1. What main differences between the English and the American cultures are mentioned in the song? What distinguishes an ‘Englishman’?
2. What does ‘a legal alien’ mean in this context?
3. Give definitions of the following words: ignorance, modesty, notoriety, propriety, sobriety.
4. Comment on the following:
If, "Manners maketh man" as someone said
Then he's the hero of the day
It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile
Be yourself no matter what they say
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
Well, the key words for me here are "Be yourself no matter what they say";"At night a candle's brighter than the sun";"A gentleman will walk but never run". Gentleman is always gentlemen, no matter what's happening. He will walk, but never run. no matter what people think about his behavior, he always will stay himself. To sum up: be yourself, and you will be brighter then the sun. Maybe. Someday.
ОтветитьУдалитьA wonderful composition! I like it song very much. And the same one I have on my blog. Well, what can I say about? I think this song has a deep sense: on the one hand - you needn't to change, you have to be yourself no matter what others say. It's important to have your own opinion.
ОтветитьУдалитьOn another hand - the singer tries to say that real Englishman doesn't make haste as it do American people. They always run to somewhere and life there is boiling, and never stop.
The both countries have different traditions and habits. Englishmen really enjoy their life. They prefer tea instead of to brew coffee.
I remember this song since my childhood and I really like it!!!
ОтветитьУдалитьIgnorance - the lack of knowledge or education.
Modesty - freedom from vanity or conceit.
Notoriety - the state of being known for some unfavorable act or quality.
Propriety - correct or appropriate behavior.
Sobriety - a manner that is serious and solemn.
In my opinion singer wants to say, that we shouldn't try to be like others. Every person has own point of view, has right to live his life. So I am pretty sure that all we need is to "Be yourself no matter what they say" !!!!!
These lines are such unique motto for live.Englishman is an appropriate example of "iron-hard" character.Sometimes it is really comlicate problem not to be up to someone's opinion and to demonstrate what you really are! But "Be yourself no matter what they say".
ОтветитьУдалитьOnly a person who has strong willpower can overcome all enemies and problems!
Very nice video and I really enjoyed it. The song has a sense in it. I’m convinced that the singer wanted to show and persuade everyone that we always must have our personality, we must always be what we are and we mustn’t be influenced by other people’s thoughts. It is very difficult in our life not to lose ourselves, but we have to. We are all unique, so we have to always remember it. I think this line proves it at all: “Be yourself no matter what they say”.
ОтветитьУдалитьThere were some specific features about an ‘Englishman’. The first I noticed was the first line of the song: “I don't drink coffee I take tea my dear”. Of course it distinguishes an ‘Englishman’, because English prefer tea to coffee. Another one was “cane”. He took a cane with him everywhere and according to the clip, it’s not common for Americans. And of course the accent, it even goes without saying.
And about the phrase ‘a legal alien’. Well, I think that the singer wanted to say, that he felt himself in New York like in a different planet, not like his own. But he still tried to be who he was. And I’m pretty sure that he succeeded, he did his best.
p.s.
The saxophone was perfect! My favorite musical instrument. It reminds me summer…
I`m pretty sure that this wonderful song gives different personal significances for everyone. Everybody may understand it like he needs. But there are some main ideas:
ОтветитьУдалить1.English culture and traditions signally mark from American ones. "I don't drink coffee I take tea my dear"-it isn`t just difference in tastes, Americans are always in hurry, they`re fussy, Englishmen live leisurely.
2."Be yourself no matter what they say"-this is main idea for me!Nobody should afraid of social opinion, because this fear kills a personality.Even if you are "an Englishman in New York" you should respect this country, but not forget that you are Englishman!
To my mind the term "legal alien" means that the singer doesn't feel well in New York. He doesn't understand Americans. They are too reserved, they hide their real emotions and try to be good and sociable. The singer is like an alien. Also you can see the differences between American and English cultures. According to this song Englishmen are more open but I don't think so. I suppose that it depends on person.
ОтветитьУдалитьignorance- the state of being ignorant.
modesty- the quality or condition of being modest, shy.
notoriety- bad reputation.
propriety-conformity to the prevailing standard of behaviour, speech.
A great song of a great singer, I should say. It has a lot of sense in words, which is curiosity for nowadays songs. There is very small detail, which shows us that Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner (Sting) is a real English gentleman. He parades the streets of New York with umbrella - usual thing for every Englishman.
ОтветитьУдалитьMy opinion, about the sense of this song, is that singer, wants to say us that there are few gentlemen in our world. People, exactly men, forgot such words as propriety, sobriety, etc. A dream of every man is money, and better of money can be only money. That's bad, but it's true! Probably "Someone who said about manners" is a man of past generation, when be gentleman was more respectful, than be rich and insensible.
Young generation should listen such songs, to grow well-mannered children.
In conclusion, I want to say, that we should be gentle to people which live around us, and they'll repay an obligation.
Always respected and admired creativity Sting. His songs are popular and relevant in people of any age. This song is one of the best. Melodic sense and a pleasant voice, a characteristic feature of this artist. Incidentally, an Englishman in New York is an autobiographical song.Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner native Briton, who moved with his family in New York ))))))
ОтветитьУдалитьSting is the many-sided singer and his songs possess deep sense.
ОтветитьУдалитьI consider that the singer provokes us to think over "will there remain any time to enjoy for the sake of what we work?"
As we all live in a constant haste, a pursuit of well-being and Sting propose to us to stop and to think over what we live for.
The main idea is reflected in a refrain: "be yourself, no matter what they say". In fact society as the big mechanism grasps us and we live any more by the our rules, we lose our individuality.
To sum up I'd rather say that it's big treasure - individuality and we should keep it carefully.
Good song and good video!!! I am very enjoy it!
ОтветитьУдалитьI think, the main idea of this song, its always be yourself, and no matter what people say about you.
This song is great. I don't know how it doesn`t like anyone who has ears.
ОтветитьУдалитьSting is the legendary singer and he sings a great song. I think that a lot of people love him
I love this song very much. As for me I think that the main idea of this song is being yourself no matter what others say. Because if we'll be like the others we'll blend into the crowd. We must fight for OUR opinions, for OUR feelings and emotions because just thanks it people can peg you and your personality.The choices YOU make and a person YOU decide to be.We must fight for OUR individuality no matter what.
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