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."
Guns of Brooklyn
Santigold Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How you gonna come?
With your hands on your head
Or on the trigger of your gun?
When the law break in
How you gonna go?
Shot down on the pavement
You can crush us
You can bruise us
But you'll have to answer to
Oh, the guns of Brooklyn
The money feels good
And your life, you like it well
But surely your time will come
As in heaven, as in hell
You see, he feels like Ivan
Born under the Brooklyn sun
His game is called survivin'
At the end of the harder they come
You know it means no mercy
They caught him with a gun
No need for the Black Maria
Goodbye to the Brooklyn sun
You can crush us
You can bruise us
But you'll have to answer to
Oh, the guns of Brooklyn
When they kick out your front door
How you gonna come?
With your hands on your head
Or on the trigger of your gun?
You can crush us
You can bruise us
Or even shoot us but
Oh, the guns of Brooklyn
You can crush us
You can bruise us
But you'll have to answer to
Oh, the guns of Brooklyn
Oh, the guns of Brooklyn
Oh, the guns of Brooklyn
Oh, the guns of Brooklyn
Oh, the guns of Brooklyn
Oh, the guns of Brooklyn
The lyrics to "Guns of Brooklyn" by Santigold deals with an individual's choices in the face of violence and oppression. The recurring theme of violence is reflected in the two scenarios presented in each verse. The first verse addresses a potential scenario in which one's home or property is invaded, and they must decide whether to comply or retaliate against the aggressors. The second verse refers to a scenario wherein a person confronts the law, either through arrest or potential death. The lyrics pose the question of whether the individual will fight against the violence that they face or succumb to it willingly.
The second half of the song delves into the life of the singer, Ivan, who is born under the "Brooklyn sun" and engages in a game of survival. The lyrics suggest that violence and oppression are a part of Ivan's daily life, and he must do whatever it takes to survive. The chorus repeats the message that the guns of Brooklyn will serve as a reckoning and those who inflict violence will eventually have to answer to them.
Overall, the lyrics of "Guns of Brooklyn" can be interpreted as a commentary on the perpetuation of violence and oppression within society in urban areas like Brooklyn, and how individuals must decide whether to submit or fight back against the violence and oppression they face.
Line by Line Meaning
When they kick out your front door
How you gonna come?
With your hands on your head
Or on the trigger of your gun?
In a situation where you are threatened, how will you respond? Will you surrender with passive submission or will you fight back with force?
When the law break in
How you gonna go?
Shot down on the pavement
Or waiting in death row?
If you are caught breaking the law, will you resist and be killed in the process or will you turn yourself in and face execution?
You can crush us
You can bruise us
But you'll have to answer to
Oh, the guns of Brooklyn
Those in power can harm and oppress us, but ultimately they will be held accountable by the people who are willing to use violence to resist.
The money feels good
And your life, you like it well
But surely your time will come
As in heaven, as in hell
Enjoying a life of wealth and comfort may feel good, but the inevitability of death will catch up to everyone, regardless of their status or power.
You see, he feels like Ivan
Born under the Brooklyn sun
His game is called survivin'
At the end of the harder they come
The artist describes a man who feels like he is constantly struggling to survive in Brooklyn, a place known for its toughness and challenges.
You know it means no mercy
They caught him with a gun
No need for the Black Maria
Goodbye to the Brooklyn sun
Being caught with a weapon will result in no mercy or leniency. The singer says goodbye to the idea of a peaceful, sunny Brooklyn as the man is likely going to jail or worse.
Or even shoot us but
Oh, the guns of Brooklyn
Even if those in power attempt to kill and silence those who oppose them, the guns of Brooklyn represent the resistance and determination of the people to fight back.
Oh, the guns of Brooklyn
Oh, the guns of Brooklyn
Oh, the guns of Brooklyn
Oh, the guns of Brooklyn
Oh, the guns of Brooklyn
Oh, the guns of Brooklyn
The repetition of the phrase 'Oh, the guns of Brooklyn' emphasizes the power and significance of using violent resistance to fight back against oppression.
Contributed by Mateo L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@erickex
One of the best covers ever. I've read that the intent was a straight cover (as in all the correct lyrics) but Santigold kept slipping "Brooklyn" into it, so they left it. Also, this cover was done because Santigold loves the Clash and wanted to pay them respect.
@rondohunter8966
Very interesting cover, love it madly. The original is great of course but Ms. Santogold does them justice, IMHO.
@samaepstein
a fine example of the old dub tradition. this track kills. amazing production diplo
@misstutorialtv
Love every single song by Santigold - everything she do is gonna be Gold ! ♥
@EFK76
very rarely do i hear a cover that i like, even from artists i admire, but this rendition is awesome and i'm sure Strummer would give his blessings...
@martinatherese
my dad is a die hard clash fan.. i made him listen to this.. his reaction "this shit is dope"
@skakid114
I like it because it pay homage to one of the most influential bands in modern music! RIP Joe
@FunkyFrogProject
Put it on Spotify plz!!!
@genesiselijahtv
I was about to sample the Clash version then I saw this. There's no way I can do better so I'm just gonna forget it. This is SICK!!!!!!!
@TheColossalBlanket
Santigold singing one of my favourite songs! Fantastic! :-D