I don't take 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


Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings, edited by Dask, wiegmant

An Englishman In New York Lyrics as written by Gordon Sumner

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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An Englishman in New York song meanings
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3 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment

    The Strange Apparatus in this song is New York, as viewed through an Englishman's eyes. I also think that it is more broadly about the human mind, which can bring such a bizarre, scary, side-show of a place into existence. Such a shame no one would comment on such intriguing, dadaist lyrics.

    paul157534on March 09, 2017   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I tried to get the lyrics changed to the Godley and Creme lyrics rather than Sting's song, but nothing has changed.

    I wonder if 'street alligator' meant something specific?

    Daskon November 17, 2021   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Ur mixing the lyrics from Sting with Godley&Creme s. Trying to put G&L s in but you keep changing it. Sting = Gordon summer

    wiegmanton March 27, 2024   Link

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