The Meaning Behind The Song: Moon Over Bourbon Street by Sting
“Moon Over Bourbon Street” is a song by Sting, released in 1985 on his first solo album, The Dream of the Blue Turtles. The song tells the story of a vampire named Lestat, inspired by Anne Rice’s novel Interview with the Vampire, wandering through the streets of New Orleans during the night. However, the song is not just about vampires but also has a deeper meaning about alienation, fear of the unknown, and society’s perception of the outsider.
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Sting’s Inspiration
Sting was inspired to write the song after reading Anne Rice’s novel Interview with the Vampire. The book tells the story of vampires living in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Sting was intrigued by the atmosphere and imagery of the city.
In an interview with NPR, Sting revealed that he saw himself as a vampire at times when he was touring, as he was living a nocturnal lifestyle and always in the shadows. He also mentioned that he was interested in exploring the idea of how people who are different get treated by society.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Moon Over Bourbon Street” are dark and haunting, with vivid imagery that helps to paint the picture of the vampire Lestat wandering the streets of New Orleans:
“There’s a moon over Bourbon Street tonight,
I see faces as they pass beneath the pale lamplight,
I’ve no choice but to follow that call,
The bright lights, the people, and the moon and all.”
The lyrics are sung in the first person, with Sting taking on the persona of Lestat, which creates a sense of intimacy and depth to the story.
The Music
The music of “Moon Over Bourbon Street” is a mix of jazz and pop, with a slow and steady beat that matches the walking pace of the vampire. The song features a great deal of instrumental improvisation, mirroring the idea of the wandering vampire exploring the streets of New Orleans.
Sting himself took up the bass guitar for the song, which adds to the rich and haunting tone of the music. The use of brass instruments, specifically the saxophone, gives the song a distinctly jazz-like feel, highlighting the influence of the New Orleans jazz scene.
The Themes of the Song
“Moon Over Bourbon Street” explores themes of alienation, fear of the unknown, and society’s perception of the outsider. Sting wrote the song during the 1980s, a time when there was a lot of fear and misunderstanding about those who were different. The idea of a vampire wandering the streets of New Orleans at night is an excellent metaphor for anyone who feels different or alienated from mainstream society.
The song’s lyrics convey a sense of loneliness and isolation that we can all relate to, as we all have moments when we feel like outsiders:
“I remember Halloween
Dead cats and witches’ brew
They tell us why they celebrated
Then I’m with you.”
The final verse of the song suggests that Lestat has found a kindred spirit, someone who shares his loneliness and isolation. This theme can be interpreted to apply to anyone who feels lost and alone, searching for companionship and understanding in a world that does not easily accept them.
Reception and Legacy
Despite not being released as a single, “Moon Over Bourbon Street” became one of Sting’s most popular and enduring songs. Rolling Stone ranked it as one of the 100 Greatest Pop Songs of All Time, and it has been covered by several other artists, including Nina Simone.
The song’s popularity has only grown over time, and it has become an important part of Sting’s legacy as a musician. Its haunting melody, evocative lyrics, and timeless themes have made it a masterpiece of modern pop music.
FAQs
What was Sting’s inspiration for “Moon Over Bourbon Street”?
Sting was inspired to write “Moon Over Bourbon Street” after reading Anne Rice’s novel Interview with the Vampire, which told the story of vampires living in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was intrigued by the atmosphere and imagery of the city and wanted to explore the idea of how people who are different get treated by society.
What is the meaning behind “Moon Over Bourbon Street”?
“Moon Over Bourbon Street” is a song about alienation, fear of the unknown, and society’s perception of the outsider. The lyrics tell the story of a vampire named Lestat wandering through the streets of New Orleans during the night, but the song is not just about vampires. It is a metaphor for anyone who feels different or alienated from mainstream society.
Why does Sting sing in the first person on “Moon Over Bourbon Street”?
Sting takes on the persona of the vampire Lestat when he sings “Moon Over Bourbon Street.” This creates a sense of intimacy and depth to the story and allows Sting to explore the feelings of loneliness and isolation that Lestat experiences as an outsider.
What is the music like for “Moon Over Bourbon Street”?
The music for “Moon Over Bourbon Street” is a mix of jazz and pop, with a slow and steady beat that matches the walking pace of the vampire. The song features a great deal of instrumental improvisation, mirroring the idea of the wandering vampire exploring the streets of New Orleans.
Why has “Moon Over Bourbon Street” become so popular?
Despite not being released as a single, “Moon Over Bourbon Street” has become one of Sting’s most popular and enduring songs. Its haunting melody, evocative lyrics, and timeless themes have made it a masterpiece of modern pop music.
Has “Moon Over Bourbon Street” been covered by other artists?
Yes, “Moon Over Bourbon Street” has been covered by several other artists, including Nina Simone. The song’s popularity has only grown over time, and it has become an important part of Sting’s legacy as a musician.
What are the themes explored in “Moon Over Bourbon Street”?
“Moon Over Bourbon Street” explores themes of alienation, fear of the unknown, and society’s perception of the outsider. The song suggests that anyone who feels lost and alone, searching for companionship and understanding in a world that does not easily accept them, can relate to Lestat’s story.
What instruments are used in “Moon Over Bourbon Street”?
The song uses a mix of instruments, including a bass guitar played by Sting himself. The use of brass instruments, specifically the saxophone, gives the song a distinctly jazz-like feel, connecting it to the New Orleans jazz scene.
Did “Moon Over Bourbon Street” become a single?
“Moon Over Bourbon Street” was not released as a single, but it has become one of Sting’s most popular and enduring songs.
What is the legacy of “Moon Over Bourbon Street”?
“Moon Over Bourbon Street” has become an important part of Sting’s legacy as a musician. Its haunting melody, evocative lyrics, and timeless themes have made it a masterpiece of modern pop music.
Why is the idea of a vampire wandering the streets of New Orleans at night such a powerful metaphor?
The idea of a vampire wandering the streets of New Orleans at night is a metaphor for anyone who feels different or alienated from mainstream society. It conveys a sense of loneliness and isolation that we can all relate to, as we all have moments when we feel like outsiders.
What is the tempo of “Moon Over Bourbon Street”?
The tempo of “Moon Over Bourbon Street” is slow and steady, mirroring the walking pace of the vampire as he wanders the streets of New Orleans.
Why is “Moon Over Bourbon Street” such a haunting song?
“Moon Over Bourbon Street” is a haunting song because of its evocative lyrics and music, which create a sense of loneliness and isolation. The story told in the song, and the metaphor it represents, makes us reflect on our own experiences of feeling lost and alone.
What is the significance of the title “Moon Over Bourbon Street”?
The title “Moon Over Bourbon Street” refers to the moon shining down on the famous Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The moon represents the mysterious and unknown, while Bourbon Street represents the bright lights and excitement of the city. The title encapsulates the themes explored in the song: the fear of the unknown and the allure of the city.
