Sting — Moon Over Bourbon Street
Album: The Dream of the Blue TurtlesAvg rating:
Your rating:
Total ratings: 1621
Length: 3:53
Plays (last 30 days): 2
share
tweet
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
I pray everyday to be strong
For I know what I do must be wrong
Oh you'll never see my shade or hear the sound of my feet
While there's a moon over Bourbon Street
It was many years ago that I became what I am
I was trapped in this life like an innocent lamb
Now I can never show my face at noon
And you'll only see me walking by the light of the moon
The brim of my hat hides the eye of a beast
I've the face of a sinner but the hands of a priest
Oh you'll never see my shade or hear the sound of my feet
While there's a moon over Bourbon Street
She walks everyday through the streets of New Orleans
She's innocent and young, from a family of means
I have stood many times outside her window at night
To struggle with my instinct in the pale moonlight
How could I be this way when I pray to God above?
I must love what I destroy and destroy the thing I love
Oh you'll never see my shade or hear the sound of my feet
While there's a moon over Bourbon Street
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
I pray everyday to be strong
For I know what I do must be wrong
Oh you'll never see my shade or hear the sound of my feet
While there's a moon over Bourbon Street
It was many years ago that I became what I am
I was trapped in this life like an innocent lamb
Now I can never show my face at noon
And you'll only see me walking by the light of the moon
The brim of my hat hides the eye of a beast
I've the face of a sinner but the hands of a priest
Oh you'll never see my shade or hear the sound of my feet
While there's a moon over Bourbon Street
She walks everyday through the streets of New Orleans
She's innocent and young, from a family of means
I have stood many times outside her window at night
To struggle with my instinct in the pale moonlight
How could I be this way when I pray to God above?
I must love what I destroy and destroy the thing I love
Oh you'll never see my shade or hear the sound of my feet
While there's a moon over Bourbon Street
Comments (39)add comment
Intended for "thewiseking" -- New Orleans has its pros and cons, for sure. I've lived there twice, both with and without kids.
Take it from a "country-boy" raised on a farm in the E US and initially of the opinion that New Orleans would be 120% horrible: it's one of the most interesting cities, definitely unique with the US. I grant you: there are some very rough, dangerous edges, but there are also areas of the city that are true gems that I really, really love.
If Bourbon Street is not your cup of ... tea
... simply head 1 block toward the Miss. River and stroll along Royal Street. A morning walk along Royal with a stop at e.g., The Court of Two Sisters for a coffee / brunch .... ahhhhh.
Take it from a "country-boy" raised on a farm in the E US and initially of the opinion that New Orleans would be 120% horrible: it's one of the most interesting cities, definitely unique with the US. I grant you: there are some very rough, dangerous edges, but there are also areas of the city that are true gems that I really, really love.
If Bourbon Street is not your cup of ... tea
... simply head 1 block toward the Miss. River and stroll along Royal Street. A morning walk along Royal with a stop at e.g., The Court of Two Sisters for a coffee / brunch .... ahhhhh. Nice.
thewiseking wrote:
Oh dear, looks like Grampa's off his meds again.
why would he choose Bourbon Street? Moon over Bourbon St? More like Dacquiri vomit mixed with off season carnival throws tossed by imbecile drunk tourists shouting "show your tits"
Oh dear, looks like Grampa's off his meds again.
SteveSmaha wrote:
Who pays for this - Beato?
He doesn't have to, we'll praise him for free, he's just that good jpfueler wrote:
on da ground
when i was planning a trip to new orleans in the late 90s i got a book about some of the hints, ins and outs, out of the way gems, things not to miss, things to know that weren't widely advertised, etc., and that one was in there "bet i can tell ya where ya got dem shoes." and it stated the answer was "on my/your feet." so, that's why i answered that way. but, your way is true as well!
on da ground
when i was planning a trip to new orleans in the late 90s i got a book about some of the hints, ins and outs, out of the way gems, things not to miss, things to know that weren't widely advertised, etc., and that one was in there "bet i can tell ya where ya got dem shoes." and it stated the answer was "on my/your feet." so, that's why i answered that way. but, your way is true as well! lily34 wrote:
on my feet! i win!
on da ground
on my feet! i win!
on da ground
jpfueler wrote:
evergreen
It was ever that way when I was there from 1984 through 2004, but you left off the pick pockets and scammers ("Bet I can tell ya where ya got dem shoes, mista!")
on my feet! i win!
evergreen
It was ever that way when I was there from 1984 through 2004, but you left off the pick pockets and scammers ("Bet I can tell ya where ya got dem shoes, mista!")
on my feet! i win!
phlattop wrote:
It is absolutely a nod to Anne Rice's "Interview with the Vampire" and Lestat, per the liner notes of the album, and this song got me reading Anne Rice, so thanks, Sting, thanks liner notes, thanks Washington County library for lending me the book and not sending the feds when I didn't return it. That book came with me from southwestern Pennsylvania to France, where I donated it to another library some 20 years later.
And I agree about Rick Beato. His video about Seal's "Kiss from a Rose" sucked me in and pulled me under.
Think he wrote this as a nod to Anne Rice's vampire novels or the character of Lestat specifically.
If you want to see someone who does great videos that are simultaneously music appreciation and music theory, go check out Rick Beato on youtube. He does a great one on how Sting is uncopyable because of his unusual and sophisticated sense of melody.
Check out Rick's channel anyway as he covers a lot of classic rock, some jazz, and a little classical.
It is absolutely a nod to Anne Rice's "Interview with the Vampire" and Lestat, per the liner notes of the album, and this song got me reading Anne Rice, so thanks, Sting, thanks liner notes, thanks Washington County library for lending me the book and not sending the feds when I didn't return it. That book came with me from southwestern Pennsylvania to France, where I donated it to another library some 20 years later.
And I agree about Rick Beato. His video about Seal's "Kiss from a Rose" sucked me in and pulled me under.
phlattop wrote:
The thing about Rick Beato is that he's both a multi-instrumentalist musician and a top-tier record producer. He's an expert, and a teacher in the mold of Carl Sagan - capable of distilling complex ideas down into bits understood by the beginner or layman.
Think he wrote this as a nod to Anne Rice's vampire novels or the character of Lestat specifically.
If you want to see someone who does great videos that are simultaneously music appreciation and music theory, go check out Rick Beato on youtube. He does a great one on how Sting is uncopyable because of his unusual and sophisticated sense of melody.
Check out Rick's channel anyway as he covers a lot of classic rock, some jazz, and a little classical.
The thing about Rick Beato is that he's both a multi-instrumentalist musician and a top-tier record producer. He's an expert, and a teacher in the mold of Carl Sagan - capable of distilling complex ideas down into bits understood by the beginner or layman.
I was just in a piano bar last night and the first tune played was Autumn Leaves and it is honestly the influence for this song. I mean all the musicians on this album are pretty extremely talented Jazz musicians. So they probably just snuck it in! 🤣 I love it
Roguewarer wrote:
Beato is outstanding. His "What Makes This Song Great..." series is seriously bingeable. He has unprecedented access to isolated tracks that NO ONE else should (or COULD?) have legally acquired!! It's stunning and THRILLING to watch and listen to him isolate vocals & instruments to some of the most iconic songs we love -- but can't quite identify WHY we love them...
Highly recommend!
Who pays for this - Beato?
Beato is outstanding. His "What Makes This Song Great..." series is seriously bingeable. He has unprecedented access to isolated tracks that NO ONE else should (or COULD?) have legally acquired!! It's stunning and THRILLING to watch and listen to him isolate vocals & instruments to some of the most iconic songs we love -- but can't quite identify WHY we love them...
Highly recommend!
Who pays for this - Beato?
I'm hearing a lot of "Autumn Leaves" in there.
Not Sinatra, nor yet, Bennett. Maybe Darin with a head -cold.
thewiseking wrote:
Well, I interpret the lyrics to be spoken by a vampire, so Bourbon Street is an excellent setting. Thoughts?
Sting is a truly talented musician, but his lyrics are even better!
why would he choose Bourbon Street? Moon over Bourbon St? More like Dacquiri vomit mixed with off season carnival throws tossed by imbecile drunk tourists shouting "show your tits"
Well, I interpret the lyrics to be spoken by a vampire, so Bourbon Street is an excellent setting. Thoughts?
Sting is a truly talented musician, but his lyrics are even better!
The older I get the more pretentious Sting's lyrics get, but I still love him and his music. Funny how particular artists feel more and more like family members as the years go by.
I had never heard of Rick Beato before seeing this posting. Now I am rabbit hole-ing his You Tube page.
Why I LOVE RP.
Why I LOVE RP.
jpfueler wrote:
evergreen
It was ever that way when I was there from 1984 through 2004, but you left off the pick pockets and scammers ("Bet I can tell ya where ya got dem shoes, mista!")
and the Lucky Dog's!
evergreen
It was ever that way when I was there from 1984 through 2004, but you left off the pick pockets and scammers ("Bet I can tell ya where ya got dem shoes, mista!")
and the Lucky Dog's!
Edweirdo wrote:
I'd second this - Rick Beato is a brilliant communicator, knows a great deal about music theory, production etc. and comes across as a really nice guy.
Beato is outstanding. His "What Makes This Song Great..." series is seriously bingeable. He has unprecedented access to isolated tracks that NO ONE else should (or COULD?) have legally acquired!! It's stunning and THRILLING to watch and listen to him isolate vocals & instruments to some of the most iconic songs we love -- but can't quite identify WHY we love them...
Highly recommend!
I'd second this - Rick Beato is a brilliant communicator, knows a great deal about music theory, production etc. and comes across as a really nice guy.
Beato is outstanding. His "What Makes This Song Great..." series is seriously bingeable. He has unprecedented access to isolated tracks that NO ONE else should (or COULD?) have legally acquired!! It's stunning and THRILLING to watch and listen to him isolate vocals & instruments to some of the most iconic songs we love -- but can't quite identify WHY we love them...
Highly recommend!
h8rhater wrote:
You do know that you can upload music for consideration to be included in the playlist?
Still, a radio station
You do know that you can upload music for consideration to be included in the playlist?
Still, a radio station
thewiseking wrote:
evergreen
It was ever that way when I was there from 1984 through 2004, but you left off the pick pockets and scammers ("Bet I can tell ya where ya got dem shoes, mista!")
why would he choose Bourbon Street? Moon over Bourbon St? More like Dacquiri vomit mixed with off season carnival throws tossed by imbecile drunk tourists shouting "show your tits"
evergreen
It was ever that way when I was there from 1984 through 2004, but you left off the pick pockets and scammers ("Bet I can tell ya where ya got dem shoes, mista!")
Lestat, is that you?
why would he choose Bourbon Street? Moon over Bourbon St? More like Dacquiri vomit mixed with off season carnival throws tossed by imbecile drunk tourists shouting "show your tits"
Plenty of Tourists, To Go Cups, Noise and vomit.... all on Bourbon Street. No Moon nor much poetry there these days.
I like it!
Nice!
phlattop wrote:
Now there's a full interview with Rick, Sting, and Sting's current guitarist Dominic Miller! Great stuff. Rick is one of my favorite YT channels.
Think he wrote this as a nod to Anne Rice's vampire novels or the character of Lestat specifically.
If you want to see someone who does great videos that are simultaneously music appreciation and music theory, go check out Rick Beato on youtube. He does a great one on how Sting is uncopyable because of his unusual and sophisticated sense of melody.
Check out Rick's channel anyway as he covers a lot of classic rock, some jazz, and a little classical.
Now there's a full interview with Rick, Sting, and Sting's current guitarist Dominic Miller! Great stuff. Rick is one of my favorite YT channels.
A masterclass in songwriting, nicely recorded also.
phlattop wrote:
I'd second this - Rick Beato is a brilliant communicator, knows a great deal about music theory, production etc. and comes across as a really nice guy.
If you want to see someone who does great videos that are simultaneously music appreciation and music theory, go check out Rick Beato on youtube. He does a great one on how Sting is uncopyable because of his unusual and sophisticated sense of melody.
Check out Rick's channel anyway as he covers a lot of classic rock, some jazz, and a little classical.
Check out Rick's channel anyway as he covers a lot of classic rock, some jazz, and a little classical.
I'd second this - Rick Beato is a brilliant communicator, knows a great deal about music theory, production etc. and comes across as a really nice guy.
I enjoy Branford Marsalis's playing on this album. It's one of the first CD's I ever bought.
Think he wrote this as a nod to Anne Rice's vampire novels or the character of Lestat specifically.
If you want to see someone who does great videos that are simultaneously music appreciation and music theory, go check out Rick Beato on youtube. He does a great one on how Sting is uncopyable because of his unusual and sophisticated sense of melody.
Check out Rick's channel anyway as he covers a lot of classic rock, some jazz, and a little classical.
If you want to see someone who does great videos that are simultaneously music appreciation and music theory, go check out Rick Beato on youtube. He does a great one on how Sting is uncopyable because of his unusual and sophisticated sense of melody.
Check out Rick's channel anyway as he covers a lot of classic rock, some jazz, and a little classical.
luminouslass wrote:
Uploading? This is a radio station. ;-)
You do know that you can upload music for consideration to be included in the playlist?
Uploading? This is a radio station. ;-)
You do know that you can upload music for consideration to be included in the playlist?
I see what you did there. Neville Brothers are FROM New Orleans, into a song REFERENCING New Orleans
Clarentine wrote:
Uploading? This is a radio station. ;-)
I don't know who's uploading the Sting/Police tracks, but keep it up. 
Uploading? This is a radio station. ;-)
Clarentine wrote:
Wouldn't that be Bill or Rebecca?
I don't know who's uploading the Sting/Police tracks, but keep it up.
Wouldn't that be Bill or Rebecca?
Kaw wrote:
No... it's Mc Grubber !
What's MacGyver doing on that Album cover?
No... it's Mc Grubber !
What's MacGyver doing on that Album cover?
This song sounds like Tom Waits wrote it 
I don't know who's uploading the Sting/Police tracks, but keep it up.
Take it from a "country-boy" raised on a farm in the E US and initially of the opinion that New Orleans would be 120% horrible: it's one of the most interesting cities, definitely unique with the US. I grant you: there are some very rough, dangerous edges, but there are also areas of the city that are true gems that I really, really love.
If Bourbon Street is not your cup of ... tea
And I meant to add - this song, as others have mentioned, is a nod to Anne Rice / Interview with a Vampire, no doubt about it. Mentioning Royal St above ... in the mid-90's, closer to Esplanade Ave., that was the place to get a good look at the "Goth" kids, some of whom did their level best to look like vampires.... My wife and I were approached by one of these kids, who asked if we had any spare change for a "hungry vampire" .... we got a good laugh <chuckle>