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."
Radio
Santigold Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Knock 'em back and drag 'em look at me, I stole 'em
(Look at me, I stole 'em, look at me, I stole 'em)
(Look at me, I stole 'em, look at me, I stole 'em)
Body made of platinum, rope full let me at 'em
Cause I'm on top, oh, buffalo stancin'
(Body made of platinum, body made of platinum)
(Body made of platinum, buffalo stancin')
I remember the time, remember the time
Private on the wings from the get go
But I put in the time, I put in the time
I never was afraid, never let go
I remember the time, remember the time
Private on the wings from the get go
But I put in the time, I put in the time
I never was afraid, never let go
I'ma run up on the radio
Ambush the scene, oh, and you 'bout to know
I'ma run up on the radio
Ambush the scene, oh, and you 'bout to know
Ain't no carbon copy, take a picture of it
Put it on the big screen, I don't give a
(Take a picture of it, take a picture of it)
(Take a picture of it, take a picture of it)
I say what I want to, say what I mean
Living in your mind now, I'm living in your dream
I remember the time, remember the time
Private on the wings from the get go
But I put in the time, I put in the time
I never was afraid, never let go
I remember the time, remember the time
Private on the wings from the get go
But I put in the time, I put in the time
I never was afraid, never let go
I'ma run up on the radio
Ambush the scene, oh, and you 'bout to know
I'ma run up on the radio
Ambush the scene, oh, and you 'bout to know
Better dial up the static
If you want, I'm looking at it
Be my number one fanatic
While I keep making classics
Better dial up the static
I'm a mother wreaking havoc
Big drippy I'm a grab it
Zooming through a sea plastic
I'ma run up on the radio
Ambush the scene, oh, and you 'bout to know
I'ma run up on the radio
Ambush the scene, oh, and you 'bout to know
The lyrics to Santigold’s “Radio” convey a sense of dominance and strength. The singer exudes confidence as she describes herself as having a “body made of platinum” and being “on top” while “buffalo stancin’”. The repetition of “look at me, I stole 'em” reinforces her power and possibly suggests a rebellious attitude towards societal norms or expectations. The chorus asserts her intention to “run up on the radio” and “ambush the scene,” further emphasizing her assertiveness and willingness to confront any challenge.
The verses offer some insight into the singer’s past, indicating that she wasn’t afraid to take risks or put in the necessary effort to achieve her goals. The lines “private on the wings from the get go” and “never was afraid, never let go” imply that she has always been focused and determined, regardless of how challenging or unfamiliar the situation might have been. This determination could be what propels her to boldly confront the radio and “reap the rewards” of her hard work and dedication.
Overall, “Radio” celebrates the power and autonomy of the individual, specifically someone who has worked tirelessly to achieve their dreams and is finally reaping the benefits. The lyrics empower the listener to pursue their goals and assert themselves confidently in any situation, no matter how daunting it may seem.
Line by Line Meaning
Rack 'em up and stack 'em, stack 'em while I got 'em
I'm taking advantage of what's available and making the most of it
Knock 'em back and drag 'em look at me, I stole 'em
I'm bold and confident, taking what I want and owning my success
Body made of platinum, rope full let me at 'em
I'm strong and valuable, ready and willing to take on any challenge
Cause I'm on top, oh, buffalo stancin'
I'm in control and feeling powerful, like a buffalo standing tall
I remember the time, remember the time
I reflect on my past experiences and how they've shaped me
Private on the wings from the get go
I started out as a nobody, but I kept pushing forward and working hard
But I put in the time, I put in the time
I didn't become successful overnight, I had to work hard and be patient
I never was afraid, never let go
I faced my fears head on and stayed determined to succeed
I'ma run up on the radio
I'm going to take the radio by storm and make everyone notice me
Ambush the scene, oh, and you 'bout to know
I'm coming in strong and ready to make a big impact on the music industry
Ain't no carbon copy, take a picture of it
I'm unique and original, and I want everyone to see and appreciate that
Put it on the big screen, I don't give a
I don't care what others think of me, I'm going to keep doing my own thing
I say what I want to, say what I mean
I speak my mind and stand up for what I believe in
Living in your mind now, I'm living in your dream
My music and message are powerful and memorable, and will stay with listeners even after they've stopped listening
Better dial up the static
I'm bringing so much energy and excitement that the radio waves might not be able to handle it
If you want, I'm looking at it
I'm confident and desirable, and whoever wants me can have me
Be my number one fanatic
I want fans who are passionate and loyal, who will support me no matter what
While I keep making classics
I'm going to keep making amazing music that stands the test of time
I'm a mother wreaking havoc
I'm bold and powerful, causing chaos and making a big impact
Big drippy I'm a grab it
I'm not afraid to take risks and try new things, even if they're unconventional
Zooming through a sea plastic
I'm moving quickly and confidently, even through obstacles and challenges
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: AMANDA WARNER, JESSE SHATKIN, SANTI WHITE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
lil dango
This song is gonna be the soundtrack for my future road trip w my internet friend. God I'm so excited.
Lucky Ryoon
when we were 18 aww that sounds amazing have fun
lil dango
thank you <3
Marilyn Akane
itdoesntmatter really with jimin e.e lol:v
Sarah Joseph
Noiceee have fun lol ALSO IS DAT SUGA
lil dango
Marilyn jms AYEEE FAM. with chimchim and namjoonie :v
Roxana Pîrvu
After I watched Paper Towns, my perceptions for life have changed a lot. Like literally.
MEDZ
same for me
zaina ali
my favorite part when he said this my miracle and it was his friends dancing
Roxana Pîrvu
+zaina ali oh my god that's also my favorite part from the movie
idk it gives you some strange feelings