Sting identifies “Roxanne” as his essential song from The Police

Sting has identified “Roxanne” as his favorite song from his time with The Police, noting that it has become an essential part of his live performances. The musician expressed that he finds it difficult to perform a concert without playing the track, stating, “The people simply identify me with it and I think they would ask for a refund if I didn't play it.”

Originally released in April 1978, the song was inspired by the singer's observations of the nightlife and sex work in Paris. The track's unique sound was shaped by the collaboration between Sting, drummer Stewart Copeland, and guitarist Andy Summers, whose dissonant chords helped create a blend of punk urgency and reggae-influenced rhythms. While the song's unconventional structure was initially considered atypical for radio programming, it became a defining hit for the band.