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."
Big Mouth
Santigold Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tip-toe don't make it rock
What they say that's not enough
You long long for what you know I got
Blah blah against the wall
So pee-wee, cyber tall
Ring ring ring know when duty calls
Now, now not a word at all
Big mouth, big mouth, why I know you said enough
Got a big mouth, big mouth, my, my, my, you've said enough
What's that you said?
So you can walk, or watch and tear me up
So you can walk, or watch and tear me up
What's that you said?
So you can walk or watch and tear me up, ha
Oh-oh-oh
Deep down don't know what you want
Dismount throw me up front
Berate but got no guts
If strong enough why play debutante?
Ga ga ga all slightly off
Not me I'll take the loss
See see see doesn't it payoff?
I'm among the ones not lost
Big mouth, big mouth, why I know you said enough
Got a big mouth, big mouth, my, my, my, you've said enough
What's that you said?
So you can walk, or watch and tear me up
So you can walk, or watch and tear me up
What's that you said?
So you can walk or watch and tear me up
Oh-oh-oh
What's that you said?
So you can walk, or watch and tear me up
So you can walk, or watch and tear me up
What's that you said?
So you can walk or watch and tear me up
Oh-oh-oh
You're everywhere I go thinking that you know
You're everywhere I go thinking that you know
You're everywhere I go thinking that you know
Go on, go you, go lead 'em if you know
What's that you said?
So you can walk, or watch and tear me up
So you can walk, or watch and tear me up
What's that you said?
So you can walk or watch and tear me up
Oh-oh-oh
The lyrics of Santigold's song "Big Mouth" reflect on the concept of gossip and negative criticism by others. The song describes a person who talks about others behind their back, spreading rumors and making up stories, without realizing the consequences of their words. The singer highlights the damage that this behavior can cause and the way it reflects on the person's character.
The lyrics encourage the listener to disregard the negativity and the hurtful words of those who engage in gossip and instead focus on oneself. The repetition of "what's that you said?" indicates the singer's reluctance to engage with the criticism and to let it affect her. The lines "you're everywhere I go thinking that you know" indicate that the singer is aware of the gossip, but chooses to move forward and not let it hold her back.
Overall, "Big Mouth" expresses the importance of not letting others' negative opinions and comments consume one's life and instead focusing on self-confidence and inner strength.
Line by Line Meaning
Tic tock, talk that shit nonstop
You keep spewing out nonsense constantly, without taking a break.
Tip-toe don't make it rock
You need to be careful with your words and actions so that you don't cause any trouble.
What they say that's not enough
You don't believe what others are saying because it's not satisfying or satisfying enough for you.
You long long for what you know I got
You crave something that I have and you know it.
Blah blah against the wall
You keep talking pointless things and it's just like talking to a wall.
So pee-wee, cyber tall
You use your online persona to hide behind and feel bigger, but in reality you are small and insignificant.
Ring ring ring know when duty calls
You are always ready to pick up the phone and talk, but you never have anything important to say.
Now, now not a word at all
You suddenly stop talking and refuse to say anything.
Big mouth, big mouth, why I know you said enough
You have a huge mouth and you have already talked enough.
Got a big mouth, big mouth, my, my, my, you've said enough
Your mouth is too big and you have already said too much.
What's that you said?
What did you say?
So you can walk, or watch and tear me up
You can leave or stay and try to hurt me.
Oh-oh-oh
Vocalization or emphasis of the previous line.
Deep down don't know what you want
You are conflicted and confused about what you truly want.
Dismount throw me up front
You are trying to throw me under the bus and make me take the blame for something.
Berate but got no guts
You are verbally attacking me but you don't have the courage to back it up.
If strong enough why play debutante?
If you are strong enough, why act like a delicate, graceful woman?
Ga ga ga all slightly off
You are acting crazy or foolish, and it's not correct or acceptable.
Not me I'll take the loss
I will not engage in an argument or fight with you, I will accept the defeat.
See see see doesn't it payoff?
You are not succeeding in your arguments or fights, so isn't it better to stop?
I'm among the ones not lost
I am one of the few people who are not lost or confused by your behavior.
You're everywhere I go thinking that you know
You are always around me thinking that you understand me and my actions.
Go on, go you, go lead 'em if you know
You can go ahead and lead others if you really know what you're doing.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Santi White, Dave Taylor, Rui Pite, Joao Barbosa, Karla Rodrigues
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MilesBorn
When listening to this song, I think most people overlook the fact that there is no instrumentation, except the keyboard solo towards the end. The entire song is percussion & vocals. So fucking cool.
Super35
Holy fuck... I nearly got a heart attack dancing to this track. I was studying then all of a sudden this song played on shuffle. I heard the drums and I could not contain myself. Hopped out of my seat and started vouging. I just relived the moment I danced with Santi on stage. I almost died but no ragrets.
Lady London
loooool sooo funny :)
mixpar2004
Find this Portuguese band called Buraka Som Sistema, and then tell me...
C1rulis
your comment reminds me of when I played together with AC DC on stage and the whole stadium stood and cheered, and then I met my wife who was in the audience that night, and now we live in a mansion with 5 kids and I got a Ferrari, music can truly be life changing.
Super35
@mixpar2004 I just listened to (We Stay) Up All Night by them. Epic track in its own right. Buraka Som Sistema is listed as a co-producer/writer so I assume they sold rights to Santi to sample the verse and beat.
Super35
@C1rulis thats a funny satire except it happened for real. Look up Creator live and find that pulling fans on stage is part of Santi's gig. And since you didn't ask, it's an homage to the viral Sasquatch Music Festival 2009 video of a dude rocking out to Santigold solo then unknowingly starting a giant dance party.
Nemo
How can almost 3k ppl hate this? The video and animation fit PERFECTLY to the music. You also get a really clear instruction how to do the choreography. Not to speak about the uplifting tune which always changes the mood to good. I love Santigold. Long live ♥
Samuel Powell
I remember in high school my music producer friend introducing me to this song, he gave me a USB full of Santigold and MIA. It quickly became the soundtrack to our all our crazy teenage antics, I wanna throw my friend some love as he's always been there for me and shown me amazing music, He's just released a new song that gives me strong Santigold vibes, please try searching Lonely Gimmick - Running ,you may be in for a surprise and he would love to hear your comments, I think he's really talented and deserves more recognition
Andrew Rahn
If you ever see her live, her back up dancers are everything.