Thomas signed to Columbia and Rostrum Records, and sought success for his songwriting, and as a member of the production duo the Rascals. He has earned writing credits on former Victorious co-star Ariana Grande's Positions, Drake's Certified Lover Boy, and Toni Braxton and Babyface's Grammy Award-winning album Love, Marriage & Divorce (2014). Thomas earned a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song nomination at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards, for co-writing the song "Gold Roses" by Rick Ross ft. Drake (2019).
China Doll
Leon Thomas Lyrics
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Took a quiet little stroll on a bright summer day, down in Chinatown,
I had nothing to do, wasn't feeling too blue, so I looked around,
Now the people were busy and the
Children were laughing at their work and play,
When I looked up the street and a
Little China doll came walking my way.
She was looking like an angel,
Like she looked so fine with the sun in her hair,
I was keeping my cool you can understand but she was blowing my mind,
When she came up close she said "You
Look kind a lost, may I help you please".
Now my heart started pumping and my palm
Started starin', I was speaking Chinese,
And the people are good natured when
You heart is good, people understand,
So the little China doll smiled up at me and she took my hand.
China doll ...3x
She was looking like an angel with the
Sun in her hair, like she looked so fine,
I was keeping my cool you can understand but she was blowing my mind,
When she came up close she said "You
Look kind a lost, may I help you please".
Now my heart started pumping and my
Palm started starin' I was speaking Chinese,
And the people are good natured when
You heart is good, people understand,
So the little China doll smiled up at me and took me by the hand.
China...
China Doll... 3x
The lyrics of Leon Thomas's song "China Doll" describe a chance encounter between the singer and a beautiful Chinese girl as he takes a stroll through Chinatown on a bright summer day. The girl catches his attention and he is immediately smitten with her angelic appearance, with the sun in her hair. As she approaches him and offers to help him, he becomes increasingly nervous, both his heart and palms start racing, and he feels like he is speaking Chinese. However, the little China doll is friendly and understanding, and she takes him by the hand, walking him through the streets of Chinatown as he admires her and the surroundings.
The song is a metaphor for the beauty and mystery of Chinese culture, and the joy and excitement of discovering new things in life. The singer, who appears to be an outsider in Chinatown, is taken on a journey of self-discovery as he explores the culture and customs of the Chinese people, represented by the China doll. The lyrics also suggest a theme of love and possibility, as the singer imagines a romantic connection with the Chinese girl, someone who he might not have met in his daily life. The feeling of being lost and out of place is replaced by a sense of wonder and adventure as he becomes a part of a new world.
Line by Line Meaning
Took a quiet little stroll on a bright summer day, down in Chinatown,
I went for a leisurely walk on a sunny day in Chinatown.
I had nothing to do, wasn't feeling too blue, so I looked around,
I was aimlessly wandering, but not upset, so I observed my surroundings.
Now the people were busy and the Children were laughing at their work and play,
The locals were occupied with tasks and the kids were happy while working and playing.
When I looked up the street and a Little China doll came walking my way.
I turned around and noticed a young Chinese girl walking towards me.
She was looking like an angel, Like she looked so fine with the sun in her hair,
The girl was stunning, with sunlight enhancing her beauty.
I was keeping my cool you can understand but she was blowing my mind,
I was trying to remain calm, but she was overwhelmingly attractive to me.
When she came up close she said 'You Look kind a lost, may I help you please'.
When she got closer, she noticed I appeared lost and offered her assistance.
Now my heart started pumping and my palm Started starin', I was speaking Chinese,
My heart started racing and I was nervous, but I tried to speak Chinese, the local language.
And the people are good natured when You heart is good, people understand,
The locals are kind when they sense a good heart, and they can comprehend even if there are language barriers.
So the little China doll smiled up at me and she took my hand.
The young girl grinned at me and held out her hand.
China Doll... 3x
Repeating the phrase 'China Doll,' emphasizing the impression the girl made on the singer.
Writer(s): jesse kilpatrick, leon thomas, alfred ellis
Contributed by Natalie K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.