After recording the band's fourth album "How Dare You!" the pair started work on a new instrument they called The Gizmo. In 1977 they created a concept album "Consequences" to showcase it, which also had the voice talents of comedian Peter Cook.
In the late seventies and early eighties they released three albums "L", "Freeze Frame" and "Ismism" (released under the name "Snack Attack" in the USA).
Their greatest successes, however, came in the field of music video production in the early 80s. Working with bands like Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Police, Duran Duran, Herbie Hancock and Sting.
Their last album "Goodbye Blue Sky" was released in 1988 but they fell out during production. To-date (2006) they have not worked together again since then.
Englishman in New York
Godley & Creme Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I like my toast done on one side
And you can hear it in my accent when I talk
I'm an Englishman in New York
See me walking down Fifth Avenue
A walking cane here at my side
I take it everywhere I walk
Oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien
I'm an Englishman in New York
Oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien
I'm an Englishman in New York
If "manners maketh man" as someone said
He's the hero of the day
It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile
Be yourself no matter what they say
Oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien
I'm an Englishman in New York
Oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien
I'm an Englishman in New York
Modesty, propriety can lead to notoriety
You could end up as the only one
Gentleness, sobriety are rare in this society
At night a candle's brighter than the sun
Takes more than combat gear to make a man
Takes more than a license for a gun
Confront your enemies, avoid them when you can
A gentleman will walk but never run
If "manners maketh man" as someone said
He's the hero of the day
It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile
Be yourself no matter what they say
Be yourself no matter what they say
Be yourself no matter what they say
The Godley & Creme song "An Englishman in New York" is a commentary on cultural differences, identity, and social norms. The lyrics express the point of view of an Englishman who has relocated to New York City and struggles to adapt to the new environment. The opening verse is simple and direct, stating that the Englishman prefers tea over coffee and likes his toast done on one side, emphasizing his British-ness. He believes that his accent gives away his identity when he speaks, further reinforcing the sense of being an outsider. The chorus repeats the phrase "I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien, I'm an Englishman in New York," highlighting the differences between the two cultures.
The second verse describes the Englishman walking down Fifth Avenue with a cane, a symbol of his refinement and sophistication. He takes it everywhere with him, but it also serves as a reminder that he's not from around here. The bridge of the song asserts a message of individuality and perseverance, extolling the virtues of being oneself no matter what others might say. The final verse takes a more philosophical stance, meditating on the nature of societal norms and suggesting that conformity can be dangerous. The Englishman is portrayed as a hero for his ability to navigate this new culture with grace and equanimity.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't take coffee, I take tea, my dear
I prefer tea over coffee, my beloved
I like my toast done on one side
I prefer my toast cooked on one side only
And you can hear it in my accent when I talk
My accent clearly indicates that I am English
I'm an Englishman in New York
I am a person of English origin currently residing in New York
See me walking down Fifth Avenue
Observe me strolling on Fifth Avenue
A walking cane here at my side
I carry a walking cane with me at all times
I take it everywhere I walk
I clutch it wherever I go
Oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien
I am a foreigner but possess legal authorization to be in this country
If 'manners maketh man' as someone said
As someone declared, good manners define a person
He's the hero of the day
Such a person noteworthy and deserving of admiration
It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile
Enduring ignorance or ill-treatment with grace requires character and strength
Be yourself no matter what they say
Retain your identity even in the face of criticism
Modesty, propriety can lead to notoriety
Repression of one's character or behavior can cause negative attention
You could end up as the only one
The result could be one's isolation and estrangement from others
Gentleness, sobriety are rare in this society
Society lacks acts of kindness and seriousness, which are unusual
At night a candle's brighter than the sun
During darkness, even a small source of light is noticeable
Takes more than combat gear to make a man
Being a true man requires more than just the right attire for military combat
Takes more than a license for a gun
It's not sufficient to own a firearm legally
Confront your enemies, avoid them when you can
Face your adversaries when necessary, but evade them if possible
A gentleman will walk but never run
A man with good manners will remain poised rather than panic
Be yourself no matter what they say
Stand tall in your personality and do not let others' criticism sway you
Be yourself no matter what they say
Stay true to who you are, regardless of others' commentary
Be yourself no matter what they say
Retain your unique identity despite others' objections
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Gordon Sumner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@peterhoare3219
@@riffcat04 Aussies have a LONG history of embracing bands that otherwise would go NOWHERE.
And the bands are the first to tell you..
We BROKE Abba worldwide, and they were never really that huge elsewhere at the time.
Down here, undying love of ABBA is like a fucking RELIGION.
I'm getting drunk so unable to think correct.
But yeah, Aussies have GREAT taste in music.
It makes me CRY that SO MANY of our own BRILLIANT bands never ever received any success overseas. There's all manner of reasons for that, been shut out by record companies overseas protecting their own stars, uup to the sheer cost and logistics of travel from down here
In terms of music and all manner of things, we punch WAAAAAYYYY above our weight.
In short, Aussies KICK ARSE!! 🙂
@GlenAnderson71
Made the top ten in the Australian charts back in 1980. Awesome song
@gjmob
I remember it well on Countdown. They also created the music video for Herbie Hancock's 'Rockit' in 1984.
@stumeister5507
Indeed. I remember absolutely hating this song and here i am now 43 years later liking it a lot
@KingFahtah
I was a kid back then. The ABC played it all the time. It freaked me out more than the daleks
@paulcooper5748
I remember it.
@CJArnold-hq3ey
Hahahaha you old coot 😵
@manosparavida3551
Groundbreaking arrangement, production and genius perfection. I believe that sums up Godley and Creme.
@simonettesimonette3226
hello from 2023.....so I looked them up because I saw 10CC on television. Oh they were marvellous! ( godley and creme)
@adrianbrowne7874
"Godley & Creme" the lyrical and visual epitome of unrestrained genius!!
@hughblack6831
Oh, how I wish in an alternative universe that Kevin and lol got back together with Eric and Graham and we had the best music EVER!
Just Watched the best selling songs month by month from 1980 - god its truly after 1990.