China Doll
Tiff Randol Lyrics
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like I was one of your china dolls.
You tighten my robe and then you twist up my bow
choking me so I’m at your mercy.
I’m thinking to myself I’ll get you back.
I can’t get myself together, you have got me so tied up.
and everyday you tug me harder so that I can hardly stand at all.
I paint on my face, try to hide my surprise at your lies.
don’t you know I’m going to catch u…
your words seem so cheap
and your eyes full of greed
your promises as empty as that vessel on your little neck.
I can’t get myself together, you have got me so tied up.
and everyday you tug me harder so that I can hardly stand at all.
Oh I can’t stop til I get it up – I’ll rubrubrub til you’ve had enough
no I can’t stop til you’ve had it all ‘cause I’m your little china doll
I can’t get myself together, you have got me so tied up.
and everyday you tug me harder so that I can hardly stand at all.
I can’t get myself together, you have got me so tied up.
but darling you don’t want to play with me ‘cause I’ll get you in the end.
stop me or I’ll get you in the end…
The song "China Doll" by Tiff Randol is a haunting portrayal of a woman trapped in a toxic relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of captivity and submission, as the singer compares herself to a fragile china doll at the mercy of her partner. She is bound in silk, unable to move or speak out against his controlling behavior, yet simmering with the desire for revenge. The imagery of the bow twisted tightly around her neck is particularly powerful, representing the suffocation and stifling of her true self. The repetition of the phrase "I can't get myself together" reinforces her feelings of helplessness and desperation, while the chorus ("I'll rubrubrub til you've had enough") implies a determination to break free from her captor's hold and assert herself.
The lyrics also suggest a sense of hypocrisy and deceit on the part of the partner. The singer paints on a mask of acceptance, hiding her surprise and disappointment at his lies and broken promises. She sees through his false charm and recognizes his greed and emptiness, comparing his hollow words to an "empty vessel" hanging around his neck. Yet, despite her pain and disillusionment, she remains trapped in the cycle of abuse, unable to break the hold he has over her.
Overall, "China Doll" is a poignant and evocative portrayal of a woman struggling to free herself from a stifling and dangerous relationship. The lyrics effectively convey the singer's sense of captivity, yet also hint at her untapped strength and determination to fight back.
Line by Line Meaning
Lately I feel like I’m wrapped up in silk.
I feel helpless and vulnerable, like someone is wrapping me up in delicate fabric.
like I was one of your china dolls.
You treat me like an object to be admired, but I am a living, breathing person with feelings.
You tighten my robe and then you twist up my bow
You exert control over me, even in small, seemingly insignificant ways.
choking me so I’m at your mercy.
You have so much power over me that I feel like I can't even breathe without your permission.
I’m thinking to myself I’ll get you back.
Even though you have the upper hand right now, I am determined to retaliate and take back control.
I can’t get myself together, you have got me so tied up.
Your hold on me is so strong that I'm unable to function normally or think clearly.
and everyday you tug me harder so that I can hardly stand at all.
Your grip on me is only getting tighter, making it increasingly difficult for me to resist or break free.
I paint on my face, try to hide my surprise at your lies.
I try to conceal my pain and disappointment at your deceitful words and actions.
don’t you know I’m going to catch u…
I am not foolish enough to believe your lies indefinitely, and eventually I will expose your true intentions.
your words seem so cheap
Your promises and flattery hold no real value or sincerity.
and your eyes full of greed
Your gaze is only focused on what you can gain from me, not on any genuine affection or concern.
your promises as empty as that vessel on your little neck.
Your words are as hollow and shallow as the trinkets you wear around your neck.
Oh I can’t stop til I get it up – I’ll rubrubrub til you’ve had enough
I am determined to keep going until I have taken back my power, no matter how long it takes or how exhausting it may be.
no I can’t stop til you’ve had it all ‘cause I’m your little china doll
You may see me as fragile and submissive, but I am also resilient and will not stop until I have regained control of my own life.
but darling you don’t want to play with me ‘cause I’ll get you in the end.
Even though you may think you have the upper hand, don't underestimate my determination and strength. I will come out on top.
stop me or I’ll get you in the end…
You have the opportunity to stop your manipulation and control before I retaliate and turn the tables on you.
Contributed by Kayla K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.