☝️ Key Points
- The song is about a vampire who lives in New Orleans and is plagued by inner conflicts.
- The vampire is attracted to the city and the people, even though he knows what he does is wrong.
- He prays every day to be strong, but he is aware that he leads a sinful life.
- The vampire is trapped in his existence and can never appear in daylight.
- He struggles with his instincts and his love for an innocent young woman, even though he knows he would destroy her.
Interpretation
The song "Moon over Bourbon Street" by
Sting is about a vampire who lives in the city of New Orleans and is plagued by internal conflicts. It describes how he observes the people of the city while walking along Bourbon Street under the moonlight.
The vampire is attracted to the city and the people, but cannot help but follow his calling, even though he knows what he does is wrong. He prays every day to be strong, but is aware that he leads a sinful life.
He tells of how he became what he is many years ago and that now he can only walk in the moonlight to hide his true face. He has the appearance of a sinner, but the hands of a priest. He is trapped in this existence and can never appear in daylight.
The vampire also mentions an innocent young woman from a wealthy family whom he secretly admires. He struggles with his instincts and his love for her, even though he knows he would destroy her. He wonders how he can be like this when he prays to God.
Overall, the song describes the vampire's inner turmoil, caught between his dark nature and his longing for love and humanity. The moon over Bourbon Street symbolizes the dark sides of the city and the vampire himself.