Englishman In New York

"Englishman in New York" is a tribute to individuality, non-conformity, and the experience of being an outsider. The song was famously written by Sting about his friend, the eccentric and flamboyant English writer and gay icon, Quentin Crisp. Crisp moved from London to a small apartment in Manhattan's Bowery neighborhood in his early seventies, a time when most people are settling down. The lyrics capture Crisp's experience of maintaining his distinct identity and dignity in a foreign culture. The central theme is a call to "Be yourself no matter what they say," a line that encapsulates Crisp's life philosophy of unapologetic self-expression, even in the face of hostility and misunderstanding. The term "alien" is used both literally, referring to Crisp's legal status as a foreigner in the US, and metaphorically, to describe the feeling of being culturally and socially different. The song explores how personal mannerisms and customs, like drinking tea instead of coffee, can become symbols of a larger cultural identity that sets one apart. It celebrates civility, gentleness, and inner strength over aggression, suggesting that it "takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile." While inspired by Crisp, Sting has also stated that the song reflects his own feelings of being an exile while living in New York.

The narrative follows an Englishman navigating life in New York City. From the very beginning, his identity is marked by his distinct cultural habits, such as preferring tea over coffee and having his toast done on one side. These seemingly minor details, along with his noticeable accent, immediately set him apart. He is a conspicuous figure, walking down Fifth Avenue with a cane, an accessory he carries everywhere as a symbol of his enduring Englishness. This sense of being an outsider is captured in the powerful, recurring declaration: "I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien, I'm an Englishman in New York." This phrase isn't a complaint but a statement of fact, a recognition of his foreign status in a bustling, multicultural metropolis.

The song then shifts from personal habits to deeper principles of character and conduct. It champions virtues like gentleness and sobriety, suggesting they are rare and therefore more noticeable, much like a candle shines brighter in the dark. The lyrics offer advice on how to navigate a world that may not understand or appreciate these qualities. It suggests that true manhood isn't defined by aggression ("combat gear" or a "license for a gun") but by inner strength and grace. There's a piece of stoic wisdom offered: "Confront your enemies, avoid them when you can. A gentleman will walk but never run." This line advocates for dignity and composure over cowardly flight or needless confrontation.

The core message of the song crystallizes around the historical proverb, "Manners maketh man." The lyrics posit that the one who upholds his principles and civility, even when faced with ignorance and prejudice, is the true "hero of the day." The ability to "suffer ignorance and smile" is presented as a profound form of strength. This culminates in the song's most direct and resonant piece of advice, a mantra repeated for emphasis: "Be yourself no matter what they say." It is a powerful call for authenticity and self-acceptance, urging the listener to hold fast to their identity, regardless of external pressures or judgment. The Englishman, initially defined by his cultural differences, ultimately becomes a universal symbol of individualism and quiet defiance.

"Englishman in New York" was written by Sting and released in October 1987 on his second solo studio album, ...Nothing Like the Sun. The primary inspiration for the song was Quentin Crisp, a celebrated English writer and gay icon whom Sting befriended. Sting wrote the song after Crisp moved from London to New York City. Crisp once jokingly told Sting that he looked forward to receiving his naturalization papers so he could "commit a crime and not be deported." This anecdote and Crisp's courageous, individualistic lifestyle formed the core of the song's narrative. Sting also drew on his own feelings of homesickness and alienation while living and recording in New York. The song was recorded in 1987 and produced by Sting and Neil Dorfsman. A key musical feature is the distinctive soprano saxophone played by the renowned jazz musician Branford Marsalis. The rest of the core instrumentation was provided by Manu Katché on drums and Mino Cinélu on percussion. The song's initial release as a single in February 1988 was not a major commercial success in the UK or the US, only reaching number 51 and 84 on the charts, respectively. However, a 1990 remix by Dutch DJ Ben Liebrand brought the song greater success, charting at number 15 in the UK. The iconic black-and-white music video was directed by David Fincher and featured both Sting and Quentin Crisp on the streets of New York.

"Englishman in New York" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that elevate its message of individuality and alienation.

• The 'Alien': The central metaphor is the declaration "I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien." This works on two levels. Literally, it refers to the official immigration status of a non-citizen. Metaphorically, it powerfully conveys the feeling of being an outsider, someone who doesn't fit into the surrounding culture, a 'creature from another world' in a social sense.
• Tea vs. Coffee: The line "I don't drink coffee, I take tea, my dear" is a simple yet effective symbol of cultural identity. It represents adherence to one's own customs and traditions in a foreign land, a small act of defiance against cultural assimilation.
• The Walking Cane: The walking cane the protagonist carries is more than a simple accessory. It symbolizes his steadfast Englishness and gentility, a prop that reinforces his distinct identity as he navigates the streets of New York.
• A Candle in the Sun: The line "At night a candle's brighter than the sun" is a metaphor for how virtues like gentleness and sobriety stand out in a society where they are rare. Just as a candle's small flame becomes highly visible in darkness, a person of refined character becomes noticeable in a coarse environment.
• Manners Maketh Man: By quoting this classic proverb, the song posits that true character is defined by conduct and integrity, not by nationality, appearance, or fitting in. The "hero of the day" is the one who maintains their principles with grace, even when faced with prejudice.

The emotional atmosphere of "Englishman in New York" is a complex blend of dignity, defiance, and a touch of melancholy. The overall tone is not one of complaint or sadness, but of a proud and graceful acceptance of being different. There's a sense of sophisticated resilience and calm self-assurance, particularly in the face of misunderstanding ("suffer ignorance and smile"). The smooth, jazz-inflected arrangement and Sting's cool, measured vocal delivery create a mood that is observant and contemplative rather than overtly emotional. However, underlying this composure is a feeling of alienation and loneliness, captured by the word "alien" and the image of walking alone. The song shifts from this state of thoughtful isolation in the verses to a more hopeful and empowering declaration in the refrain, "Be yourself no matter what they say," introducing a feeling of triumph and quiet strength. It's a journey from observing one's otherness to embracing it as a virtue.

Despite a modest initial chart performance upon its 1988 release, "Englishman in New York" has become one of Sting's most iconic and enduring songs. Its popularity grew significantly after a 1990 remix by Ben Liebrand, which became a Top 15 hit in the UK. The song's message of individuality and its tribute to gay icon Quentin Crisp have cemented its place as an anthem for self-acceptance. The black-and-white music video, directed by the then-emerging David Fincher, is highly regarded and features Crisp himself, adding to its cultural significance. The song has been widely covered and reinterpreted by various artists. Shinehead reworked it into "Jamaican in New York" (1993), and the Venezuelan band King Chango recorded "Venezuelan in New York" (1998). In 2021, Sting collaborated with African artist Shirazee for a new version titled "Englishman/African in New York." The song's influence extends to film, most notably lending its title to the 2009 biographical film "An Englishman in New York," which chronicled Quentin Crisp's life in the city, starring John Hurt. Its sophisticated blend of jazz and pop and its timeless message ensure its continued relevance in popular culture.

The song's structure is built on a relaxed, yet deliberate rhythm and a consistent rhyme scheme that enhances its narrative quality. The primary rhythm has a unique, loping feel, combining elements of a reggae shuffle with a sophisticated pop beat, set at a moderate tempo of around 102 BPM. This creates a feeling of walking through the city, which aligns perfectly with the lyrical imagery. The verses generally follow an AABB rhyme scheme (e.g., dear/side, talk/walk; Avenue/side, walk/New York), which gives them a simple, direct, and conversational flow. The chorus, with its repeated declaration of being an "alien" and an "Englishman in New York," serves as a powerful, unrhymed refrain that anchors the song's identity. The bridge section introduces a harmonic and rhythmic shift, building tension before returning to the main theme. The interplay between Sting's syncopated vocal delivery and the steady, underlying groove is a key feature, allowing the lyrical message to ride smoothly over the complex instrumental texture.

"Englishman in New York" employs a sophisticated blend of musical and literary techniques.

• Musical Fusion: Sting described the song's composition as a journey through different musical styles one might hear on a New York street. It starts with a "reggae kind of lilt," moves into a classical-feeling bridge with pizzicato strings, and features a prominent jazz section, creating a unique urban soundscape. The result is a fusion of pop, jazz, and reggae.
• Iconic Instrumentation: The most notable musical element is Branford Marsalis's lyrical and improvisational soprano saxophone, which acts as a second voice, weaving in and out of the vocal melody in a call-and-response fashion. The rhythm section, with Manu Katché's precise drumming and Mino Cinélu's percussion, provides a distinctive, shuffling groove.
• Narrative Voice: The song is written from a strong first-person perspective, establishing a clear and relatable character. The lyrics are descriptive and anecdotal ("I like my toast done on one side"), which grounds the philosophical themes in concrete, personal details.
• Ironic Stereotyping: The lyrics use common tropes of the "English gentleman" with a degree of irony. Sting, who did not come from a posh background, uses these stereotypes to highlight the act of "othering" and how people are perceived through a cultural lens.
• Aphoristic Lines: The song is filled with memorable, maxim-like phrases that convey its core philosophy, such as "A gentleman will walk but never run" and "Be yourself no matter what they say." These lines have a timeless, advisory quality that makes the song's message both powerful and easy to remember.

Who is the song 'Englishman in New York' about?

The song is a tribute to Quentin Crisp, a famously flamboyant and witty English writer, actor, and gay icon. Sting was a friend of Crisp's and wrote the song shortly after Crisp moved to New York City in his seventies.

What is the core message of 'Englishman in New York'?

The central message is a powerful call for individuality and self-acceptance. It is encapsulated in the lyric, "Be yourself no matter what they say," urging people to remain true to their identity despite feeling like an outsider or facing prejudice.

Who played the famous saxophone solo in 'Englishman in New York'?

The iconic soprano saxophone part that features throughout the song was played by the acclaimed American jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis.

When was 'Englishman in New York' released?

The song was released in October 1987 on Sting's second solo album, '...Nothing Like the Sun'. It was released as a single in February 1988.

What does the lyric 'I'm a legal alien' mean?

This line has a dual meaning. Literally, it refers to the official term for a foreigner who has the legal right to reside in a country. Metaphorically, it describes the feeling of being an outsider, someone who is culturally different from the society around them.

What does 'takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile' mean in the song?

This lyric suggests that true strength and character ('it takes a man') are shown not through aggression, but through having the grace, dignity, and fortitude to face prejudice and misunderstanding ('ignorance') without becoming bitter or confrontational.

Why does Sting sing 'I don't drink coffee, I take tea, my dear'?

This line is a simple but effective way to establish the character's distinct English identity in the American setting of New York. It's a cultural marker that immediately highlights his foreignness and his adherence to his own customs.