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."
Pirate in the Water
Santigold Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ah na na na, ah na na na na
Ah na na na, ah na na na na
Ah na na na, ah na na na na (get out)
While you're burning away
The things going down
You got to move
While you're burning away
The things going down
You got to move
You got to move (get out)
There's a pirate in the water
There's a price to pay tonight (yeah)
On the dock, the sea looks smooth
But it's tainted in the light (yeah)
Thrown out the hooks, you're sunken into
Don't let 'em take you like the buccaneers do
We on the look, we trying to get through
You fumigated, hoped to kill them off too (get out)
While you're burning away
The things going down
You got to move
You got to move (get out)
While you're burning away
The things going down
You got to move
You got to move (get out)
Ah na na na, ah na na na na
Ah na na na, ah na na na na
Ah na na na, ah na na na na
Ah na na na, ah na na na na (get out)
Trying to make it to the harbor
Racing time against the light
Telling me you got much to lose
Still you're ruthless with your life
Come in the dark they pillage right through
Don't let 'em take you like the buccaneers do
Right through the heart they'll tear you in two
Then ride the vessel that they turned you into (get out)
While you're burning away
The things going down
You got to move
You got to move (get out)
While you're burning away
The things going down
You got to move
You got to move (get out)
(Get out) While you're burning away
The things going down
You got to move
You got to move (get out)
While you're burning away
The things going down
You got to move
You got to move (get out)
While you're burning away
The things going down
You got to move
You got to move (get out)
While you're burning away
The things going down
You got to move
You got to move (get out)
While you're burning away
The things going down
You got to move
You got to move (get out)
While you're burning away
The things going down
You got to move
You got to move (get out)
The song "Pirate in the Water" by Santigold is a cautionary tale about being aware of the dangers that lurk in the depths. The chorus is a warning to "get out" while you still can, as there is a pirate in the water and a price to pay for ignoring the warning signs. The verses describe the treacherous sea, with its smooth but tainted surface, and urge the listener to stay vigilant and avoid getting caught by the pirates who lurk beneath.
The lyrics also touch on themes of ruthlessness and survival. The second verse warns of the consequences of being caught by the pirates, who will pillage and tear you apart. Despite the warning, the main character is racing against time, trying to make it to the harbor and protect what they have left. The repeated refrain of "While you're burning away, the things going down, you got to move" emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the need to stay alert and mobile in order to survive.
Overall, "Pirate in the Water" is a vivid portrayal of the dangers of the sea and a reminder to stay alert and cautious in the face of danger.
Line by Line Meaning
Ah na na na, ah na na na na
Singing nonsense words, possibly to create a sense of urgency or to express the chaos of the situation
While you're burning away
While you are in trouble, experiencing hardship, or losing everything
The things going down
The situation is getting worse or falling apart
You got to move
You need to take action or make a change in order to improve your situation
There's a pirate in the water
There is danger or something threatening in the situation
There's a price to pay tonight (yeah)
There will be consequences for your actions or the situation
On the dock, the sea looks smooth
The surface of the situation appears calm or unthreatening
But it's tainted in the light (yeah)
However, upon closer inspection, the situation is flawed or corrupted
Thrown out the hooks, you're sunken into
Being drawn into a dangerous or harmful situation against your will
Don't let 'em take you like the buccaneers do
Don't let yourself become a victim of those who would exploit or harm you
We on the look, we trying to get through
Others are also watching out for themselves and trying to navigate through the situation
You fumigated, hoped to kill them off too (get out)
You may have tried to get rid of the danger or threat, but you still need to leave the situation in order to be safe
Trying to make it to the harbor
Attempting to reach a place of safety or refuge
Racing time against the light
Feeling a sense of urgency to escape or leave quickly
Telling me you got much to lose
Acknowledging that there is a lot at stake in the situation
Still you're ruthless with your life
Despite the risks or consequences, you are willing to do whatever it takes to survive or escape
Come in the dark they pillage right through
Dangerous or harmful people can strike at any time, even when things appear calm or safe
Right through the heart they'll tear you in two
These people can cause great harm or even destroy you emotionally or physically
Then ride the vessel that they turned you into (get out)
They may use you or your resources for their own gain, leaving you with nothing and needing to leave the situation to survive
(Get out) While you're burning away
Urging you to leave the situation before it is too late
The things going down
Reiterating that the situation is deteriorating
You got to move
Again emphasizing the need to take action to protect yourself
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Dave Taylor, Jesse Novac, Santi White, Thomas Wesley Pentz
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Anthony
Santi is a true gem. Her live shows are always fun too. Can't get enough.
Jon H
Probably one of my all time favorite songs from her and ever! It’s one I can always put on and groove no matter what. The beat, the, the voice, the lyrics. Truly inspired!
New1888
massively underrated tune.
Lydia
Fr
Jamie Breeds
This song slaps hard
KendrixTermina
i heard this as the outtro to a podcast and now I'm just marveling at the energy this has
Merciful2u
Love this groove and her voice
Roxy Martinez
Same
Roger Rodrigues
Maravilhosa demais.
Jeff the Gent
Pure marvelousness! And that beat — SO infectious.