China White
Little Feat Lyrics


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I said blow away, blow away
This cruel reality
And keep me from its storm
Suspicion has crept in, and ruined my life
I'm messed up, and hassled, and worn

Well its pure indignation
Just another sensation
And I'd like to knock on that door
But the boy he keeps on callin' for more

Yes and my sweet China White
She ain't here tonight
And love has robbed me blind

So cast away, cast away
From this ball full of pain
For it sinks beneath the waves

Yes and my sweet China White
She ain't here tonight
Oh and love has robbed me blind





Some sweet Maureen has robbed me blind

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Little Feat’s “China White” explore themes of addiction and loss. The first stanza begins with the singer yearning for an escape from the harsh realities of his life, which have left him feeling “messed up, and hassled, and worn”. However, he acknowledges that his desire for escape is not a solution to his problems, but merely a temporary respite. The second stanza furthers this idea, with the singer expressing feelings of indignation at his situation, but recognizing that these feelings are also temporary and ultimately unsatisfying. The chorus brings in the theme of loss, with the singer lamenting the absence of his lover (“my sweet China White”) and the fact that his “love has robbed me blind”. The final line suggests that this lover may not be the only one responsible for the singer’s losses, as he acknowledges being “robbed blind” by “some sweet Maureen”.


Overall, the lyrics of “China White” paint a picture of a man struggling with addiction and the negative consequences it has had on his life. He yearns for escape and relief from his pain, but recognizes that this is not a permanent solution. The loss of his lover and feelings of being “robbed blind” suggest that the singer’s addiction may have caused him to lose important things in his life, such as relationships or financial stability.


Line by Line Meaning

I said blow away, blow away
I want to escape from the harsh reality of life


This cruel reality
The difficult and harsh aspects of life


And keep me from its storm
Protect me from the difficulties of life


Suspicion has crept in, and ruined my life
Doubt has caused problems in my life


I'm messed up, and hassled, and worn
I'm confused and exhausted


Well its pure indignation
It's a feeling of righteous anger


Just another sensation
It's just another feeling


And I'd like to knock on that door
I'd like to take action and get involved


But the boy he keeps on callin' for more
But temptation keeps pulling me back


Yes and my sweet China White
This is a reference to drugs


She ain't here tonight
I don't have access to the drugs


And love has robbed me blind
Love has caused me to suffer and lose sight of things


So cast away, cast away
Get rid of the problems and negative emotions


From this ball full of pain
Escape from the painful situation


For it sinks beneath the waves
Let it go and move on


Some sweet Maureen has robbed me blind
This could be referring to a woman who has caused problems




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: LOWELL GEORGE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Robert Cochran


on Representing the Mambo

Heard this song right before I had to go on a buiness trip to Rio. The progression of the song up the mountainside to the dangerous favelas above the city to the isolated hidden samba clubs make this song a trip you can truly take in your mind to that place.

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