Moon Over Bourbon Street

Sting's 'Moon Over Bourbon Street' is a hauntingly beautiful song that delves into the life of a tormented soul, likely a vampire, wandering the streets of New Orleans. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a character who is both predator and penitent, caught in a perpetual struggle between his dark nature and his desire for redemption. The moonlit setting of Bourbon Street, a famous locale in New Orleans known for its vibrant nightlife and historical significance, adds a layer of mystique and melancholy to the narrative.

The protagonist of the song is a tragic figure, someone who acknowledges the wrongness of his actions but feels powerless to change his fate. The line 'I pray every day to be strong, for I know what I do must be wrong' encapsulates this internal conflict. The imagery of the moon, a symbol often associated with transformation and the supernatural, underscores the character's nocturnal existence and his separation from the world of the living. The mention of 'the brim of my hat hides the eye of a beast' and 'the face of a sinner but the hands of a priest' further highlights the duality of his existence.

The song also introduces a poignant subplot involving a young, innocent woman from a wealthy family. The protagonist's struggle with his instincts and his feelings for her adds a layer of tragic romance to the story. The lines 'I must love what I destroy and destroy the thing I love' poignantly capture the essence of his cursed existence. This unrequited love and the moral dilemma it presents deepen the emotional impact of the song, making it a compelling exploration of guilt, love, and the eternal battle between good and evil.