Live In New York
The .S.I.G.I.T. Lyrics
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I like my toast done on one side
And you can hear it in my accent when I talk
I'm an Englishman in New York
See me walking down Fifth Avenue
A walking cane here at my side
I take it everywhere I walk
Oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien
I'm an Englishman in New York
Oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien
I'm an Englishman in New York
If "manners maketh man" as someone said
He's the hero of the day
It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile
Be yourself no matter what they say
Oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien
I'm an Englishman in New York
Oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien
I'm an Englishman in New York
Modesty, propriety can lead to notoriety
You could end up as the only one
Gentleness, sobriety are rare in this society
At night a candle's brighter than the sun
Takes more than combat gear to make a man
Takes more than a license for a gun
Confront your enemies, avoid them when you can
A gentleman will walk but never run
If "manners maketh man" as someone said
He's the hero of the day
It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile
Be yourself no matter what they say
Be yourself no matter what they say
Be yourself no matter what they say
The lyrics of The .S.I.G.I.T.'s song "Live In New York" tell the story of an Englishman in New York and his experiences navigating a foreign culture while staying true to himself. The singer starts by expressing his preferences, indicating that he chooses tea over coffee and likes his toast done on one side. He also mentions that his accent gives away his English origins, establishing him as an outsider in New York.
As the song progresses, the Englishman is portrayed walking down Fifth Avenue with a walking cane by his side, suggesting sophistication and refinement. He remarks on being an alien and a legal alien, emphasizing his foreignness in the city. The lyrics imply that he is different from the crowd and feels somewhat detached from the New York culture.
The chorus repeats the notion of being an "Englishman in New York," highlighting the singer's identity and his adjustment to a new environment. The song then takes a philosophical turn, touching on the idea that true strength lies in being oneself regardless of others' opinions. The notion of "manners maketh man" is introduced, emphasizing the importance of character and how it can be the hero of the day. The lyrics suggest that it takes a strong person to endure ignorance and prejudice with a smile.
The final verses of the song advocate for modesty, propriety, and gentleness, emphasizing how these qualities are rare in modern society. The lyrics conclude by stating that it takes more than material possessions or aggressive actions to truly be a man. The song encourages confronting enemies when necessary but also emphasizes the value of walking instead of running, signifying a more measured and thoughtful approach.
Overall, "Live In New York" presents the story of an Englishman striving to maintain his identity and values while assimilating into a different culture. The lyrics advocate for individuality, inner strength, and facing adversities with grace and resilience.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't take coffee, I take tea, my dear
I prefer tea over coffee, my dear
I like my toast done on one side
I enjoy having my toast cooked on just one side
And you can hear it in my accent when I talk
My accent clearly indicates that I am English
I'm an Englishman in New York
Being English, I find myself in New York
See me walking down Fifth Avenue
Observe me strolling along Fifth Avenue
A walking cane here at my side
I always carry a walking cane with me
I take it everywhere I walk
I bring it along wherever I go
Oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien
Metaphorically, I feel out of place, like an outsider
If 'manners maketh man' as someone said
According to a saying, one's manners define their character
He's the hero of the day
This person becomes a heroic figure
It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile
Only a confident and resilient person can tolerate ignorance with a smile
Be yourself no matter what they say
Remain true to your identity despite others' opinions
Modesty, propriety can lead to notoriety
Being humble and proper can attract attention and fame
You could end up as the only one
You might find yourself as a unique individual
Gentleness, sobriety are rare in this society
In our society, it is uncommon to find people who are kind and sober
At night a candle's brighter than the sun
In the darkness, even a small light like a candle can seem bright
Takes more than combat gear to make a man
Being a man requires more than just military equipment
Takes more than a license for a gun
Owning a gun legally doesn't define manhood
Confront your enemies, avoid them when you can
Face your adversaries, but if possible, steer clear of conflicts
A gentleman will walk but never run
A polite man will choose to walk calmly instead of rushing
Be yourself no matter what they say
Stay true to who you are, regardless of others' opinions
Be yourself no matter what they say
Continue being yourself, regardless of others' judgments
Be yourself no matter what they say
Don't let others' words influence your true self
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Gordon Sumner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind