Blur's self-titled fifth album (1997) saw another stylistic shift, influenced by the lo-fi styles of American indie rock groups, and became their third UK chart-topping album. Its single "Song 2" brought the band mainstream success in the US for the first time. Their next album, 13 (1999) saw the band experimenting with electronic and gospel music, and featured more personal lyrics from Albarn. Their seventh album, Think Tank (2003), continued their experimentation with electronic sounds and was also shaped by Albarn's growing interest in hip hop and world music, featuring more minimal guitar work. Coxon left the band during early recording sessions for Think Tank, and Blur disbanded for several years after the end of the album's associated tour, with the members engaged in other projects.
In 2009, Blur reunited with Coxon back in the band and embarked on a European reunion tour. In the following years, they released several singles and compilations and toured internationally. In 2012, they received a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. Their eighth album, The Magic Whip (2015), was the sixth consecutive Blur studio album to top the British chart. The group have largely been on hiatus since the Magic Whip tour, but have announced plans to reunite in 2023 for various live dates.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blur_(band)
Studio albums
Leisure (1991)
Modern Life Is Rubbish (1993)
Parklife (1994)
The Great Escape (1995)
Blur (1997)
13 (1999)
Think Tank (2003)
The Magic Whip (2015)
The Ballad of Darren (2023)
Chinese Bombs
Blur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Then kicks off from behind
The lights they go off
But he can fight blind
Cause he got the touch
But he won't live long
Cause he comes from Hong Kong
Where people are strong
Chinese bombs, millions jump,
Chairman's junk USA
Won't somebody, won't somebody
Sink this place
Got a cab to go to Soho
The dragon says go
Let everyone know
You got the touch
You come from Hong Kong
Where people are strong
And you won't live long
Chinese bombs, millions jump
Chairman's junk, USA
Won't somebody, won't somebody
Bruce Lee comes to save the day
Bruce Lee comes to save Chinese way
The song "Chinese Bombs" by Blur was released in 1995 as part of their album "The Great Escape". From the first listen, one can sense the anti-American theme of the song, with references to Chinese martial arts, Hong Kong, and the Communist Party's founding chairman. The first verse talks about a martial artist who is able to fight and defend himself even in the dark. However, despite his skill and touch, he is not expected to live long, being from Hong Kong where people are strong. The second verse talks about a cab ride in Soho where the dragon (possibly picking on the Chinese stereotype) tells the singer to let everyone know he's from Hong Kong and has the touch to fight. The chorus speaks of Chinese bombs and Chairman's junk, possibly referring to the nuclear arsenal at China's command and the Communist Party's excesses.
Blur uses the song as a commentary on the ongoing Cold War arms race between the US and China, and the terrifying possibility of nuclear war. The song also implies the strength of Chinese martial arts and the spirit of the Chinese people, which could be seen as a warning to countries who may consider attacking China. The line "Bruce Lee comes to save the day" could also talk about Hong Kong's status as a British colony at the time, and Bruce Lee's triumphs on the international stage as a symbol of Chinese strength and pride.
Line by Line Meaning
He makes an inner arm block
He is a skilled martial artist who can block an attack using his inner arm.
Then kicks off from behind
After he blocks the attack, he counterattacks using a kick from behind.
The lights they go off
The fight is intense and the lights go off due to the impact of their attacks.
But he can fight blind
He is so skilled that he can continue fighting even when the lights are off and he can't see.
Cause he got the touch
He is a naturally talented fighter with the 'touch' of a master.
But he won't live long
Despite his skills, he knows that due to the dangerous environment he comes from, he won't live a long life.
Cause he comes from Hong Kong
His hometown is Hong Kong, a place known for its dangerous, violent atmosphere.
Where people are strong
Despite the dangers, the people in Hong Kong are strong and resilient.
Chinese bombs, millions jump, Chairman's junk USA
This line is a commentary on the tense relationship between China and the USA, implying the threat of war.
Won't somebody, won't somebody Sink this place
The singer is calling for someone to intervene and stop the potential war and violence.
Got a cab to go to Soho, The dragon says go
The singer is traveling to Soho in London, and the 'dragon' (perhaps a reference to a Chinese symbol) urges him to go on and face his fate.
Let everyone know You got the touch
The singer is urging the artist to show off his skills and impress everyone with his fighting abilities.
Bruce Lee comes to save the day
This line is a reference to the famous martial artist Bruce Lee, who symbolizes the idea of a hero coming to save the day in the face of danger.
Bruce Lee comes to save Chinese way
The singer believes that Bruce Lee embodies the true spirit of Chinese culture and martial arts and will come to defend it if needed.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Alexander James Steven, Alexander Rowntree David, Damon Albarn, Graham Leslie Coxon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
mmtz
I'm actually proud for buying this album as my first vinyl <3
Daniele Carta
@Fiddygd 1111111
Fiddygd
I'll do the same when I get a decent record player!
Osk Wie
For some reason, I think about this song when I’m in a hurry or something like that
zoo so
It couldn't be because this song is very fast paced. Can it?
Mamimi Samejima
One of my favorite Blur songs.
poob
ok
matt
Same
E. T.
Stuart Pot yes very much so
Jay Mondo
you should hear the speed they play this live. Love the way every chord matches damon"s syllables in the verses.