In February 2009, she officially changed her stage name to Santigold as a result of infomercial jeweller Santo Gold threatening legal action against White and her label Downtown Records.
White was lead singer of the Philadelphia-based punk rock band Stiffed, but while in the band, she was offered a solo contract. Working with fellow Stiffed member John Hill as co-producer, she recorded her debut album, Santogold, which was released in April 2008. Upon the change of her stage name, her label Downtown Records issued this press release:
"Change the graffiti on the bathroom wall, get your tattoo fixed, get your T-shirt airbrushed and change the name on your year-end list: Santogold is now Santigold. She's not telling you why, that's just how it is."
All I Got
Santigold Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How you get something for nothing at all
Build an empire for yourself
Don't take this personal go to hell
You want it, you got it come get it I'll see you there
You want it, you got it come get it
I'll put all I got in your way
Put all I got in your way
I'll put all I got in your way
Dum dum dum da dum da dum heya
Dum dum dum da heya heya heya
Dum dum dum da dum da dum heya
Dum dum dum da heya heya heya
Why should I perspire the most
I cut 'em down You play the post
Make believe, live your motto
Surround yourself with smarter folk
You want it, you got it come get it I'll see you there
You want it, you got it come get it
Put all I got in your way
I'll put all I got in your way
Put all I got in your way
I'll put all I got in your way
Put all I got in your way
Put all I got in your way
I'm here scraping away (put all I got in your way)
Still no trace of dignity (put all I got in your way)
Crowd's out they got it hard for 'em (put all I got in your way)
So devout they'll take an eye for it (put all I got in your way)
I live for the grim encore (put all I got in your way)
Say no more
Put all I got in your way
(I'm gonna knock you down, baby)
I'll put all I got in your way
(Ain't gonna leave ya 'til I bring you down low)
Put all I got in your way
(Not gon' get ahead now,c an't get ahead now, can't get ahead now)
I'll put all I got in your way
(I'm gonna bring you right down to your knees)
Put all I got in your way
(I'm gonna knock you down, baby)
I'll put all I got in your way
(Ain't gonna leave ya 'til I bring you down low)
Put all I got in your way
(can't get ahead now, can't get ahead now)
I'll put all I got in your way
(can't get ahead now)
can't get ahead now, can't get ahead now
Dum dum dum da dum da dum heya
Dum dum dum da heya heya heya
Dum dum dum da dum da dum heya
Dum dum dum da heya heya heya
The lyrics of "I" by Santigold express a sense of frustration and defiance towards someone who seems to be achieving success without putting in the necessary effort. The singer questions how this person is able to get "something for nothing" and build an empire for themselves, implying that it is unfair and unjust. They also refuse to take any insults or criticisms from this person personally, telling them to "go to hell."
The chorus of the song is a challenge to this person, telling them that if they want something, they should come and get it. The singer promises to put all they've got in this person's way, determined to prevent them from succeeding through dishonest means. The repetition of the phrase "put all I got in your way" emphasizes this determination and refusal to back down.
The second verse further emphasizes this frustration and determination, with the singer questioning why they should work hard while the other person seems to get ahead easily. They suggest that the other person is living in a world of make-believe and surrounding themselves with "smarter folk" to maintain their facade of success. The final lines reinforce the singer's resolve, stating that they are willing to do what it takes to bring this person down.
Line by Line Meaning
I should ask but don't want to know
I have a feeling that what you're doing is wrong but I don't want to confront you about it.
How you get something for nothing at all
I suspect you're receiving benefits without working for them.
Build an empire for yourself
You're trying to create your own powerful and influential sphere of existence.
Don't take this personal go to hell
I don't mean to offend you, but I don't want to deal with you right now.
You want it, you got it come get it I'll see you there
If you desire something I have, I'll make it accessible for you to attain it.
Put all I got in your way
I'll do everything in my power to obstruct your path.
Dum dum dum da dum da dum heya
Non-sensical vocalizations used to accentuate the mood of the song.
Why should I perspire the most
Why should I exert the most effort in this situation?
I cut 'em down You play the post
I am proactive and will not hesitate to take on confrontations while you shy away from them.
Make believe, live your motto
You're living in a fantasy world by believing in a certain way of life that may not be realistic.
Surround yourself with smarter folk
You should associate with individuals who are more intelligent than you to improve your own abilities.
I'm here scraping away (put all I got in your way)
I'm here trying my hardest to stop you from progressing.
Still no trace of dignity (put all I got in your way)
You have no dignity in your actions and I will continue to block your path.
Crowd's out they got it hard for 'em (put all I got in your way)
The people around you are struggling and I won't let you make it harder for them.
So devout they'll take an eye for it (put all I got in your way)
You're so dedicated to your cause that you're willing to hurt others for it, but I'm determined to stop you.
I live for the grim encore (put all I got in your way)
I'm ready to fight you until the bitter end.
can't get ahead now, can't get ahead now
You won't be able to progress in this situation.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Patrik Jens Berger, Santi White
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
clmo23
one of my favs !!! great record santi!
Stephanie Hernandez
oh Santigold thx you never disappointed me, you stick to your true self. No one is doing it like you..real music right here
🎶 Brandon 'Bman1973' Petrucci 🎶
I can't believe this girl! To me she is the most current sounding music happening right now; she's pushing the envelope while there are still artist out there pushing out poser bubble gum.....
Esxx
Tom Reynolds 2 years later and shit hasn’t gotten any better it’s worse!
MILES
"Why should I perspire the most, I cut em down, you play the post..."
SO DAMN GOLD !!!
Ilias Salhi
andyou. isnt it funny. santigold has rih album name in it. wild.
FreeLancer LosAngeles
Wow, what an interesting, unique sound. I thought it was a little boy singing. Of course, kudos to the producer. The vocal effects are jammin'.
Leslie
I love you... Never stop defying bs genres.... You are a fucking gem M'Lady
J F
So amazing!! Sad reality is great music like this won't get much airplay. Just garbage is the norm to the masses. SMH
Koren Sylvester
She so amazing 🤩 how can ppl not be in love with her music 🎶