Island Girl
Elton John Lyrics

I see your teeth flash, Jamaican honey so sweet
The singer notices the woman's striking smile and charming presence, as she comes from Jamaica.

Down where Lexington cross 47th Street
The location where the woman is seen, a crossroad between Lexington and 47th Street.

Oh she's a big girl, she's standing six-foot three
The woman is exceptionally tall, measuring up to 6 feet and 3 inches.

Turning tricks for the dudes in the big city
Despite her impressive physique, the woman is working as a prostitute for men in the city.

Island girl What you wanting with the white man's world?
The singer questions why the Jamaican woman wants to be involved in the culture and society of white people.

Black boy want you in his island world
In contrast, a man from her own community wants her to be with him in their own culture and society.

He want to take you from the racket boss He want to save you, but the cause is lost
The man who wants to be with her wants to rescue her from working as a prostitute under a pimp, but his efforts are futile.

Well she's black as coal, but she burn like a fire And she wrap herself around you like a well-worn tire You feel her nail scratch your back just like a rake, oh oh He one more gone, he one more John who make the mistake
Despite her dark skin tone, the woman exudes a fierce energy and sensuality that can be addictive, but becoming involved with her is dangerous and often leads to ruin.

Island girl What you wanting with the white man's world?
The singer reiterates the question of why the woman wants to be with white people, given the strong contrast with her own culture and community.

Black boy want you in his island world
The singer emphasizes that there are men in her own community who want to be with her and for her to be part of their world.

He want to take you from the racket boss He want to save you, but the cause is lost
The man from her own community still wants to rescue her from working for a pimp, but the situation seems hopeless.

Island girl What you wanting with the white man's world?
Again, the singer questions the woman's desire to be with white people instead of staying within her own community.

Tell me what you wanting with the white man's world
The singer directly asks the woman to explain why she wants to be involved in white culture and society.

Tell me what you wanting with the white man's
The singer continues his inquiry, asking the woman to define her motivations for being in the white man's world.