The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Roxanne,
You don't have to put on that red light.
Walk the streets for money,
You don't care if it's wrong or if it is right.
Roxanne,
You don't have to wear that dress tonight.
Roxanne,
You don't have to sell your body to the night.
His eyes upon your face.
His hand upon your hand.
His lips caress your skin.
It's more than I can stand.
(Roxanne interwoven)
Why does my heart cry,
Feelings I can't fight,
Your free to leave
but just don't decieve me
and please believe me when I say
I love you.
(Repeat)
You don't have to put on that red light.
Walk the streets for money,
You don't care if it's wrong or if it is right.
Roxanne,
You don't have to wear that dress tonight.
Roxanne,
You don't have to sell your body to the night.
His eyes upon your face.
His hand upon your hand.
His lips caress your skin.
It's more than I can stand.
(Roxanne interwoven)
Why does my heart cry,
Feelings I can't fight,
Your free to leave
but just don't decieve me
and please believe me when I say
I love you.
(Repeat)
Lyrics submitted by BroadwayAngel232
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roxanne is so intense and all the strings and brilliant voices build up to such a well-fitting climax. Its so powerful, i'm even considering using it for my dance GCSE final piece because its just perfect for a complex but effective piece that i have NO idea how i'll get MY stuff to live up to the music. And of course the dancing in the film is amazing!! i would have killed to work on that film!! lol. seriously i love musicals n moulin rouge is a brilliant one. x