Englishman in new york lyrics meaning

A classic! "An Englishman in New York" is a song by Sting, released in 1988. The lyrics are a tribute to Quentin Crisp, a British author and activist who lived in New York City for many years. Here's a breakdown of the song's meaning:

The song's title refers to Crisp's experiences as a gay man living in New York City in the 1980s, a time when the city was going through a significant transformation. The lyrics are written from Crisp's perspective, reflecting on his life in the city and his observations of the people around him.

The song's opening lines, "I'm an Englishman in New York / Searching for the places only they would know," set the tone for the rest of the song. Crisp is an outsider in the city, but he's drawn to its energy and diversity. He's searching for a sense of belonging and connection with others who share his experiences.

Throughout the song, Sting weaves together themes of identity, community, and acceptance. Crisp's experiences as a gay man in a predominantly straight city are reflected in lines like "I'm just a stranger in the city / Just a stranger in the crowd" and "I'm an alien, I'm a stranger in this land."

The song also touches on the AIDS epidemic, which was ravaging the city's gay community at the time. Crisp's observations of the city's response to the crisis are reflected in lines like "The city's cold, the city's dark / The city's cruel, the city's cold" and "The city's got a way of making you feel like you're the only one."

Despite the challenges he faces, Crisp finds solace in the city's diversity and the connections he makes with others. The song's chorus, "I'm an Englishman in New York / Searching for the places only they would know," becomes a declaration of belonging and acceptance.

Overall, "An Englishman in New York" is a powerful tribute to Quentin Crisp and the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community in the 1980s. The song's themes of identity, community, and acceptance continue to resonate with listeners today.