American Rapper FIRST time REACTION to REN & The Big Push - English Man In New York live 

The song was written by Sting after meeting Quentin Crisp in New York. Crisp had an autobiography, "The naked civil servant" which was turned into a film starring John Hurt. Crisp is a study in himself, an unashamedly feminine man, a male prostitute back in the 1930s, who was out and queer his whole life, in a society where what he was, was illegal. He was one of those people who pushed the envelope of what was acceptable, suffering indignity, violence and abuse for it, until eventually society came to its senses and accepted people for who they are, by and large.

He is saying , "I'm A Legal" Sting wrote the song about the famous eccentric and gay icon Quentin Crisp, who is the "Englishman" of the title. The song was composed not long after Crisp had moved from London to an apartment in the Bowery in Manhattan. Sting had met him and Crisp remarked jokingly to the musician that he "looked forward to receiving his naturalisation papers so that I can commit a crime and not be deported." When Sting asked him what kind of crime, he answered, "Something glamorous, non-violent, with a dash of style. Crime is so rarely glamorous these days."

Yeah! Sting wrote all the songs, he's considered one of the great lyricists of the time. Also... BP you are right, my man, the lyrics are "I'm a legal alien", and it's written about a man called Quentin Crisp (the elderly gentleman in Sting's video) and his life. He was so homesick, he used to go to English pubs and cafes in NY, just to meet his fellow countrymen, or hear them speak... Thanks for the reaction. You should really go for some more TBP originals, please? Dignity, All my heroes, Precious, Watch out? Or anything really... All are great. Just like Ren's music now...

You should react to the Swan Song next. You won't be disappointed

I keep hearing " I'm a legal alien " 😂😂😂😂 Yes, because that is what they say ! 😂😂😂 ❤✌

It is “legal alien” btw, just looked up the lyrics :)

Nice reaction as always, guys! And you're actually right, it is, "I'm a legal alien". As a few comments have already said, the song is about the English gay eccentric Quentin Crisp, who moved to New York in later life, but remained hyper-English and flamboyant till the day he passed.

Please please please do their song Swan Song. I don't know if it's a cover (it sounds like it could be an old English song) or if they wrote it but the harmonies are out of this world.

It's all about Quentin Crisp, the old man in the video. Quentin was a persecuted gay man from the UK. A movie was made about his life played by John Hurt in the film The naked civil servant.. Quentin decided to move to New York to live a life he thought would be free-er but I think he became quite lonely and sought out English accents in bars and restaurants in the big Apple. Quentin famously never dusted his apartment and apparently had thick dust on all his surfaces.

Ren's voice! Just beautiful! :) Sting wrote this after meeting and befriending Quentin Crisp. Quentin had been openly and flamboyantly gay all his life, defiantly so. This included the 1920s up to when Sting met him in the early 80s. So you can imagine the bigotry and abuse he'd suffered in life but he always refused to be anything other than himself. He became a celebrated raconteur and wit in Britain in the 60s, 70s and 80s, there was even a film made about his life, before moving to New York in the early 80s. He was very much the English gentleman, even if flamboyantly so. :)

He’s really playing the part with that hat on 😊

the background to the song - which yes, was written by Sting, has been told here in the comments. One more thing is that Quentin Crisp was gay which would possibly make him even more distant from other people at the time = an alien

This wasn't about Sting it was about Quentin Crisp, a famously flamboyant gay eccentric whos book 'the naked civil servant' was adapted for TV and made into a film. I believe there was a follow up to his life story after he moved to America following the success of the film which was entitled 'an Englishman in New York '

Lyrics Englishman in New York 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 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 Be yourself no matter what they say (oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien) Be yourself no matter what they say (I'm an Englishman in New York) Be yourself no matter what they say (oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien) Be yourself no matter what they say (I'm an Englishman in New York) Be yourself no matter what they say (oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien) Be yourself no matter what they say (I'm an Englishman in New York) Be yourself no matter what they say (oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien) Be yourself no matter what they say (I'm an Englishman in New York) Be yourself no matter what they say Songwriter: Gordon Sumner (= Sting), 1987

I love this more Ryan the original. I totally agree that music can resonate differently the older you get! Please react to The Big Push, these boots are made for walking/ Satisfaction/ Everybody ..... filmed in a launderette.

I can’t wait for Ren to go back to his guitar-songs. I think, he mentioned he is already working on the next album…after Sick Boi. The Police & Sting-solo were my favorites back in the day! I hear a lot Sting influences in Ren. Love it!!

My favorite part of this is the guitar and bass solo. The way they fall into and out of playing the same part and then their own thing, and back again. They are SO locked in.

You guys need to check out their original music! All my heroes, Mannequin, Xbox Marijuana....They have more of a punk vibe!

I've been waiting for you guys to do this and a couple other of the big push videos where they harmonize so good together. I hope they get a chance to get back together again. They're so damn good!

Of course, the irony is that there was only ONE Englishman in that performance as Ren is Welsh and Romain is French. It's a great cover of an iconic song. The point you make about listening to music with the benefit of a few years' experience behind you is very valid. As a teenager I never appreciated David Bowie's music. I wasn't ready for it. I love it NOW! Amazing though, how wide an age range Ren and The Big Push appeal to.

Love this better than original Both great but this my fav

All the Big Push songs are brilliant. They are the best band ever . Sweet little lady is a great song too .

I cannot tell you how looong I have looked forward to this reaction, love this version. They have the golden touch

Sting has written his songs since the Police and spanning 4 decades at an elite level. One of the biggest criticisms he faced when at the height of his success was that he never stayed in his groove. He constantly grew through being influenced by other musical styles and genres.

Thanks! That was great! TBP would definitely be great on tour! This comparison was nice! Love their take on the original! I love when you and Don get caught up in a convo! ✌🏻🫶🏻

I Love this song so much.. These guys just kill it. I agree with you guys.. I am sad I never got a chance to see The Big Push Live

I just wanted to say I appreciate you sharing your musical growth with us all. I love your discussions & really being curious about musical history. 💜🎶

Cheers for your reaction to Rens tribute to Stings ode to the wonder that was Quentin. Its a beauty and its a great trip watching you with fresh ears. I loved the tune back in day. I like your endearing and authentic take. I don't drink coffee, I take tea, my dear. I'm sure Quentin must have said that, he was very witty and cheeky, just like Ren. I used to sing that line as youngster , then made up my own next line, " with cake n biscuit on the side". I imagine Ren is something of a wandering spirit and an outsider, in some respects and can relate to message in the song about being yourself. And wow, isn't his talking guitar play , just swell.

I would strongly recommend the Big Push: 'Swan Song' - it really does show their versatility - and you're the people to appreciate it!

A Sting original, yes. I'm a huge Sting fan - first concert I ever took my kids to was The Police (supported by The Fixx, who were excellent, and Flock of Seagulls, who frankly sucked). BP, dip into The Police songs Synchronicity II and Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic. I'd also point you to Sting's solo efforts, in particular All This Time, a song he wrote as a tribute to his deceased father. And especially If I Ever Lose My Faith In You, musically gorgeous and simply a beautiful love song, one of the best. Play it for your wife. Not kidding. This is wonderful cover that combines the delightful essence of the original with the magic that was The Big Push. Sting wrote this not about himself but a homesick Brit he knew who lived in NYC. It IS "a legal alien", not "illegal". Love you guys. 💜💜💜

Thanks for this!! Glad u enjoyed it 😁👍 Still loads waiting for you!!! I suggest Heretic next x

Great to see you guys growing up in front of us. Every reaction is a lesson for those of us not previously familiar with Hip Hop & Rap, and every comment is a lesson for you guys on your journey of discovery, All of this catalysed by the Ren phenomenon!

Looking forward to this one got my notification on let’s go,Thanks BP and Don x

my son is 7 and it’s been a blast showing him all the music I listen to growing up, on top of the great music of today. he has fallen for REN like nobody else! every day, “Dad, please play music…and add lots of Ren.” hahaha so, I tried to explain albums to him recently but with everything is so digital, it went WAY over his head. so, day one, I ordered him (and I) the top limit edition, physical edition disc so I can get him to appreciate the media WE all know and love and grew up on. that said, love when you guys dive in head first into these reactions and gives me the nostalgia vibes to no end. love love love them…

So now you need to do The Big Push - Swan Song. It is one of my favourites and again... whole different style.

Sting wrote the song about the famous eccentric and gay icon Quentin Crisp, who is the "Englishman" of the title. The song was composed not long after Crisp had moved from London to an apartment in the Bowery in Manhattan.

You heard right it is legal alien. As someone else wrote below it was inspired by a meeting Sting had with Quentin crisp ( prob worth a google) He left the UK as it was fairly homophobic in that time and although he loved the freedom of America he missed the UK and used to hang out in English bars coffee shops just to hear English accents.

"I'm a LEGAL alien" is the line. It's a juxtaposition, comparing and contrasting his personal experience living in a new place. He's from England and finding himself in New York, where everything is as foreign to him as he is to the environment, but he's legally there. Ren himself got to go New York on a family trip when he was young and again later in life when he was promised a cure that didn't exist. He wrote a song about it called New York City that not a single reaction channel has reacted to in all this time and one of the most bittersweet songs Ren has written, if you realize he wrote it at a time when he was so hopeful for a cure and thought all his wishes could be answered if he could just save up enough money to get to NYC. Unfortunately we all know that didn't happen and he continued to struggle.

Saw The Big Push live in London couple of days before pandemic broke, they were amazing. Best night ever!

I've been to a Sting concert once and he played a different version of each song, dude even played a different instrument for every song! It blew my mind. Glad you reacted to this

love, Love, LOVE The Big Push cover of this great song by Sting. Glad that you have got around to reacting to this!

Great reaction Sting was the last concert I went to I believe he was in his 60's. He was amazing and still had great voice. Ren is my new favorite new artist I see a lot of similarities to Sting!

A legal alien is what a foreigner in another country who is allowed to be there,(legally), used to be called. Maybe that term still exists but I've not heard it for a long time. Lovely reaction.👍

Love TBP great version thanks..

❤❤❤❤

Just excellent. One of my favorites by them.

It is A Legal Alien, which is a term describing residents from different countries. If I lived in America with a visa, I would be a legal alien.

I really need to go & make our evening meal but i’m sat outside in the warm weather waiting patiently for this video, even though i’ve seen it many times 😂🎶

One of my favourite from TBP. Glad you are exploring new sounds.

Quinton Crisp was a gay man who always dressed in a flamboyant fussy way , he dressed beautifully with brightly coloured cravats and wore his hat on a junty tilt and coupled it all with what would now be called a discreet smattering of make up. He did all of this at a time when being gay nomatter how buch you looked would get you beaten up , so you can imagine the wretched violent discrimination he sufferd daily . He faced that discrimination with bravery an understanding of what drove people to such violence and most of all superb style and flair . When he was an old man he wrote a truthful raw honest account of his life , and how he had no choice but to be himself .At that time in history young people like myself and and Sting were inspired by his book and the subsequent documentry ,because we also were looking to break a few of the very restrictive social norms ( like the vilification of unwed mothers ,and rape victims and many others) For better or for worse we wanted to make a differant world . Quinton Crisp inspired us to smash the norms of the time and take power from being our true selves . I think Sting sumed it up beautifully in his lyrics. Great reactions you made me remember some things I promised never to forget .

I am so here for this!

Yep, Sting owned a fairly cool apartment in Soho (NYC) on West Broadway between Prince and Houston. I think that was his most recent place. Not sure where he was before that.

He's saying 'I'm a legal alien'. He means that in the eyes of US law, he is legally an alien. Sting wrote the song from the perspective of the old guy who's in the video. His name was Quentin Crisp. He was a Raconteur, artist, model, author and an iconic fabulously posh and quintessentially English gay guy who lived in New York at the time.

Sing wrote Englishman in New York about prominent gay icon Quentin Crisp when Crisp moved to New York. Sting wrote majority of Police tracks as well as his solo tracks. Last year he sold his song writing catalogue to Universal for 250 million.❤😂

Super apreciative of your connecting reaction and music

This one was Great , Sting Cover , thy K*llied it as usual!!! I think thy performed maybe even better then Sting, Ren & the Big Push I think should deff come back, thy were all great together , a comeback not just for a tour which would be great to, but for good!!! Can't wait to see ur guys reaction, to one of ur besties out of many independent artists 💯 💯 ☺

Outstanding performance. Fantastic reaction!!! Really enjoyed this! What musical range included here. It's brilliant ❤😊Love the dog too.

I love this cover! Ren looks like he hasn't aged lol. his body looks eefin fit now though now he's feeling abit better!🎉😂❤❤❤ love you two fellas aswell, you always cheer me up. xxx

They are amazing❤❤❤

I've known this song since it came out,but I never knew what it's about. I assumed it was about Sting trying to settle in to NY. Thanks to all the comments and your reaction I love this song even more. "I don't take women, I take men, my dear" would have been too on the nose, but now that I know the context I'll always think of the line that way.

Great reaction. Picked up on the meaning nicely. 💕👍🦇

Watched some of your personal stuff, very zen and cool!

I like Band of horses, too. Never been to an concert of them, but I saw Mumford & Sons live and that concert was soooo amazing. Maybe you 2 want to react to them one time?

I remember watching sting doing a colab with someone doing a Jamaican in New York, worth a watch, Sting lived in NYC for a while I believe, great reaction as always 🙏❤️🦉👍🐊

Quentin Crisp is a fascinating man. I really enjoyed John Hurt’s portrayal of him in the movie of the same name.

Love this one from the big push so much! 💜💜

the lyrics are "Oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien"

Nice tone on that guitar! Speaking of buskers in subway stations, you should check out Too Many Zooz

Absolute tune! And big up to bang of horses. Funeral is another tune

The old guy in the sting video is Quintin Crisp, if you watch the movie The Naked Civil Servant you would understand what Sting was writing about

Good shit BP 👍

One of my faves of their covers. Back in the day I was into the police - my first single of theirs was a blue vinyl and I remember being surprised when I found out he was white. 😊

He Renified this classic tune ❤

This is the same rooftop that Murderer was filmed on. Ren and Romain used to live in the apartment that’s in Murderer as well.

The song is about a man called Quentin Crisp he was an eccentric he got ridiculed in London so he moved to New York that's what the songs about🤘🏻😊🤘🏻

im so happy

The man you see is the beautiful person the Englishman Quentin Crisp. He is was a gay man who when homosexuality was illegal in Britain , was persecuted and also beaten for being himself . he was a flamboyant but gentle character. Checkout his autobiography ' 'The Naked Civil Servant' it was made into a film 1975. he became a gay icon. He was so gentle but so brave to carry on being himself.

Quentin Crisp is in the Sting video, he's the man in the hat. Crisp left the UK after suffering homophobic attacks & he refused to tone down his eccentric appearance. Look him up, he was a Stately Homo of Britain and his life was incredibly interesting.😘

Another enjoyable reaction. FYI, Tennessee Whiskey came out in 1981 (not '87), on Davied Allen Coe's album by the same name.

You said about singing in church well....listen to Swan Song.

For a fun reaction, I would like to see you guys respond to Ren & Sam - Blind Eyed Ft. Angry Car Park Attendant. It's a riot.

Don, you got it man, respect

Soo sweeet !

I just watched your reaction to Englishman in New York and your comment about watching The Big Push. Check out there site there's a whole concert from 2022 on there. You'll see how they are on stage, a bit mad in places.

❤ love this one too! You should check out “ living the same way” Ren with the Big Push. Your little Girl going to love this😊❤

Check out Ren Ren Heretic and Jessica

Omg BP, I've always heard I'm a legal alien 👽 😂

Classic The Big Push!

Fyi......it was written about Quentin Crisp.........go check if ya wanna

Funny Don mentioned Band of Horses. Ian MacDougall taught my son to play guitar here in Austin. Ian has since left the band.

I don't know if you would want to try and react to it, but I recommend checking out The Big Push - Live from home (LiveNation broadcast). It was a lot of fun watching them just chilling and making music.

Also “It’s Alright” (Big Push)!

He just doesn't miss...batting 1000

The Big Push are so talented. It's criminal they haven't been touring and headlining festivals. Even individually they're all incredibly talented. Please react to Gorran Kendall's 'Two Pence Shy' and Romain Axisa's 'Turn The Lights Down'!

Thanks

I like this more than the original. Dog is a bonus.

Sting indeed wrote this, after a conversation with a friend & English gay Icon, Quentin Crisp, who’d just moved to NYC ♥️💪

To answer BP questions i found this: "Sting wrote “Englishman in New York” about writer, actor, and gay icon Quentin Crisp, who had moved from London to the East Village in 1981."

Its about English eccentric personality Quentin Crisp who went to live in New York for a while.

Sting wrote this song about Quentin Crisp. Great reaction boys.