On a Slow Boat to China
Carol Welsman/Reneé Olstead Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'd like to get you
On a slow boat to China,
All to myself alone.
To get you and keep you in my arms evermore,

Leave all your lovers
Weeping on the faraway shore.
Out on the briny
With the moon big and shinny,

Melting your heart of stone.
Darling, I'd love to get you




On a slow boat to China,
All to myself alone.

Overall Meaning

The song "On a Slow Boat to China" is a romantic longing of the singer who wishes to have their love interest all to themselves. The singer wants to take their love interest on a slow boat to China where there would be no distractions and interruptions, just the two of them in each other's arms. The first line of the song "I'd like to get you on a slow boat to China" expresses the singer's desire to be with the love interest in a different and far-off place, and for them to be alone, far from the pressures of the outside world. The singer implores the love interest to leave behind all their lovers, weeping on the faraway shore, so they can be together in the boat, with only the moon shining bright above.


As the song continues, the lyrics describe a slow and romantic voyage on the sea, with the moon shining on the water, and the singer hoping to melt their love interest's heart of stone. The singer emphasizes their desire to keep their love interest in their arms forever, which shows the depth of their affection. The final line, "All to myself alone," brings the focus back to the singer's desire to have their love interest all to themselves, like a secret treasure kept only for them. Overall, the song communicates a pure desire and love for someone, and the longing for an intimate and private space where they can share their feelings without any interference.


Line by Line Meaning

I'd like to get you
I am very interested in you


On a slow boat to China,
I would like to take a leisurely trip with you


All to myself alone.
I want to have you all to myself


To get you and keep you in my arms evermore,
I want to have you with me forever


Leave all your lovers
You should forget about all your other romantic interests


Weeping on the faraway shore.
They will be sad and alone without you


Out on the briny
On the ocean, out in the open


With the moon big and shinny,
The moon will be bright and beautiful


Melting your heart of stone.
I will make you feel love and warmth


Darling, I'd love to get you
My love for you is strong


On a slow boat to China,
I want to take you on a romantic trip


All to myself alone.
I want to be alone with you




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found