Band Members
John Thomas Griffith - Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards
Darren Hill - Bass
Patrick Butler Jones (1979-1983) - Drums
James Singletary - Lead Guitar
Jim Reilly (1983-1985) - Drums
Shawn Paddock (1983-1985) - Guitars, Vocals
Harry Belafonte (1983-1985) electric saxophone
The Red Rockers toured the United States opening for The Cars, U2, and The B-52s.
China
Red Rockers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Killed the truth and called the liar
Bleeding in its mystery when the moon began to fall
Dreamers are not all they seem,
Sleeping in her silent dream
She locks it all inside and hides it all away
China, China
Calling out to history
Is that the way it will always be?
China, China
Questions in my hand, and then
Answers gone till I don't know when
verse:
All you speak and all you hear
Hand that's strong and voice it's clear
An unforgotten memory when the moon begins to call
Called you right and called you wrong
Time, the shadow, sings your song
Don't lock it all inside and hide it all away
China, China 4x
The Red Rockers’ song “China” is an introspective reflection on the rich and tumultuous history of China while also exploring the delicate and complex relationship between individual identity and collective history. The lyrics of “China” are poetic and enigmatic, with powerful symbolism interwoven throughout. The song begins by describing a dance with wind and fire, an allusion to the unpredictability of life and the chaotic nature of existence. The singer then references the killing of truth and the calling of a liar, an apparent reference to the suppression of facts and the control of information in Chinese history.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become more cryptic, with references to the moon falling and dreamers who are not all they seem. The singer sings of a woman who locks everything inside and hides everything away, representing the tendency to repress trauma and pain in order to maintain a façade of strength. The chorus is a simple yet powerful repetition of the word “China,” which serves as a reminder of the country’s immense cultural and historical significance in the world.
The song ultimately asks questions about China’s future and the role it will play in the world. The singer wonders if China will be forever defined by its history or if it can chart a new path forward. Overall, the song “China” is a poignant meditation on the complexities of identity, history, and the human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Danced with wind and danced with fire
Explored and engaged in unpredictable and dangerous situations
Killed the truth and called the liar
Rejected the truth and accused the honest
Bleeding in its mystery when the moon began to fall
In a state of confusion and intrigue as an unknown event occurs
Dreamers are not all they seem,
Idealists may not have perfect lives and personalities
Sleeping in her silent dream
Existing in a quiet, internal world of imagination
She locks it all inside and hides it all away
Keeps her thoughts and emotions private and concealed
Calling out to history
Trying to connect with the past
Is that the way it will always be?
Wondering if things will never change
Questions in my hand, and then
Uncertainty and doubt about something
Answers gone till I don't know when
Unable to find a solution or explanation
All you speak and all you hear
Everything that is said and heard by individuals
Hand that's strong and voice it's clear
Confidently expressing oneself
An unforgotten memory when the moon begins to call
Remembering an important event triggered by a familiar sign
Called you right and called you wrong
Judged as both correct and incorrect at times
Time, the shadow, sings your song
Life's fleeting moments shape who you are
Don't lock it all inside and hide it all away
Avoid repressing one's feelings and experiences
China, China 4x
Repeating the song's title about a significant location
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: Darren Hill, David Martin Kahne, James Singletary, John Thomas Griffith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thornbyte2011
Danced with wind and danced with fire
Killed the truth and called the liar
Bleeding in its mystery when the moon began to fall
Dreamers are not all they seem,
Sleeping in her silent dream
She locks it all inside and hides it all away
China, China
Calling out to history
Is that the way it will always be?
China, China
Questions in my hand, and then
Answers gone till I don't know when
verse:
All you speak and all you hear
Hand that's strong and voice it's clear
An unforgotten memory when the moon begins to call
Called you right and called you wrong
Time, the shadow, sings your song
Don't lock it all inside and hide it all away
China, China 4x
@erikhaack4123
Love the 80s. Thank goodness I grew up in that era. New Wave era!
@scheidr
I used to run cross country back in high school in the 80s and this was one of the songs I played in my head to keep pace. What an awesome tune! Serious motivation when running up a hill!
@Amick44
Robert Scheid Ideal for that!
@danialcampbell2655
I listen to this while running a lot
@deekaye9403
I did as well. Crazy
@wideeyewonder
Instantly takes me back...music punctuates our life stories, certain songs recalling the blessings of good times with the greatest of clarity.
@creeg84
Missing the 80s😎
@Perkinator104
This is one the songs that defines "80's" for me.
@dinobussanich9314
I feel like a teenager again. What an awesome song🙂😃
@michellerosejackson
I was looking for this song forever now I finally found it.