How to Format Lyrics:

  • Type out all lyrics, even repeating song parts like the chorus
  • Lyrics should be broken down into individual lines
  • Use section headers above different song parts like [Verse], [Chorus], etc.
  • Use italics (<i>lyric</i>) and bold (<b>lyric</b>) to distinguish between different vocalists in the same song part
  • If you don’t understand a lyric, use [?]

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Genius Annotation

Roxanne is a hooker that Sting is trying to convince to change her d-d-dirty ways.

This song has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and has been dubbed a classic for its melody, its vocal performance, its orchestration and the instrumental timbres, but it’s also unique for a different reason.

According to Peter Hodgson, as The Police began to record the song, Sting accidentally sat on a piano in the recording studio resulting in the piano chord and laughter you hear in the opening moments of the song. The liner notes consequently credit Sting for playing “butt piano” on the track.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

Credits
Produced By
Written By
Bass Guitar, Vocals
Piano
Recorded At
Surrey Sound, Leatherhead, Surrey, England
Release Date
April 7, 1978
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