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."
Wha' You Feel Like
Santigold Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Girl, girl, girl, girl like)
(So you think you know what a girl like)
(So you, so you, so you, so you)
So you think you know what a girl like
Tell me gonna give it to me all night
Bend me all in to it and we alright
Bashy bashy, me feel bashy bashy
Get me bashy, bashy, bashy
Told me you don't own me I know that's right
Confessing your love in neon light
A million wantin' to live out mi wild life
You actin' big, you know we stride for stride
You're the king at the club I know you like it
Girls want to rub up and you like it
Driver in front how you like it
Got all three on your arm and you like it
Now you stuntin' wha' you feel like
Say you love me true tell me wha' you feel like
Not not me don't know wha' you feel like
See, a wandering eye make a man a lonely heart
Now boy who you playin' wit?
You nah get away wit it
Now boy who you playin' wit?
You nah get away wit it
(So you think you know what a girl like)
(Girl, girl, girl, girl like)
(So you think you know what a girl like)
(So you, so you, so you, so you)
Body like a bombshell I ignite
Take one look at me and your heart spike
Telephone ring me up I get 'em tongue tied
Boys they fightin' over me to be my knight
Bashy bashy, me feel bashy bashy
Get me Bashy, bashy, bashy
Now you trying to pull me to the side like
Whatever we was, we had love right
You say no one get you rev up like that still
A rolling stone tell me who's mad now
You're the king at the club I know you like it
Girls want to rub up and you like it
Driver in front how you like it
Got all three on your arm and you like it
Now you stuntin' wha' you feel like
Say you love me true tell me wha' you feel like
Not not me don't know wha' you feel like
See, a wandering eye make a man a lonely heart
Now boy who you playin' wit?
You nah get away wit it
Now boy who you playin' wit?
You nah get away wit it
Now boy who you playin' wit?
You nah get away wit it
Now boy who you playin' wit?
You nah get away wit it
(So you think you know what a girl like)
(Girl, girl, girl, girl like)
(So you think you know what a girl like)
(So you, so you, so you, so you) Santigold
The lyrics to "Wha' You Feel Like" by Santigold explore themes of female empowerment, self-assurance, and not allowing oneself to be controlled or defined by others' expectations. The song challenges the notion that anyone can truly understand what a girl wants or desires, emphasizing that every individual is unique and cannot be easily categorized.
The opening lines, "So you think you know what a girl like / Tell me gonna give it to me all night" suggest a defiance against assumptions and stereotypes. The singer questions whether someone truly understands what a girl wants, daring the listener to prove themselves. The lyrics also touch upon sexual desire, with the line "Bend me all in to it and we alright / Cock it up on ya take you for a rough ride." Here, the singer asserts her own agency and asserts her sexual preferences.
The chorus reinforces the idea of not wanting to be controlled or defined by others' expectations. It emphasizes that the singer is not easily swayed by empty promises or flashy displays of affection. The repeated line "Now boy who you playin' wit? / You nah get away wit it" suggests a strong sense of self-awareness and a refusal to be taken advantage of.
The verses continue to challenge the listener's assumptions and highlight the singer's independence. Lines like "A million wantin' to live out mi wild life" suggest a rebellious spirit and a refusal to conform to societal norms. The lyrics also address the allure of the singer, with references to her attractive body and the attention she receives from multiple suitors. However, she remains unimpressed and unaffected by their advances, maintaining her own identity and priorities.
Overall, "Wha' You Feel Like" encourages self-confidence, resilience, and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of others' expectations. It celebrates individuality and challenges societal norms that try to define and restrict women.
Line by Line Meaning
So you think you know what a girl like
You believe that you understand what type of girl I am
Tell me gonna give it to me all night
Promise me that you will satisfy me throughout the entire night
Bend me all in to it and we alright
Physically and emotionally engage with me, and everything will be fine
Cock it up on ya take you for a rough ride
Assert yourself and take control, giving you an intense experience
Told me you don't own me I know that's right
You claimed that you don't possess me, and I agree
Confessing your love in neon light
Expressing your love boldly and publicly
A million wantin' to live out mi wild life
Many people desire to experience my adventurous lifestyle
You actin' big, you know we stride for stride
You're portraying yourself as important, but we are equal in our pursuits
You're the king at the club I know you like it
You enjoy being the center of attention and being perceived as dominant at the club
Girls want to rub up and you like it
Other girls are attracted to you and you enjoy their attention
Driver in front how you like it
Having a chauffeur in front of you satisfies your desires
Got all three on your arm and you like it
You proudly display three girls on your arm, and it brings you joy
Now you stuntin' wha' you feel like
Currently, you are flaunting your accomplishments and showcasing your true self
Say you love me true tell me wha' you feel like
If you truly love me, express how you truly feel about our relationship
Not not me don't know wha' you feel like
I don't understand or comprehend your true feelings towards me
See, a wandering eye make a man a lonely heart
A man's tendency to look at other women can lead to a sense of loneliness
Now boy who you playin' wit?
Who are you trying to deceive, boy?
You nah get away wit it
You won't succeed in fooling others
Body like a bombshell I ignite
My attractive physique arouses excitement and attention
Take one look at me and your heart spike
A single glance at me accelerates your heartbeat
Telephone ring me up I get 'em tongue tied
When people call me, I leave them speechless and unable to express themselves
Boys they fightin' over me to be my knight
Various boys are competing to be my protector and savior
Now you trying to pull me to the side like
Now you're attempting to have a private conversation with me
Whatever we was, we had love right
No matter what our previous relationship was, we had love together, didn't we?
You say no one get you rev up like that still
You claim that no one excites you like I do
A rolling stone tell me who's mad now
Someone who is constantly moving from person to person, tell me who is upset now
Now boy who you playin' wit?
Who are you trying to deceive, boy?
You nah get away wit it
You won't succeed in fooling others
Now boy who you playin' wit?
Who are you trying to deceive, boy?
You nah get away wit it
You won't succeed in fooling others
Now boy who you playin' wit?
Who are you trying to deceive, boy?
You nah get away wit it
You won't succeed in fooling others
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Andrew Hershey, Santi White
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind