China
Mary Magdelena Lyrics
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I can feel the distance getting close
You're right next to me but I need an air plane
I can feel the distance as you breathe
And sometimes I think you want me to touch you
Well, how can I when you build the Great Wall around you
In your eyes I saw a future together
Oh you just look away in the distance
Funny how the cracks don't seem to show
Pour the wine, dear, you say we'll take a holiday
But we never can agree on where to go
And sometimes I think you want to me to touch you
But how can I when you build the Great Wall around you
In your eyes I saw a future together
Oh you just look away in the distance
China all the way to New York
Maybe you got lost in Mexico
You're right next to me, I think that you can hear me
Funny how the distance learns to grow
And sometimes I think you want me to touch you
Well, how can I when you build the Great Wall around you
I can feel the distance
I can feel the distance
I can feel the distance getting close
The lyrics of Mary Magdelena's song "China" paint a picture of a relationship that is being affected by distance and communication issues. The first few lines suggest that even though the singer's partner is physically close to them, there is an emotional gap that cannot be bridged. The reference to China and New York serves as a metaphor for the vast distance between the two individuals. The singer is unable to bridge the distance with a simple touch, and the Great Wall that the partner has built around themselves demonstrates how they have put up a barrier to further emotional intimacy.
The verses highlight further the lack of emotional connection between the two partners. The lines "And sometimes I think you want me to touch you" imply that there is a desire for intimacy between them, but because of the emotional distance, it seems impossible to pursue. This feeling is further amplified by the line "In your eyes I saw a future together, oh you just look away in the distance." It suggests that one partner is hopeful for a future together, while the other is unwilling to acknowledge or commit to it.
The chorus also highlights the communication issues faced by the couple, as they cannot seem to agree on anything. The line "Funy how the cracks don't seem to show" may be alluding to the fact that despite the issues, they keep up appearances for the sake of their relationship. However, the "distance learns to grow," and the couple cannot seem to communicate effectively.
Overall, "China" is a poignant song that speaks to the difficulties faced by individuals who cannot connect emotionally, regardless of their physical proximity.
Line by Line Meaning
China all the way to New York
The physical distance between us is irrelevant. Our emotional distance is the real concern.
I can feel the distance getting close
Despite our physical proximity, I still feel emotionally distant from you.
You're right next to me but I need an air plane
Even though you're physically present, I feel the need to distance myself from you in order to find emotional clarity.
I can feel the distance as you breathe
I can sense the emotional distance between us, even in your every breath.
And sometimes I think you want me to touch you
I feel uncertain about your true feelings towards me and whether you want to be close to me emotionally.
Well, how can I when you build the Great Wall around you
I feel like you have built up emotional barriers that make it almost impossible for me to connect with you.
In your eyes I saw a future together
I once believed that we could be together and build a future, but now I'm not so sure.
Oh you just look away in the distance
You seem distant and disinterested in building a future with me.
China decorates our table
We have incorporated Chinese cultural elements into our lives, but it seems like just surface-level decoration.
Funny how the cracks don't seem to show
Despite our emotional distance, we still manage to maintain the appearance of happiness and togetherness.
Pour the wine, dear, you say we'll take a holiday
You suggest that we take a break and try to reconnect, but we never follow through.
But we never can agree on where to go
We can't seem to find common ground or agree on how to fix our relationship.
Maybe you got lost in Mexico
I wonder if you're purposely avoiding our problems by getting lost in distractions.
Funny how the distance learns to grow
Our emotional distance continues to grow and strengthen over time.
I can feel the distance
I am acutely aware of the emotional distance between us.
I can feel the distance getting close
Our emotional distance feels like it's getting even closer, making it harder for me to ignore.
Contributed by Luke C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.