Hong Kong
Gorillaz (instrumental cover) Lyrics
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Don't put an English voice
Crashing out into the noise
Electric fences and guns
You swallow me
I'm a pill on your tongue
Here on the nighting floor
And laid in a stars light
It begins to explode
And all the people in a dream
Wait for the machine
Pick the shit up leave it clean
Kid hang over here
What you're learning in school
Is the rise of an eastern sun
On a big blue for everyone
The radio station disappeared
Music turned into thin air
The DJ was the last to leave
She had well conditioned hair
Was beautiful but nothing really was there
The lyrics of Hong Kong by Gorillaz are metaphorical and reflect the experience of the band during their trip to Hong Kong. The first line "Lord, hear me now don't put an English voice, crashing out into the noise" showcases the desire of the band to respect the cultural identity of Hong Kong and resist the imposition of western imperialism upon it. The "electric fences and guns" may refer to the strict authoritarian laws of the Chinese government, which do not permit freedom of speech and thought.
The singer feels himself being swallowed by Hong Kong society, and describes himself as a "pill on your tongue". The lyric "The neon lights make me numb" speaks of the emotional detachment that globalisation often brings, as people become more isolated and trapped in their own worlds. The lines "Laid in a stars light, it begins to explode" may suggest that the city is reaching its tipping point, ready to explode and transform.
In the second verse, the singer urges a "Kid" to "hang over here" and learn about the rise of the "Eastern sun", implying that China is on the ascendant, and that the western world is in decline. The lyric "On a big blue for everyone" seems to suggest that there is enough for everyone if we are willing to share and work together in harmony. The reference to a disappearing radio station that turns to "thin air" and a DJ with "well-conditioned hair" may be interpreted as an indirect criticism of the media industry, which often promotes empty content and superficial beauty at the expense of true journalism and real-world issues.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord, hear me now
I am calling out to a higher power for guidance and support
Don't put an English voice
I don't want my voice to sound English as it may not represent my true self or heritage
Crashing out into the noise
My voice is getting lost in the midst of all the chaos and commotion around me
Electric fences and guns
There are physical barriers and weapons around me, making me feel trapped and unsafe
You swallow me
I feel like I am being consumed or controlled by someone or something else
I'm a pill on your tongue
I am being taken as a medication or substance, with no control over my own fate
Here on the nighting floor
I am in a low place, both physically and emotionally
The neon lights make me numb
The bright and overwhelming lights are causing me to become desensitized to the world around me
And laid in a stars light
I am surrounded by the beauty of the night sky, feeling both small and insignificant yet serene
It begins to explode
Everything around me is starting to break down or explode, signifying a significant change or event
And all the people in a dream
Everyone around me seems to be living in a dreamlike state or unaware of their surroundings
Wait for the machine
People are waiting for something that is out of their control, something that will change their lives in a profound way
Pick the shit up leave it clean
I need to take care of my responsibilities and clean up after myself, even if it seems like a difficult or undesirable task
Kid hang over here
Come over here, young person
What you're learning in school
The lessons and experiences you are gaining from your education
Is the rise of an eastern sun
You are being taught about the growth and emergence of Asia and its cultures
On a big blue for everyone
This growth and emergence is happening on a global scale and affects everyone
The radio station disappeared
The source of information and entertainment is gone, leaving people feeling lost or disconnected
Music turned into thin air
The power and emotion of music is no longer present or tangible
The DJ was the last to leave
Even people who are responsible for providing entertainment and information are feeling the effects of this change
She had well conditioned hair
Even in the midst of chaos, people are still trying to maintain a certain level of appearance or normalcy
Was beautiful but nothing really was there
Appearances can be deceiving, and sometimes the things that seem attractive or perfect are actually empty or meaningless
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAMON ALBARN, JAMIE HEWLETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind