The Police - Roxanne: Lyrics & Translation

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into one of The Police's most iconic tracks: Roxanne. We're not just going to listen; we're breaking down the lyrics and understanding the story behind this legendary song. Plus, for all my non-English speaking friends, we'll have a translation so you can sing along and truly feel the vibe. Get ready to explore the world of Roxanne!

Roxanne: A Story of Love and Redemption

At its core, Roxanne is a poignant narrative about a man's infatuation with a prostitute. The lyrics, penned by Sting, paint a vivid picture of Roxanne, a woman caught in the throes of the world's oldest profession. The song is not just a catchy tune; it's a plea, a heartfelt cry urging Roxanne to abandon her lifestyle and find a path to a better life, focusing on love and a life beyond her current circumstances. The raw emotion in Sting's voice, combined with the reggae-infused rock rhythm, gives the song its unique and timeless appeal. The lyrics explore themes of love, redemption, and the often harsh realities of life, resonating with listeners on a deeply personal level.

When we listen to Sting singing, “Roxanne, you don’t have to put on the red light,” it's not just a catchy hook; it's a desperate plea. He sees beyond her profession and recognizes the person within, someone deserving of love and respect. He's essentially saying, “You don’t need to do this.” The red light, a symbol of her trade, becomes a barrier between her and a genuine connection. It represents the facade she puts on, hiding her true self from the world. The song is a challenge to that facade, an invitation for her to step into the light and embrace a different future. He is captured by her beauty, but also saddened by her situation. He believes in her potential for something more, and this belief forms the emotional core of the song.

The beauty of Roxanne lies in its ability to humanize a character often relegated to the fringes of society. Sting doesn't judge Roxanne; instead, he approaches her with empathy and understanding. He recognizes her humanity, her vulnerability, and her potential for change. This perspective is what elevates the song beyond a simple love story and transforms it into a powerful social commentary. It forces us to confront our own prejudices and to see the people behind the labels. The Police, through this song, created a platform for empathy and challenged societal norms, making Roxanne a timeless classic with a message that continues to resonate today.

Decoding the Lyrics

Alright, let’s break down the lyrics line by line so we can truly appreciate the depth of the songwriting. I'll include some possible interpretations and background info to give you the full picture.

Key Lyrical Passages Explained

• "Roxanne, you don't have to put on the red light": This is probably the most iconic line in the song. The "red light" is a clear reference to the red lights often associated with areas where prostitution is prevalent. Sting is directly addressing Roxanne, telling her she doesn't need to continue her profession.
• "Those days are over, you don't have to sell your body to the night": This line is a powerful statement about the sacrifices Roxanne makes. It highlights the harsh reality of her life and the toll it takes on her. He's suggesting that she deserves better than to commodify herself in this way.
• "Roxanne, you don't have to wear that dress tonight": The "dress" is symbolic of the persona she adopts for her work. Sting is asking her to shed that persona, to be her true self. He sees through the facade and wants to connect with the real Roxanne.
• "I loved you since I knew you, I wouldn't talk down to you": This line reveals the depth of the singer's feelings for Roxanne. He's not judging her; he loves her unconditionally and respects her as an individual. He emphasizes his genuine affection and respect, setting himself apart from those who might exploit or demean her.
• "I heard it on the grapevine that you're working down town": This line establishes how the singer became aware of Roxanne's profession. The "grapevine" suggests he heard it through rumors, adding a layer of intrigue to the story. It also shows that her situation is known within their community.

Diving Deeper into the Meaning

The lyrics are more than just a simple plea; they're an exploration of love, compassion, and the desire for a better life. Sting uses vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to paint a portrait of Roxanne and the challenges she faces. He's not just singing about a prostitute; he's singing about a human being with dreams, hopes, and the potential for change. The beauty of the song lies in its ability to evoke empathy and understanding for someone who might otherwise be marginalized or misunderstood. It encourages listeners to look beyond the surface and to see the humanity in everyone, regardless of their circumstances. The lyrics are the real power of the song, driving home the message.

The Police - Roxanne: Terjemahan Lirik (Indonesian Translation)

Okay, buat teman-teman yang berbahasa Indonesia, ini dia terjemahan lirik lagu Roxanne biar kalian bisa ikut nyanyi dan memahami maknanya lebih dalam lagi!

Bait Utama

• "Roxanne, you don't have to put on the red light" diterjemahkan menjadi: "Roxanne, kamu tidak perlu menyalakan lampu merah itu"
• "Those days are over, you don't have to sell your body to the night" diterjemahkan menjadi: "Masa-masa itu sudah berakhir, kamu tidak perlu menjual tubuhmu di malam hari"
• "Roxanne, you don't have to wear that dress tonight" diterjemahkan menjadi: "Roxanne, kamu tidak perlu memakai gaun itu malam ini"
• "I loved you since I knew you, I wouldn't talk down to you" diterjemahkan menjadi: "Aku mencintaimu sejak aku mengenalmu, aku tidak akan merendahkanmu"
• "I heard it on the grapevine that you're working down town" diterjemahkan menjadi: "Aku mendengar dari desas-desus bahwa kamu bekerja di pusat kota"

Makna yang Terkandung

Terjemahan ini membantu kita memahami bahwa lagu ini adalah tentang cinta, harapan, dan keinginan untuk kehidupan yang lebih baik. Sting menggunakan bahasa yang kuat untuk menggambarkan Roxanne dan tantangan yang dihadapinya. Lagu ini bukan hanya tentang seorang pelacur; ini tentang seorang manusia dengan impian, harapan, dan potensi untuk berubah. Keindahan lagu ini terletak pada kemampuannya untuk membangkitkan empati dan pengertian bagi seseorang yang mungkin terpinggirkan atau disalahpahami. Ini mendorong pendengar untuk melihat lebih jauh dari permukaan dan melihat kemanusiaan dalam diri setiap orang, terlepas dari keadaan mereka. The translation allows more people to connect with the powerful message.

Why "Roxanne" Still Matters Today

Even decades after its release, "Roxanne" continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Its timeless themes of love, redemption, and social justice make it relevant to contemporary issues. The song reminds us to look beyond stereotypes and to see the humanity in everyone, regardless of their background or profession. It's a call for empathy, understanding, and a more just world. The message is still incredibly relevant.

Furthermore, the song's unique musical style, blending rock, reggae, and pop influences, continues to captivate listeners. The Police's innovative use of instrumentation and arrangement created a sound that is both familiar and groundbreaking. The song's infectious rhythm and catchy melody make it impossible not to sing along, while its thought-provoking lyrics encourage us to reflect on the deeper meaning behind the music. The Police created a timeless classic.

In conclusion, Roxanne is more than just a song; it's a cultural phenomenon. Its powerful lyrics, memorable melody, and timeless themes have made it a beloved classic for generations. Whether you're a longtime fan or a new listener, Roxanne is sure to leave a lasting impression. So crank up the volume, sing along, and let the music transport you to a world of love, redemption, and hope!