China
Grace Slick/Paul Kantner Lyrics
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Stare at anything that's shiny bright
Her voice cuts through the sea even when its stormy
But she's only two feet high - she'll get higher
I hope she sees some things that will make her time happy
It all comes in so fast it all comes in
Even when its screaming loud and clear
But she wakes up and smiles at a friendly voice
If it whispers softly in her ear
I see in her new face, a clear beginning
It all comes in so fast it all comes in
She knows who she is without looking
She says it out happy when the feeling is there
She's an all new person who says just what she feels
She's a fat faced goddess of nowhere
I hope she sees some things that will make her time happy
It all comes in so fast it all comes in
The lyrics to Grace Slick and Paul Kantner's song China are open to interpretation, but it can be suggested that the song may be about an innocent child or an innocent person. The song begins with the lines "She'll suck on anything you give her / Stare at anything that's shiny bright", which suggests the person is very easily amused and intrigued by the world around them. Additionally, the line "Her voice cuts through the sea even when its stormy" suggests that the person has a strong voice and presence, despite their seemingly innocent nature.
The chorus of the song states "I hope she sees some things that will make her time happy / It all comes in so fast it all comes in", which could suggest that the song is about the fleeting nature of happiness and how experiences in life can shape a person's happiness. The second verse of the song continues to describe the person's innocent nature, with lines such as "She sleeps through almost any sound / Even when its screaming loud and clear". However, the verse ends on a more positive note with "She wakes up and smiles at a friendly voice / If it whispers softly in her ear".
The final verse of the song seems to suggest that the person has a newfound sense of self, with lines such as "She knows who she is without looking / She says it out happy when the feeling is there". The final line of the song, "She's a fat faced goddess of nowhere" is particularly interesting, as it could be interpreted in many different ways. It could be a term of endearment, suggesting that the person is special and unique, or it could be sarcastic, implying that the person is lost or confused.
Overall, the lyrics of China are very open to interpretation, but there is certainly a sense of innocence and wonder throughout the song. The theme of the fleeting nature of happiness and the importance of experiences in shaping a person's life also emerges.
Line by Line Meaning
She'll suck on anything you give her
This line refers to China as a country that will accept any offer given to them, regardless of its impact on their people or country.
Stare at anything that's shiny bright
China is attracted to things that glimmer and shine, such as the luxuries and advancements of the modern world.
Her voice cuts through the sea even when its stormy
China's influence and power can still be felt even during times of unrest and turmoil.
But she's only two feet high - she'll get higher
Despite China's current state, the country has the potential to grow and become even more influential in the world.
I hope she sees some things that will make her time happy
The songwriter expresses a desire for China to experience positive change and growth that will benefit its people.
It all comes in so fast it all comes in
The changes occurring in China are happening rapidly and with great force.
She sleeps through almost any sound
China can be ignorant of issues and criticisms directed towards them.
Even when its screaming loud and clear
Even when problems are blatantly obvious and brought to their attention, China may choose to ignore them.
But she wakes up and smiles at a friendly voice
China is more receptive to those who approach them with positive intentions and diplomacy.
If it whispers softly in her ear
China is more likely to listen to those who approach them diplomatically rather than those who approach them with force or aggression.
I see in her new face, a clear beginning
The songwriter sees potential in China's growth and development.
She knows who she is without looking
Despite external influences and pressures, China has a distinct identity and purpose.
She says it out happy when the feeling is there
China is proud of their achievements and is willing to share their happiness with others when they feel a sense of accomplishment.
She's an all new person who says just what she feels
China is evolving and becoming more open about their opinions and feelings.
She's a fat faced goddess of nowhere
This final line is open to interpretation, but could refer to China's increasing power and influence in the world, despite criticisms or objections from others.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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