Englishman in New York (Song)

“Englishman in New York” is a single recorded and released in 1987 by English singer and songwriter Sting. The song appears on his second solo album, Nothing Like the Sun, and blends elements of jazz, pop, and new wave. It explores themes of an Englishman’s experiences in New York and the social and cultural differences associated with being an outsider.

The lyrics are inspired by the life of English writer Quentin Crisp after he moved to New York. The song addresses themes of navigating identity between different cultures, the struggle to conform to social norms, and the loneliness that comes with being foreign. The chorus and recurring motifs leave a strong impression on listeners regarding the song’s central message.

“Englishman in New York” combines jazz and pop musical elements. The foundation of the track consists of saxophone melodies, bass lines, drums, and Sting’s vocals. Natural and fluid rhythms paired with jazz harmonies lend the song a sophisticated atmosphere. The calm tempo and melodic arrangement direct the listener’s attention to the story conveyed in the lyrics.

Upon its release, “Englishman in New York” achieved success on charts in the United Kingdom and internationally, and is regarded as one of the most significant works in Sting’s solo career. The song has been frequently performed live and included in various compilation albums.

Critics have praised the depth of the lyrics, Sting’s vocal performance, and the seamless integration of jazz elements. Listeners have regarded the song as a successful portrayal of cultural awareness and the experience of alienation.

The song reached high positions on numerous music charts in the year of its release and has since become a classic in Sting’s solo repertoire. Today, it is frequently played in popular culture and is recognized as one of his most well-known works.

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

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

Be yourself no matter what they say (oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien)

Be yourself no matter what they say (I'm an Englishman in New York)

Be yourself no matter what they say (oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien)

Be yourself no matter what they say (I'm an Englishman in New York)

Be yourself no matter what they say (oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien)

Be yourself no matter what they say (I'm an Englishman in New York)

Be yourself no matter what they say (oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien)

Be yourself no matter what they say (I'm an Englishman in New York)

Ben kahve içmem, çay içerim sevgilim

Kızarmış ekmeğimi tek tarafı kızarmış severim

Ve konuştuğumda aksanımdan anlarsın

Ben New York’ta bir İngilizim

Beni Beşinci Cadde’de yürürken gör

Yanımda bir bastonla

Onu her gittiğim yere götürürüm

Ben New York’ta bir İngilizim

Ah, ben bir yabancıyım, yasal bir yabancıyım

Ben New York’ta bir İngilizim

Ah, ben bir yabancıyım, yasal bir yabancıyım

Ben New York’ta bir İngilizim

Eğer “görgü insanı insan yapar” demişse biri

O günün kahramanıdır

Cahilliğe katlanıp gülümsemek bir erkeği adam eder

Ne derlerse desin kendin ol

Ah, ben bir yabancıyım, yasal bir yabancıyım

Ben New York’ta bir İngilizim

Ah, ben bir yabancıyım, yasal bir yabancıyım

Ben New York’ta bir İngilizim

Alçakgönüllülük, edeplilik şöhrete yol açabilir

Sonunda tek başına kalabilirsin

Nezaket, ağırbaşlılık bu toplumda nadir

Gece vakti bir mum güneşten daha parlaktır

Adam olmak için savaş kıyafeti yeterli değildir

Bir silah ruhsatı da yetmez

Düşmanlarınla yüzleş, mümkünse onlardan uzak dur

Bir centilmen yürür, ama asla koşmaz

Eğer “görgü insanı insan yapar” demişse biri

O günün kahramanıdır

Cahilliğe katlanıp gülümsemek bir erkeği adam eder

Ne derlerse desin kendin ol

Ne derlerse desin kendin ol

Ne derlerse desin kendin ol

Ne derlerse desin kendin ol

Ne derlerse desin kendin ol (ah, ben bir yabancıyım, yasal bir yabancıyım)

Ne derlerse desin kendin ol (ben New York’ta bir İngilizim)

Ne derlerse desin kendin ol (ah, ben bir yabancıyım, yasal bir yabancıyım)

Ne derlerse desin kendin ol (ben New York’ta bir İngilizim)

Ne derlerse desin kendin ol (ah, ben bir yabancıyım, yasal bir yabancıyım)

Ne derlerse desin kendin ol (ben New York’ta bir İngilizim)

Ne derlerse desin kendin ol (ah, ben bir yabancıyım, yasal bir yabancıyım)

Ne derlerse desin kendin ol (ben New York’ta bir İngilizim)