China Girl
Iggy pop and the Stoogees Lyrics
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With my China Girl
I'm just a wreck without
My little China Girl
I'd hear her heart beating
Loud as thunder
Saw the stars crashing
My China Girl
Wake up mornings, there's
No China Girl
I'd hear hearts beating
Loud as thunder
I'd see stars crashing down
I'd feel tragic, like I
Was Marlon Brando
When I'd look at my China Girl
I could pretend that nothing
Really meant too much
When I'd look at my China Girl
I'd stumble into town
Just like a sacred cow
Visions of swastikas in my head
And plans for everyone
It's in the white of my eyes
My little China Girl
You shouldn't mess with me
I'll ruin everything you are
I'll give you television
I'll give you eyes of blue
I'll give you men who want to rule the world
And when I get excited
My little China Girl says
"Oh Jimmy, just you shut your mouth"
She says "shhhh..."
The song China Girl by Iggy Pop and David Bowie tells the story of a relationship between the singer and their “little China Girl”. The singer feels a sense of escapism and relief when they are with their China Girl, and feels like a wreck without her. The chorus emphasizes the intensity of their connection, with the pounding of her heart and the crashing of stars. The singer even references Marlon Brando, perhaps suggesting that he feels like a tragic character in this love story.
The second verse takes a darker turn, with the mention of “visions of swastikas” in the singer’s head. It’s unclear what this means, but it adds a layer of complexity to the character’s psyche. The line “I’ll give you men who want to rule the world” suggests that the singer has a sense of power and control, and perhaps even megalomania. The song ends with the singer’s China Girl telling him to “shut your mouth”, perhaps indicating that she’s aware of his desire to control her and is warning him not to cross any boundaries.
Overall, China Girl seems to be a song about the intensity of love and desire, coupled with a darker undercurrent of power struggles and mental instability.
Line by Line Meaning
I could escape this feeling, with my China Girl
I feel trapped and overwhelmed, but having my China Girl with me helps me forget my troubles and escape from reality.
I feel a wreck without my, little China Girl
Without my China Girl, I feel lost, broken, and helpless.
I hear her heart beating, loud as thunder
My China Girl's love and passion are intense and powerful, making my heart race with excitement and desire.
Saw they stars crashing
The world around me seems chaotic and unpredictable, as if everything is falling apart or ending.
Wake up mornings where's my, little China Girl
When I wake up alone, I feel the absence of my China Girl deeply and yearn for her presence to comfort me.
I feel a-tragic like I'm Marlon Brando
Like Marlon Brando's famous roles, I am tormented by inner demons and haunted by past mistakes or losses.
When I look at my China Girl
My China Girl has a spellbinding effect on me, drawing me in with her beauty and captivating me with her charms.
I could pretend that nothing really meant too much
With my China Girl by my side, I can forget about the seriousness and consequences of life and surrender to pleasure and hedonism.
I stumble into town just like a sacred cow
As I navigate the confusing and overwhelming world around me, I feel like a naive and vulnerable outsider, unable to fully understand or belong.
Visions of swastikas in my head
I am haunted by dark thoughts and memories, such as the atrocities of war and hate symbols like the swastika.
Plans for everyone
My mind is constantly racing with schemes and ideas, desperately seeking a sense of purpose and direction in life.
It's in the whites of my eyes
My desires and intentions are transparent and visible to others, especially my China Girl, who knows me better than anyone.
My little China Girl
Despite any flaws or issues, my China Girl is undeniably special and precious to me, a source of comfort, love, and companionship.
You shouldn't mess with me
I am a force to be reckoned with, and those who harm my loved ones or cross me will face my wrath and vengeance.
I'll ruin everything you are
If someone tries to hurt or manipulate me or my China Girl, I will retaliate and destroy their sense of self and identity.
I'll give you television
As a pop star and cultural icon, I have the power to influence and shape people's minds and behaviors, even offering them escape through media and entertainment.
I'll give you eyes of blue
With my charisma and charm, I can seduce and captivate people, causing them to lose their sense of self and succumb to my influence.
I'll give you men who want to rule the world
As a symbol of rebellion and nonconformity, I attract followers and admirers who share my desire for power and change, often leading to dangerous or destructive behavior.
And when I get excited
I am prone to impulsivity and recklessness, especially when it comes to indulging in pleasures or pursuing my ambitions.
My little China Girl says
Even in my moments of madness or danger, my China Girl is a voice of reason and care, trying to keep me grounded and safe from myself.
Oh baby just you shut your mouth
While my China Girl loves me deeply and supports me, she knows when to draw the line and put me in my place, reminding me to be humble and respectful of others.
She says ... sh-sh-shhh
In moments of intimacy or vulnerability, my China Girl offers me comfort and solace, using her gentle touch and voice to calm me down and soothe my fears.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: David Bowie, James Osterberg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind