So You Wanna Know What "Englishman in New York" is All About? Buckle Up, Darlings!
Ah, "Englishman in New York." A song title that conjures images of bowler hats battling yellow cabs, crumpets dipped in bodega coffee, and perhaps a spot of afternoon tea served in a subway station (though that last one might be pushing it). But what's the real story behind the song? Well, pull up a deckchair (or a milk crate, if you're feeling truly New York) and let Aunty Gemini spill the tea.
The Englishman in Question: A Dose of Outrageous Fabulousness
The "Englishman" isn't just any bloke. No, siree. This is Quentin Crisp, a flamboyant writer and gay icon who dared to be different in a time when, well, being different wasn't exactly the flavor of the month. Think Oscar Wilde with a penchant for wearing makeup and a healthy disregard for social norms.
From London Fog to the Big Apple:
Crisp, tired of the dreary weather and even drearier attitudes of London, decided to shake things up in his eighties (yes, eighties!) and move to the vibrant chaos of New York City. Specifically, the Bowery, a neighborhood not exactly known for its pristine sidewalks and afternoon soirees. But hey, a little grit never hurt anyone, especially someone with Crisp's outrageous sense of style.
A Celebration of Being Yourself (No Matter How Odd You Are)
The song, written by the ever-charming Sting, is an ode to Crisp's unapologetic individuality. It's a big middle finger to conformity, a flamboyant strut down Fifth Avenue in a bathrobe (which Crisp might have actually done, who knows?). "He walks in the park in the dead of night / No looking back, he knows he's doing alright". See? This guy didn't care what anyone thought.
So, is it a sad song about an old man alone in a big city? Absolutely not! It's a celebration of living life on your own terms, of finding your own quirky corner of the world, even if that corner happens to be next to a bodega selling questionable hot dogs.
FAQ: Your Guide to Being an Englishman (or Woman) in New York (or Anywhere, Really)
How to live your best "Englishman in New York" life, you ask? Here's a crash course:
- Embrace Your Weird: Got a penchant for polka-dot socks and a tuba collection? Flaunt it!
- Don't Be Afraid to Stand Out: The world needs your unique brand of crazy.
- Find Your Tribe: New York might be a jungle, but there's a pride of weirdos out there waiting to welcome you.
- Fake it Till You Make It: Confidence is key, even if you're secretly terrified of pigeons (they're like feathered sky rats, truly).
- Never Lose Your Sense of Humor: Because laughter is the best medicine, especially when you're navigating the subway at rush hour.
So there you have it, folks! "Englishman in New York" isn't just a catchy tune, it's a life philosophy. Now go forth, embrace your inner Crisp, and conquer the concrete jungle (or your local park, no pressure).
