The Story Behind ‘Roxanne’ by The Police: A Rock Anthem for the Ages

Released in 1978 as part of their debut album Outlandos d’Amour, Roxanne was The Police’s breakthrough single that cemented their place in rock history. Written by frontman Sting, the song captures the poignant story of unrequited love for a woman living a life of prostitution. Its unique blend of reggae and rock rhythms paired with Sting’s soulful, raspy vocals gave the track a haunting yet captivating feel.

Initially, Roxanne struggled to gain traction due to its provocative subject matter, even being banned by the BBC. However, airplay on U.S. radio stations catapulted it to international fame, eventually peaking at No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart after a reissue. The track also marked a turning point in The Police’s career, transitioning them from unknowns to global superstars​

Roxanne

• Roxanne was inspired by Sting’s trip to Paris, where he encountered the city’s vibrant nightlife and saw a poster for the play Cyrano de Bergerac, which features the character Roxanne.
• The laugh at the beginning of the track wasn’t planned—Sting accidentally leaned on a piano during the recording, and the band decided to leave it in for authenticity​.
• Despite being banned by the BBC, Roxanne became a cultural icon, showcasing The Police’s ability to push boundaries while maintaining mainstream appeal

Video