
I am aware that my actions are morally questionable.
Oh you'll never see my shade or hear the sound of my feet
I move swiftly and silently in the shadows.
While there's a moon over Bourbon Street
My actions are tied to the presence of the moon over Bourbon Street.
It was many years ago that I became what I am
I have been this way for a long time.
I was trapped in this life like an innocent lamb
I was forced into a life of temptation like a helpless animal.
Now I can never show my face at noon
I must hide during the day.
And you'll only see me walking by the light of the moon
I only move about at night.
The brim of my hat hides the eye of a beast
I conceal my true nature with my appearance.
I've the face of a sinner but the hands of a priest
My appearance does not match my actions.
She walks everyday through the streets of New Orleans
There is a woman I observe daily in New Orleans.
She's innocent and young, from a family of means
She is a young and wealthy woman.
I have stood many times outside her window at night
I watch her from outside her window at night.
To struggle with my instinct in the pale moonlight
I battle my inner desires in the eerie glow of the moon.
How could I be this way when I pray to God above?
I question how I can be faithful to God but also act on my sinful tendencies.
I must love what I destroy and destroy the thing I love
I have conflicting emotions towards the woman; I both love and destroy her.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GORDON SUMNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@crbravo13
There's a moon over bourbon street tonight
I see faces as they pass beneath the pale lamplight
I've no choice but to follow that call
The bright lights the people and the moon and all
I pray everyday to be strong
For I know what I do must be wrong
Oh you'll never see my shade or hear the sound of my feet
While there's a moon over bourbon street
It was many years ago that I became what I am
I was trapped in this life like an innocent lamb
Now I can never show my face at noon
And you'll only see me walking by the light of the moon
The brim of my hat hides the eye of a beast
I've the face of a sinner but the hands of a priest
Oh you'll never see my shade or hear the sound of my feet
While there's a moon over bourbon street
She walks everyday through the streets of New Orleans
She's innocent and young from a family of means
I have stood many times outside her window at night
To struggle with my instinct in the pale moonlight
How could I be this way when I pray to god above
I must love what I destroy and destroy the thing I love
Oh you'll never see my shade or hear the sound of my feet
While there's a moon over bourbon street
@MICHELEDRUCKERMIAMI
More often than not, this song makes me sob. I started college in New Orleans the year this album came out. I fell in love with the City, Interview with a Vampire, and took a lover for the first time at 18. The lover became my husband 9 years later and we have a beautiful family with lots of adult responsibilities. It's overwhelming to re-connect with the surge of those exhilarating achingly nostalgic memories. I know in my bones I will never again be able to recreate feeling so incredibly alive and carefree.
@helenanitodeljardin4648
that is so cool! i wish you two a happy life
@carlo_cali
I read all the Vamp Chronicles up to Blood Canticle, but The Witching Hour made me obsessed with New Orleans and the "Garden District". Blackwood Farm was also set there.
@kimhebert9905
The good thing is…It’s a Great Memory 🙂
@firripsz
For those who don't know, this song is about a vampire in New Orleans, that falls in love with a woman, knowing that sooner or later he must give in to his bloodlust. Sting was prompted to write this after a visit to New Orleans, during which he felt a presence following him .
@ironie3
Sting was inspired by the reading of Anne Rice's book "Interview with the Vampire".
@maudelynn13
You are both correct, actually.
@melissagerber7231
There are many presnces in NOLA, especially after Katrina.
@Briselance
Actually, there's something the vampire could do about that. He could work the nightshift at the local butchery or slaughterhouse, and bam! Plenty of blood, and he doesn't have to harm anyone.
Problem solved. :-)
@molealto
Specifically, Louis de Pointe du Lac, the vampire "interviewed" by Anne Rice.