Les Artistes
Santo Gold Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

What I'm searching for
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
Stop trying to catch my eye
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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Santigold’s “L.E.S. Artistes” could be interpreted in many ways. On the surface, the song is about the struggle of being an artist in New York City, particularly in the Lower East Side (L.E.S) area. She is surrounded by a world of "fake" artists and people who don't understand her. The song symbolizes the expectations and scrutiny an artist is put through to be accepted, while they really want to disappear and focus on their art. She is trying to build a shield around herself, to not let anyone in. She sings, "I am an introvert, an excavator," which means she is exploring new things, but in her own way. She moves around the city walking down avenues that "reek of time to kill," making sure she doesn’t stay in one place for too long. When someone tries to catch her attention, she responds with "stop trying to catch my eye, I see you good you forced faker," showing her disdain towards these "fake" people who constantly try to catch her attention.


On another level, the song can be seen as an anthem for anyone who feels like they don't fit in with society. It expresses the feelings of being a rebel and that it's okay to not conform to what others expect of you. It motivates you to be unapologetically yourself and that it's okay to want to change, but to not lose yourself in the process. The lyrics, "Change, change, change, I want to get up out of my skin," mirror this sentiment, showing that we all have the power to change and become something extraordinary if we are true to ourselves.


Line by Line Meaning

What I'm searching for
I am on a quest to find something meaningful and fulfilling in my life


To tell it straight, I'm trying to build a wall
I am trying to put up barriers and protect myself from the world


Walking by myself
I prefer to be alone and am content in my own company


Down avenues that reek of time to kill
I am wandering aimlessly through places where time seems to stand still


If you see me keep going
Please do not interrupt my journey or attempt to engage with me


Be a pass by waver
Just pass me by without a word or a glance


Build me up, bring me down
I do not want your praise or your criticism, just leave me be


Just leave me out you name dropper
I do not want to be associated with you or your social circles


Stop trying to catch my eye
I am not interested in making eye contact with you or acknowledging your presence


I see you good you forced faker
I can see through your insincere attempts to impress me


Just make it easy
Please do not make things difficult for me or try to complicate matters


You're my enemy you fast talker
Your smooth talking and manipulations make you my adversary


I can say I hope it will be worth what I give up
I am willing to make sacrifices for the things that matter to me


If I could stand up mean for the things that I believe
I am willing to fight for my beliefs and defend them if necessary


What am I here for
I am questioning the purpose of my existence and why I am here


I left my home to disappear is all
I have distanced myself from my past and am trying to disappear from the world


I'm here for myself
I am primarily focused on my own needs and desires


Not to know you
I am not interested in getting to know you or forming new relationships


I don't need no one else
I am self-sufficient and do not require anyone else in my life


Fit in so good the hope is that you cannot see me later
I am blending in with my surroundings and hoping to go unnoticed


You don't know me
You do not have a true understanding of who I am or what I stand for


I am an introvert an excavator
I am quiet and introspective, always exploring and discovering new things about myself


I'm duckin' out for now
I am taking a break and stepping away from the situation


A face in dodgy elevators
I am just another anonymous face in a seedy and uncertain environment


Creep up and suddenly
I unexpectedly find myself in a new and exciting situation


I found myself
I have discovered something important or meaningful about myself


An innovator
I am a creative and original thinker, always seeking new ideas and ways of doing things


Change, change, change,
I am seeking change and transformation in my life


I want to get up out of my skin
I am feeling constrained or restricted and want to break free from my current situation


Tell you what
Let me explain


If I can shake it
If I am able to overcome my limitations


I'm 'a make this
I will turn this situation into something positive and worthwhile


Something worth dreaming of
I will create something that is inspiring and worthy of dreaming about




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN HILL, SANTI WHITE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@chxvx

This song never gets old.

@ayce5346

yes this song does get old

@christinewhite4863

chxvx ncifi tv ljdivuruys7r5964 5

36r6ffutDSSeEERXZ2378

@sasssylasssie

Never ever everrrr!!!

@madelinguzman6364

@@ayce5346 well aperenty not cuz your here????

@kipishism

preach!

5 More Replies...

@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

More Comments

More Versions