Englishman In New York
Sting & The Police Lyrics

I don't drink coffee, I take tea, my dear
I prefer tea over coffee

I like my toast done on one side
I prefer my toast to be cooked on only one side

And you can hear it in my accent when I talk
My accent reveals that I am from England

I'm an Englishman in New York
I am a person from England living in New York City

See me walking down Fifth Avenue
Observe me strolling along Fifth Avenue

A walking cane here at my side
I carry a cane with me at all times

I take it everywhere I walk
I bring my cane with me wherever I go

Oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien
Although I am not from the United States, I am legally permitted to be here

If "manners maketh man" as someone said
As someone once remarked, good manners are essential to being a true gentleman

He's the hero of the day
Someone who possesses good manners is regarded as heroic

It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile
One must be strong to endure ignorance and still remain cheerful

Be yourself no matter what they say
Always be true to who you are despite what others may think or say

Modesty, propriety can lead to notoriety
Being too modest or proper can actually result in negative attention

You could end up as the only one
You may be the only person seen as modest or proper in an immodest society

Gentleness, sobriety are rare in this society
Being gentle and sober are not common traits within this society

At night a candle's brighter than the sun
During the night, even a small light such as a candle may appear brighter than the sun

Takes more than combat gear to make a man
Being a true man requires more than having combat gear

Takes more than a license for a gun
Owning a gun is not enough to make someone a man

Confront your enemies, avoid them when you can
Stand up to your enemies, but try to avoid conflict when possible

A gentleman will walk but never run
A true gentleman will always remain calm and composed