Englishman in New York
Police/Sting Lyrics

I don't drink coffee, I take tea, my dear
I have different preferences than the norm here in America

I like my toast done on one side
I have very specific tastes that differ from the norm here

And you can hear it in my accent when I talk
My accent reveals that I am not from this place

I'm an Englishman in New York
I am an outsider in this new and unfamiliar place

See me walking down Fifth Avenue
I am visible and conspicuous in this busy and crowded place

A walking cane here at my side
I have a prop that distinguishes and separates me from others

I take it everywhere I walk
I always carry it with me because it is important to me

Oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien
I am legally foreign to this place, yet still feel like an outsider

If 'manners maketh man' as someone said
The quality of a person is measured by their behavior and conduct

He's the hero of the day
This person is admired for their exemplary behavior and conduct

It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile
It takes courage and strength to endure ignorance and still remain pleasant

Be yourself no matter what they say
You should remain true to yourself, even if others do not approve

Modesty, propriety can lead to notoriety
Behaving properly and modestly can sometimes lead to negative attention

You could end up as the only one
You may be the only person behaving this way

Gentleness, sobriety are rare in this society
These qualities are not commonly found in this place

At night a candle's brighter than the sun
Small gestures and actions can have a powerful impact in the right circumstances

Takes more than combat gear to make a man
True strength and character come from within, not from external weapons or equipment

Takes more than a license for a gun
Having a license to carry a weapon does not make you a man

Confront your enemies, avoid them when you can
Courageously deal with issues, but avoid unnecessary conflicts

A gentleman will walk but never run
Remaining composed and poised, even in difficult situations, is a sign of true character

Be yourself no matter what they say
You should never compromise your true self or values in response to others