The Band formed in 1994 by Rektivianto Yoewono, Aditya Bagja Mulyana, Farri Icksan Wibisana and Donar Armando Ekana. From 1994 - 2002 is a period of formation. In this period, they met each other, played and hung up together, fought each other, rehearsed a lot, and wrote their song.
In 2004, The S.I.G.I.T. signed to Spills Records and released their self titled debut mini album (EP) and performed many bar gigs and venue. Their first single, Soul Sister soon became a local radio hits in Bandung and Jakarta, made reputated on MTV Trax Magazine as “The Hottest Rock N Roll Band”.
By contributing on movie soundtrack for Catatan Akhir Sekolah (CAS), their fanbase grow rapidly. Did I Ask Your Opinion, which appeared as OST on former movie, finally became their first single to be broadcasted on MTV-I. After leaving Spills Records, they begun to spread their stage performance to bigger venue and region.
Live in New York
The S.I.G.I.T Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
I'm an Englishman in New York
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 S.I.G.I.T's song "Live in New York" is a cover of Sting's "Englishman in New York". The song is a reflection of Sting's experience of living in New York City as an English native. The song starts with the character preferring tea over coffee and wanting his toast done on one side, implying his Britishness. He tells the listeners that one can hear his accent in his speech, indicating that he stands out in New York, where having a different accent is not uncommon. The song continues with the character describing himself as an "alien" in the city where everything is different, and he is a "legal alien" with a certain level of uniqueness.
The chorus repeats the phrase, "I'm an Englishman in New York," emphasizing the contrast between the character and the city where he lives. The song then proceeds to a verse where the character reflects on the value of manners, and how it's essential to be yourself regardless of what society dictates. An individual's values and qualities matter more than the kind of garments they wear. At night, a candle's light shines brighter than the sun, encouraging people to pay attention to their inner light. The song's final verse talks about the character's belief that it takes more than a gun to be a gentleman, and if manners make the man, then being true to oneself is all that matters.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't take coffee, I take tea, my dear
I prefer tea over coffee, dear friend
I like my toast done on one side
I enjoy my toast toasted on one side
And you can hear it in my accent when I talk
My accent reveals my origin
I'm an Englishman in New York
I am a British individual currently residing in New York
See me walking down Fifth Avenue
Observe me strolling through Fifth Avenue
A walking cane here at my side
I carry a walking stick by my side
I take it everywhere I walk
I bring it with me wherever I go
Oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien
Oh, I am a foreigner in this country with lawful permission to remain
If 'manners maketh man' as someone said
If manners are the foundation of a respectable man, as someone said
He's the hero of the day
He will be regarded as a heroic figure
It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile
It requires a strong-willed individual to endure ignorance with a smile
Be yourself no matter what they say
Remain true to oneself, despite what others may say
Modesty, propriety can lead to notoriety
Being modest or conforming to societal norms may result in unfavorable attention
You could end up as the only one
You may become the sole individual affected
Gentleness, sobriety are rare in this society
Kindness and moderation are infrequently found in this world
At night a candle's brighter than the sun
In the darkness, a small source of light is more noticeable than the sun
Takes more than combat gear to make a man
Being a man requires more than just military attire
Takes more than a license for a gun
One cannot simply become a man by possessing a gun license
Confront your enemies, avoid them when you can
Engage with your adversaries but evade when feasible
A gentleman will walk but never run
A respectful man walks composedly and never flees
Be yourself no matter what they say
Remain true to yourself despite others' opinions
Be yourself no matter what they say
Remain true to yourself despite others' opinions
Be yourself no matter what they say
Remain true to yourself despite others' opinions
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Gordon Sumner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind