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."
L.e.s Artistes
Santigold Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To tell it straight, I'm trying to build a wall
Walking by myself
Down avenues that reek of time to kill
If you see me keep going
Be a pass by waver
Build me up, bring me down
Just leave me out you name dropper
I see you good you forced faker
Just make it easy
You're my enemy you fast talker
I can say I hope it will be worth what I give up
If I could stand up mean for the things that I believe
What am I here for
I left my home to disappear is all
I'm here for myself
Not to know you
I don't need no one else
Fit in so good the hope is that you cannot see me later
You don't know me
I am an introvert an excavator
I'm duckin' out for now
A face in dodgy elevators
Creep up and suddenly
I found myself
An innovator
I can say I hope it will be worth what I give up
If I could stand up mean for the things that I believe
Change, change, change,
I want to get up out of my skin
Tell you what
If I can shake it
I'm 'a make this
Something worth dreaming of
The lyrics to "L.E.S. Artistes" by Santigold featuring Movado speak about the search for self-identity and authenticity in a world that values fame and superficiality. The song begins with the singer trying to escape from the mundane world and build a wall around herself, suggesting a desire for privacy and introspection. She walks down avenues that "reek of time to kill," which can be interpreted as a reference to the life-sucking nature of consumerism and excess in New York's Lower East Side, where the song is set.
The singer is clearly uninterested in the superficiality of fame and the social climbing culture that surrounds it. She rejects name-dropping, eye-catching, and fast-talking, labeling those who engage in these behaviors as "forced fakers" and "fast talkers." Instead, she seeks something more genuine, something that aligns with her true self. She acknowledges that this path may not be easy and may require giving up certain things, but she hopes that it will ultimately be worth it.
The chorus "I can say I hope it will be worth what I give up / If I could stand up mean for the things that I believe" is a powerful statement about the importance of staying true to oneself, even if it means going against the norm. The repetition of the word "change" at the end of the song implies a desire for personal growth and transformation and a willingness to break free from the constraints of societal expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
What I'm searching for
I'm looking for something
To tell it straight, I'm trying to build a wall
To be honest, I'm trying to protect myself from others
Walking by myself
I prefer to be alone
Down avenues that reek of time to kill
I wander through empty streets with nothing to do
If you see me keep going
Please don't stop to talk to me
Be a pass by waver
Just wave and keep walking
Build me up, bring me down
Stop trying to impress me, only to let me down
Just leave me out you name dropper
Don't bother me with your famous friends
Stop trying to catch my eye
I can see through your fake smiles and flattery
I see you good you forced faker
I can tell you're being fake and insincere
Just make it easy
Stop making things complicated
You're my enemy you fast talker
I don't trust people who talk too much
I can say I hope it will be worth what I give up
I hope the sacrifices I make will be worth it
If I could stand up mean for the things that I believe
I wish I could be more assertive in standing up for my beliefs
What am I here for
I'm questioning my purpose
I left my home to disappear is all
I left home to escape the pressures of society
I'm here for myself
I'm not here to please anyone else
Not to know you
I don't want to get to know others
I don't need no one else
I don't need anyone else in my life
Fit in so good the hope is that you cannot see me later
I blend in so well that hopefully you won't recognize me later
You don't know me
Others don't really understand me
I am an introvert an excavator
I am an introverted person who digs deep for answers
I'm duckin' out for now
I'm taking a break from society
A face in dodgy elevators
I'm just another face in crowded elevators
Creep up and suddenly
Unexpectedly
I found myself
I discovered who I truly am
An innovator
I'm unique and original
Change, change, change,
I desire change in my life
I want to get up out of my skin
I want to break free from who I feel I'm supposed to be
Tell you what
Here's what I'm going to do
If I can shake it
If I can overcome my fears
I'm 'a make this
I will make something of myself
Something worth dreaming of
Something that inspires people to dream big
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN HILL, SANTI WHITE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chxvx
This song never gets old.
@ayce5346
yes this song does get old
@christinewhite4863
chxvx ncifi tv ljdivuruys7r5964 5
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@sasssylasssie
Never ever everrrr!!!
@madelinguzman6364
@@ayce5346 well aperenty not cuz your here????
@kipishism
preach!
@Danniidude
‘I can say I hope it will be worth what I give up’ has been like a mantra for me at times of change. I’ve actually found it really comforting. This album is probably one of my top three favourites ever.
@jennalusche
Don't know what you're giving up, but you are worth it ❤
@electrontube
I used to listen to this before missions in Afghanistan. Fundamentally similar reason.
@cormacbowman6595
You’re a Legend, keep your head up