ESLSongs

Practice the present simple in your ESL class with this song, An Englishman in New York by Sting, a song about customs and manners. there are over a dozen different examples of the present simple in these song lyrics.

There is a suggestion on how to use this song in your ESL classes below, but for more ideas, click here.

Lyrics

I don’t drink 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

(You) 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

I’m an alien, I’m a legal alien
I’m an Englishman in New York
I’m an alien, I’m a legal alien
I’m an Englishman in New York

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

I’m an alien, I’m a legal alien
I’m an Englishman in New York
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

It takes more than combat gear to make a man
It 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
Then he’s the hero of the day
It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile
Be yourself no matter what they say [3x]

I’m an alien, I’m a legal alien
I’m an Englishman in New York
I’m an alien, I’m a legal alien
I’m an Englishman in New York

Suggested activity: correct the mistakes

Download this exercise (PDF)

Listen to the song, and correct the mistakes. There are two mistakes in each part. Can you understand the correct word?

I don’t drink coffee I take pepsi my dear
I like my toast done on one side
And you can hear it in my pronunciation when I talk
I’m an Englishman in New York

(You) see me walking down Fifth Street
A walking cane here at my side
I carry it everywhere I walk
I’m an Englishman in New York

Chorus
I’m an alien, I’m a space alien
I’m an Englishman in New York
I’m an alien, I’m a space alien
I’m an Englishman in New York

If “Manners maketh man” as someone said
Then he’s the villain of the day
It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile
Be yourself no matter what they think

Modesty, propriety can lead to notoriety
You could end up as the only one
Gentleness, sobriety are strange in this society
At weekends a candle’s brighter than the sun

It takes more than combat gear to make a man
It takes more than a license for a weapon
Convict your enemies, avoid them when you can
A gentleman will walk but never run

If “Manners maketh man” as someone said
Then he’s the villain of the day
It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile
Be yourself no matter what they think [x3]

What English stereotypes can you identify in the song?
Do you know of any others? What about Scottish, American or Irish stereotypes?

Sting (musician)

Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, known as Sting, is an English musician, activist and actor. He was the frontman, principal songwriter and bassist for new wave band the Police from 1977 until their breakup in 1986. He launched a solo career in 1985 and has included elements of rock, jazz, reggae, classical, new-age, and worldbeat in his music.