The Move evolved from several mid-1960s Birmingham-based groups, including Carl Wayne & The Vikings, The Nightriders & The Mayfair Set. The group's name seems to refer to the move various members of these bands made to form the group. Beside Roy Wood, the original members of the Move were drummer Bev Bevan, bassist Chris "Ace" Kefford, vocalist Carl Wayne & guitarist Trevor Burton.
Their first single, 'Night of Fear' was released in 1966 and was the first in a line of memorable hits penned chiefly by Roy Wood.
'I Can Hear the Grass Grow', 'Blackberry Way' & Flowers in the Rain (the latter being the first record played on BBC Radio 1), are The Move's better known work not forgetting 1971's 'Tonight'. The group became more experimental and innovative as time went on especially on the albums 'Shazam' and 'Message from the Country'.
Several changes left the final line-up in 1971 as Roy Wood, Jeff Lynne and Bev Bevan, evolving into the first incarnation of Electric Light Orchestra which Wood left soon after to form Wizzard.
Chinatown
The 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 whiteOrchids 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 Move's "Chinatown" is a song that appears to be about a man's experiences in Chinatown. The lyrics suggest that the man had a past relationship with a woman from Chinatown, and he remembers burying a jar of shaosing when that girl was born, which he now knows will age until she's fully grown. The symbolism behind this is unclear, but it could represent the man's acceptance of his past and moving on from his relationship. The song also suggests that the man is trying to find fulfillment and excitement in his life by looking for a "good time girl" in Chinatown. The mention of drinking jasmine tea and watching the tall pagoda through the window could be interpreted as the man's fascination with Eastern culture.
The song also seems to acknowledge that the world is not a perfect place, as the lyrics caution against flying into the night, as the world will soon end. Despite the man's desire to find a good time in Chinatown, he's ultimately left feeling trapped and chained down, hence the repetition of the phrase "Chinatown, chain me down, Chinatown" throughout the song. The lantern mentioned in the lyrics may also symbolize the fleeting nature of pleasure and excitement that the man is seeking, as lanterns are often used for temporary celebrations or events.
Overall, "Chinatown" is a contemplative and somewhat melancholic song that explores themes of past regrets, cultural fascination, and the fleeting nature of happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
Bury a jar of shaosing
Tradition of burying a jar of shaosing (Chinese wine) when a girl child is born, signifying that it will age and be ready for her marriage by the time she grows up.
When the girl is born
This tradition is followed when a girl child is born, as it is believed that by the time she is grown up, the wine would have aged well and be ready for her marriage.
Surely you know the wine will age
It is a well-known fact that when shaosing is buried, it ages and becomes better with time, and it is believed that by the time the girl for whom it is buried grows up, the wine would have aged well.
Till she’s fully grown
The wine is meant to be aged till the girl for whom it is buried grows up and is ready for marriage, signifying that the tradition is associated with the marriage of a girl child.
Don't fly into the night
This line is a warning to not make any haste decisions or take any impulsive actions, as things will fall in place when the time is right.
Soon enough the world will end
A reminder that everything in life is temporary and our time on earth is limited, indicating the importance of making the most of our time and not wasting it on unnecessary things.
While the lantern is right
This line suggests that instead of worrying about the things that we cannot control, we should focus on the present moment and make the most of what we have, signifying the importance of mindfulness.
I could find a good time girl in Chinatown, Chinatown
The singer suggests that he could find a joyful and carefree girl in Chinatown, which is associated with liveliness and vibrance, signifying a desire for fun and adventure.
Dancing in my shoes
The singer is enjoying himself and having a good time, signifying that he is carefree and living in the moment.
See the eastern ladies walk in Chinatown
The singer is observing the beauty and elegance of the women in Chinatown, signifying an appreciation for the culture and the people.
Chinatown, chain me down, Chinatown
The singer feels tied to Chinatown and its culture, signifying an attachment to the place and the people.
Maybe, I'll drink your jasmine tea
The singer is open to experiencing new things, such as drinking jasmine tea, signifying a willingness to explore and try new things.
Then I'll hurry home
After experiencing new things, the singer intends to return home, indicating a longing for familiarity and comfort.
Surely you know the likes of me
This line suggests that the singer is aware that he is an outsider in Chinatown, indicating a self-awareness of his place in the society.
Should be left alone
The singer implies that he should be left alone to explore on his own, indicating a desire for independence and solitude.
Why they like me for?
The singer wonders why the people of Chinatown like him, indicating a curiosity about their culture and way of life.
If I answer the door
This line suggests that the singer is cautious about letting people in, indicating a distrust of outsiders and a preference for keeping his distance.
Look at the tall pagoda through
The singer is admiring the tall pagoda through the window pane, signifying an appreciation for the beautiful architecture and culture of Chinatown.
Through your window pane
This line brings attention to the window pane, indicating that the singer is looking through someone else's window, suggesting that he may be an outsider looking in.
Watching it by your dragon night
The singer is admiring the pagoda while sitting on a dragon night, signifying an appreciation for Asian heritage and culture.
On a cocoa day
This line suggests that the singer is experiencing this on a warm, sunny day, amplifying the beauty and liveliness of Chinatown.
You'll discover the white
This line suggests that the singer is white, indicating a difference in ethnic background between him and the other people in Chinatown.
Orchids in my humble moon
The singer is humbled by the beauty and culture of Chinatown, signifying a respect and admiration for the place and the people.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROY WOOD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind