There is more than one art… Read Full Bio ↴(For the 60s English band, see The Move.)
There is more than one artist under this name:
1. Move were an Italian cold wave band of the 80s. Their first self-titled LP, Move, was released by A&D in 1986. Just a year later, the same label released their second and last record, a split 12'' with Gronge.
2. move (currently known as m.o.v.e) is a 3-member Japanese musical group. The group consists of yuri (益田祐里, Masuda Yuri, vocalist), motsu (瀬川素公, Segawa Mototaka, rapper) and t-kimura (木村貴志, Kimura Takashi, producer).
In 1996, after the break up of t-kimura's previous project Favorite Blue, he formed the band move and, by 1997, they released their first single ROCK IT DOWN. They however truly achieved fame when their followup single, around the world, was used as the opening theme for the anime Initial D (頭文字D). In 2005, the group changed their name by adding abbreviation marks between letters and are currently still signed with the avex tune recording label.
On December 2, 2008, t-kimura stated on m.o.v.e’s official web site that he would focus more on production, and less on performing. On April 10, 2009, m.o.v.e performed with DJ T-Tashiro during an anime convention, Kamikazecon II, in Houston, Texas; the group anounced that t-kimura would no longer perform on-stage.
In November 2009, it was anounced that yuri was pregnant and would be getting married, thus taking a hiatus from the band for onstage performances. While m.o.v.e recorded two new albums in 2010, Dream Again and anim.o.v.e 02, the band didn't show any other activity (though motsu made guest appearances in many shows, lives and musical collaborations) until yuri went back on stage on October 2010.
move is perhaps best known for the unique style with which they blend rock, rap, electronica, metal and many other genres into their music. move are also well-known for their many contributions as opening and ending theme to the Initial D (頭文字D) series. These include around the world, Rage your dream, BREAK IN2 THE NITE, Blazin' Beat, Gamble Rumble, DOGFIGHT and Noizy Tribe. The also provided the opening theme for the anime series Ikkitousen (一騎当千) with their song Drivin' Through the Night as well as the ending theme for the anime Final Fantasy Unlimited, Romancing Train, and the ending credits for KOEI's Dynasty Warriors 2 (真・三國無双, Shin Sangokumusou), Can't Quit This!!!! ～KNOCK'EM OUT～ (SH FUNK MIX).
chinatown
Move Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When the girl is born
Surely you know the wine will age
Till she’s fully grown
Don't fly into the night
Soon enough the world will end
While the lantern is right
I could find a good time girl in Chinatown, Chinatown
Dancing in my shoes
See the eastern ladies walk in Chinatown
Chinatown, chain me down, Chinatown
Maybe, I'll drink your jasmine tea
Then I'll hurry home
Surely you know the likes of me
Should be left alone
Why they like me for?
Soon enough the world will end
If I answer the door
I could find a good time girl in Chinatown, Chinatown
Dancing in my shoes
See the eastern ladies walk in Chinatown
Chinatown, chain me down, Chinatown
Look at the tall pagoda through
Through your window pane
Watching it by your dragon night
On a cocoa day
You'll discover the white
Orchids in my humble moon
While the lantern is right
I could find a good time girl in Chinatown, Chinatown
Dancing in my shoes
See the eastern ladies walk in Chinatown
Chinatown, chain me down, Chinatown
The lyrics of Move's song Chinatown are a mix of imagery and metaphor that hint towards a deeper meaning. The first verse talks about burying a jar of shaosing, a type of Chinese rice wine, and waiting for it to age until the girl is fully grown. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for waiting for something or someone to mature before taking action. The second verse is about not flying into the night because the world may end soon enough, but staying in the present moment when the lanterns are lit. This could be seen as a reminder to appreciate the small pleasures in life and to not worry about what the future may hold.
The chorus talks about finding a good time girl in Chinatown and dancing in one's shoes. This could represent finding joy in the present moment and enjoying the company of others. It also mentions eastern ladies walking in Chinatown and chaining the singer down, which could be interpreted as a reference to the allure and temptation of pleasures that can be found in Chinatown.
The final verse refers to looking out through a window and watching a pagoda and the dragon at night. This creates a dreamlike image of being transported to another world. The mention of white orchids and a humble moon add to this imagery, perhaps suggesting a sense of peace or contentment.
Overall, the lyrics of Chinatown seem to be about living in the present moment and enjoying life's simple pleasures, while also grappling with the temptations and uncertainties of the future.
Line by Line Meaning
Bury a jar of shaosing
To mark the birth of a girl, bury a jar of Shaosing wine, knowing that it will be aged until she grows up.
When the girl is born
The act of burying the wine is meant to indicate the celebration of the birth of a girl.
Surely you know the wine will age
It is well understood that Shaosing wine improves with age, thus this act marks a commitment for the future.
Till she’s fully grown
The wine will be kept safe until the girl comes of age and is ready to experience it.
Don't fly into the night
It is important to stay grounded and not to abandon responsibility in the face of uncertainty.
Soon enough the world will end
Life is fleeting, so value it and live it to the fullest while you still can.
While the lantern is right
During times of happiness and light, treasure them fully and be present in the moment.
I could find a good time girl in Chinatown, Chinatown
A proclamation of the singer's interest in finding pleasure in the company of women in Chinatown.
Dancing in my shoes
The artist anticipates a level of fun and excitement in the company of the good time girl.
See the eastern ladies walk in Chinatown
The artist observes the grace and beauty of the women they encounter as they move through the streets.
Chinatown, chain me down, Chinatown
A declaration of the singer's connection to the area and the experiences and people they associate with it.
Maybe, I'll drink your jasmine tea
A gesture of appreciation towards someone who is offering the artist hospitality and welcome.
Then I'll hurry home
The singer is appreciative but ready to move on to the next thing, not interested in being tied down.
Surely you know the likes of me
The singer acknowledges that they are not looking for anything serious or meaningful with this person.
Should be left alone
A desire for space and independence, even in moments of connection.
Why they like me for?
The artist questions why someone would like them, perhaps due to fear of being too easily attached.
I could find a good time girl in Chinatown, Chinatown
Repeating the chorus emphasizes the singer's yearning for excitement and pleasure with like-minded individuals.
Look at the tall pagoda through
The singer encourages others to gaze up at the beauty of the nearby pagoda.
Through your window pane
Perhaps an invitation to take in the view together, enjoying the sights from a place of safety and comfort.
Watching it by your dragon night
The nocturnal setting adds a sense of mystery and intrigue to the experience of looking at the pagoda together.
On a cocoa day
The word 'cocoa' could refer to a variety of things, but in this context it could mean a warm, comforting atmosphere.
You'll discover the white
'Discovering' the white orchids may represent finding beauty in unexpected places.
Orchids in my humble moon
Describing the orchids as belonging to the singer makes them a part of the context of the relationship between the singer and the person they are addressing.
While the lantern is right
Once again, the importance of seizing positive moments and enjoying happiness while it lasts is emphasized.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ROY WOOD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheSemtexCow
Dave Milton That’s not exactly what happened.
When Jeff got star struck in the Travelling Wilburys, he lost total interest in the band.
By then everyone but Bev (who couldn’t be sacked as a founding member) and Richard Tandy had been sacked by Jeff.
Bev who owned a 50% stake in the band wanted to continue, and wanted the rest of the band back.
After a lot of legal expense Jeff agree’d to let Bev carry on but only if Part2 was added to the name, and during all interviews it made explicit that Jeff wasn’t involved anymore.
This agreement allowed Bev to reform the band without Jeff, and to be able to play live all of their back catalogue but not use them on any new albums.
Now brummies don’t always listen to the letter of the law lol, and the band went on to release many live albums containing all of the old hits that Jeff owned.
This went on for years, until Jeff now a very rich man sent the lawyers in to shut it down.
Unable to play any of the hit records it killed ELO Part2 dead.
Bev was down on his luck after his livelihood (and that of the other band members) was taken away, he sold his 50% stake to Jeff in 1999-2000.
Jeff comes across as such a nice guy, but how he treated guys he’d known and worked with for years ain’t nice.
Hugh Mc Dowel and Melvyn Gale were sacked by fax in 1979, and Kelly Groucutt dropped without warning in 1983.
@trevorastley1727
What a very underrated musician, a very clever and articulate man. I used to play this 45 to death on my mono record player in mid 70s. His layered music and voice is other worldly.
@dahmgood1
Have loved this song since I was in junior high school...I'm 60 now.
@christopherthomas7253
I literally can not get enough of this song.
@descamm9313
Still as good these years on, a credit to Roy Wood, Brilliant, 🎤🎸🎹🎷🎻
@rogerpyle1976
Love Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood harmonies. The Move one of the very best!
@clarenceclutterbuck
The Chinesey sounding guitar lick interjections are brilliant!
@lucreziia100
I love his voice. Roy really sends me!
@eslermanu47
Yet another great song from the genius just think how many he wrote.
@larainek2831
The man is a genius
@davekm43
I first listened to The Move over 30yrs ago always loved there music but I must admit I first heard them after falling in love with ELO's music. Glad you like there sound as well.