About the song
A Deep Dive into Sting’s “Englishman in New York”
Released in 1987 on Sting’s second solo album Nothing Like the Sun, “Englishman in New York” is one of the artist’s most iconic and enduring tracks. Blending jazz, pop, and new wave influences, the song is a reflective, witty, and deeply human meditation on identity, alienation, and individuality, told through the lens of a British expatriate navigating life in the cultural maze of New York City.
While on the surface it seems like a quirky tale of an English gentleman abroad, beneath its stylish saxophone and refined lyrics lies a much deeper message—one that celebrates the courage to be different, to stand firm in one’s identity, and to live authentically in a world that often values conformity.
Background and Inspiration
Sting wrote “Englishman in New York” as a tribute to Quentin Crisp, a British writer, actor, and openly gay iconoclast who moved to New York City in the 1980s. Crisp was known for his flamboyant personality, sharp wit, and refusal to hide his true self—even in an era when such openness was far less socially accepted than it is today.
Sting met Crisp during a trip to New York and was immediately fascinated by his unique character. Inspired by his elegance, eccentricity, and resilience, Sting composed the song as both a portrait and an homage. The lyrics reflect Crisp’s persona: refined, unapologetically different, and intellectually independent.
Musical Style and Composition
“Englishman in New York” is musically sophisticated, blending light jazz rhythms, reggae-inspired basslines, and pop melodies with touches of classical and new wave. The song’s standout feature is the soprano saxophone solo, performed by the legendary jazz musician Branford Marsalis, which gives the track its stylish and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
The instrumentation is sleek but rich: syncopated drums, fretless bass (by Sting himself), gentle piano chords, and subtle synthesizers create an elegant backdrop. The song’s mid-tempo groove mirrors the urban energy of New York while maintaining the reserved demeanor of its English subject.
Sting’s vocal delivery is calm, expressive, and articulate—conveying both the dry humor and quiet pride embedded in the lyrics. His phrasing lends the song a conversational tone, which makes the listener feel as though they’re walking alongside the Englishman, observing the world through his eyes.
Lyrical Analysis and Themes
Lyrically, “Englishman in New York” explores themes of cultural dislocation, individualism, and social courage. The opening lines immediately establish the protagonist’s uniqueness:
“I don’t drink coffee, I take tea, my dear
I like my toast done on one side.”
These small, seemingly trivial differences highlight the subtle cultural gaps between British and American habits. But the song quickly moves into more profound territory:
“It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile
Be yourself, no matter what they say.”
This refrain is the emotional heart of the song—a universal message of self-acceptance and inner strength. It’s a celebration of those who choose authenticity over assimilation, and who face misunderstanding or prejudice with quiet dignity.
The chorus line, “I’m an alien, I’m a legal alien, I’m an Englishman in New York,” cleverly uses the word “alien” in both its legal and metaphorical senses. The Englishman is a foreigner in a literal sense, but also alienated by his difference in manners, tastes, and values.
Cultural Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, “Englishman in New York” received moderate chart success, particularly in the UK and parts of Europe, though it became more widely appreciated in later years. A 1990 remix version reached greater commercial heights, especially in clubs and on dance charts.
Today, the song is recognized not just as one of Sting’s signature solo tracks, but as a cultural statement. It is widely interpreted as a tribute to LGBTQ+ courage and identity, even though it never states this overtly. Sting himself has acknowledged this connection, noting that the song is as much about living truthfully as it is about nationality.
“Englishman in New York” has also found enduring life in films, commercials, TV shows, and cover versions. Artists across genres—from jazz to EDM—have reinterpreted the track, demonstrating its cross-genre and cross-generational appeal.
Conclusion
“Englishman in New York” is more than a quirky narrative about a man out of place—it’s a nuanced, beautifully arranged musical tribute to individuality, dignity, and resilience. Through subtle lyrics, elegant instrumentation, and a timeless saxophone solo, Sting captures the essence of what it means to be different in a world that often demands sameness. Whether you interpret it as a commentary on immigration, LGBTQ+ identity, or simply the challenge of staying true to oneself, the song remains a poignant and powerful anthem for outsiders everywhere.