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."
Say Aha
Santigold Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Louder than they
Louder than they
Allow, allow
Louder than they
Louder than they
Louder than they
Allow, allow
Say aha, aha
At night it's eating up your head
Backed against the wall
Got you in a tight place
Though you're not alone at all
Been fighting, trying to place a name on what it's called
Make you feel like a losing streak 'cause you know
But you're not involved
Louder than they
Louder than they
Louder than they
Allow, allow
Louder than they
Louder than they
Louder than they
Allow, allow
Say aha, aha
Say aha, aha
It's alright, 'cause everything they say
Doesn't make no sense
It's that time
I'm picking up my ass
Up from off the fence
Gonna blow a hole in this charade
It's self defense
I'm a army got a whole brigade in my two sense
Louder than they
Louder than they
Louder than they
Allow, allow
Louder than they
Louder than they
Louder than they
Allow, allow
Say aha, aha
Say aha, aha
Oh
Send in your torpedoes for all they know
Make a show, shake them up before you blow
'Cause they don't want no cure
No, you'd better find a way
Their aims not pure
Louder than they
Louder than they
Louder than they
Allow, allow
Louder than they
Louder than they
Louder than they
Allow, allow
Say aha, aha
Say aha, aha
Say, say
There are different ways to interpret the lyrics of Santigold's song Say Aha, but one possible reading is that this is an anthem for those who feel frustrated with the status quo and want to challenge it. The repeated refrain "Louder than they/Allow, allow" suggests a desire to be heard despite opposition, to speak out and assert oneself. The second verse seems to describe a situation of feeling trapped or persecuted, but also aware of the forces that are trying to constrain or manipulate. The line "Been fighting, trying to place a name on what it's called" hints at the struggle to identify and confront systemic problems or invisible biases that are hindering progress. The attitude of defiance and self-determination is reinforced by the lines "It's alright, 'cause everything they say/Doesn't make no sense" and "Gonna blow a hole in this charade/It's self defense." The song ends with a call to action, urging listeners to "Send in your torpedoes for all they know/Make a show, shake them up before you blow/'Cause they don't want no cure/No, you'd better find a way/Their aim's not pure."
Overall, Say Aha could be seen as a rebel yell that empowers individuals to speak their minds and question authority. Santigold's blend of pop, rock, and reggae influences creates a catchy and energetic sound that matches the spirited lyrics. The use of repetition and contrast in the chorus ("Louder than they/Louder than they/Louder than they/Allow, allow") creates a memorable hook that invites participation. The bridge section ("Oh/Say, say") adds a sense of urgency and spontaneity to the song, as if a group of protesters were chanting and improvising. Say Aha could be a fitting anthem for various social justice movements or personal struggles that require courage and persistence.
Line by Line Meaning
Louder than they
My voice is stronger than the opinions of those who try to silence me.
Allow, allow
I won't let anyone limit my potential.
At night it's eating up your head
The stress of life is weighing on your mind, causing you to feel trapped.
Backed against the wall
You feel like you have no options.
Got you in a tight place
You feel like you're in a corner with no way out.
Though you're not alone at all
Even though you feel isolated, people are there for you.
Been fighting, trying to place a name on what it's called
You're struggling to understand and articulate what's bothering you.
Make you feel like a losing streak 'cause you know
The negativity is bringing you down and making you feel defeated, but you're aware of the deception.
It's alright, 'cause everything they say
Their words shouldn't affect you because their logic is flawed.
Doesn't make no sense
Their arguments are illogical and full of flaws.
It's that time
It's time to speak up and take action.
I'm picking up my ass
I'm taking control of the situation.
Up from off the fence
I'm no longer standing by passively; I'm getting involved.
Gonna blow a hole in this charade
I'm going to expose the lies and the deception for what they truly are.
It's self defense
I'm protecting myself against those who want to bring me down.
I'm a army got a whole brigade in my two sense
I have a lot of support, and my opinion is just as valid as anyone else's.
Send in your torpedoes for all they know
They can keep trying to bring me down, but they won't succeed.
Make a show, shake them up before you blow
I'm going to make a statement and turn some heads before I take action.
'Cause they don't want no cure
They don't want to eliminate the problem because they benefit from it.
No, you'd better find a way
You need to figure out a way to get around their tactics.
Their aims not pure
They have underlying motivations that aren't aligned with the greater good.
Say, say
Speak up and be heard.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Hill, Santi White
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@davidfung438
Louder than they
Louder than they
Louder than they
Allow, allow
Louder than they
Louder than they
Louder than they
Allow, allow
Say aha, aha
Say aha, aha
At night it's eating up your head
Backed against the wall
Got you in a tight place
Though you're not alone at all
Been fighting, trying to place a name on what it's called
Make you feel like a losing streak 'cause you know
But you're not involved
Louder than they
Louder than they
Louder than they
Allow, allow
Louder than they
Louder than they
Louder than they
Allow, allow
Say aha, aha
Say aha, aha
It's alright, 'cause everything they say
Doesn't make no sense
It's that time
I'm picking up my ass
Up from off the fence
Gonna blow a hole in this charade
It's self defense
I'm a army got a whole brigade in my two sense
Louder than they
Louder than they
Louder than they
Allow, allow
Louder than they
Louder than they
Louder than they
Allow, allow
Say aha, aha
Say aha, aha
Oh
Send in your torpedoes for all they know
Make a show, shake them up before you blow
'Cause they don't want no cure
No, you'd better find a way
Their aims not pure
Louder than they
Louder than they
Louder than they
Allow, allow
Louder than they
Louder than they
Louder than they
Allow, allow
Say aha, aha
Say aha, aha
Say, say
@ItsMape
This song took me 10 years to find...
@user-ve2es2pk3r
But you found it.
Congratulations 👍
@calaiitaylor9009
Waterloo road?
@samuelheuermann3252
took me at least ten minutes...still felt too long...glad you found it :)
@mata81789
Jesus Christ, you poor child.
@JonathanXLindqviust
But you found it. Be thankful, not all wishes become thus.
@Russki46
One of those Dirt 2 songs that where awesome while online kicking it!
@shahani6037
I reviewed this album for my college news paper back when it was first released around 07? I feel old as fuck.
@castawayonthemoon
Me too. But this album still never age. It’s just so good.
@twisted_nether373
@@castawayonthemoon Music doesn't age, people do.