Sting’s song “Englishman in New York” is a celebration of individuality and the importance of being true to oneself. The song was released in 1987 on Sting’s second solo album, Nothing Like the Sun. It was a commercial success, reaching number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 4 on the UK Singles Chart.
The song is thought to have been inspired by Sting’s friend, Quentin Crisp, a gay English actor and writer who lived in New York City for many years. Crisp was known for his flamboyant personality and his refusal to conform to social norms.
The song’s lyrics celebrate Crisp’s individuality and his courage to be himself. The chorus of the song is a powerful statement of self-acceptance:
I’m an Englishman in New York I’m an alien, I’m a legal alien I’m an Englishman in New York I’m an alien, I’m a legal alien
The song also encourages others to be themselves and to not be afraid to stand out from the crowd. Sting sings:
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
“Englishman in New York” is a timeless song that continues to inspire people to be themselves and to live their lives authentically. It is a song that is both joyful and defiant, and it is a celebration of the human spirit.
In addition to its celebration of individuality, the song is also a commentary on the social and political climate of the time. The song was released during the AIDS crisis, and it is thought that Sting was also inspired by the plight of the LGBTQ+ community during this time. The song’s message of self-acceptance and tolerance is still relevant today, and it continues to resonate with people all over the world.