China Doll
Whitman Slim Lyrics


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I'm tired of cry-why-yin'
And all her lie-ie-iein'
That's why I'm buy-why-in'
A china doll

Her eyes are blu-you-uer
Her faults are few-ewer
Her lips are tru-uer
My china doll

I'd rather have a doll of clay
That I could call my own
Than someone else just like you
With a heart of stone

She'll never lea-eave me
She'll not decei-eive me
And never grie-ieve me
My china doll

No tears or sor-orrow
No sad tomorr-orr-orrow
No one can borr-orr-ow
My china doll

Her eyes are blu-you-uer
Her faults are few-ewer
Her lips are tru-uer
My china doll

I'd rather have a doll of clay
That I could call my own
Than someone else just like you
With a heart of stone

She'll never lea-eave me
She'll not decei-eive me




And never grie-ieve me
My china doll

Overall Meaning

The song "China Doll" by Whitman Slim seems to be about a man who is tired of the lies and deceits of his current lover, and decides to buy a "china doll" instead. The lyrics describe this doll as having blue eyes, few faults, and true lips, which are all things that the man desires in a partner. He goes on to sing that he would rather have a doll made of clay that he can call his own, rather than someone else with a heart of stone. The doll represents the perfect partner, someone who will never leave or deceive him, and will never cause him any pain or sorrow. Ultimately, the singer seems to have given up on real human relationships and has turned to an inanimate object to fulfill his romantic desires.


The lyrics of this song offer a bleak perspective on love and relationships, suggesting that they are often full of deception and heartbreak. The use of a doll as a substitute for a real partner is a symbol of the singer's disillusionment with the idea of "true love". It is possible that the song is a commentary on the objectification of women and the unrealistic expectations that many men have of their partners. Overall, "China Doll" is a poignant and thought-provoking song that highlights the complexities of human relationships.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm tired of cry-why-yin'
I am exhausted from listening to the constant whining and complaining


And all her lie-ie-iein'
I can no longer tolerate her endless stream of lies


That's why I'm buy-why-in'
This is why I have decided to purchase a china doll


A china doll
A figurine made of glazed porcelain


Her eyes are blu-you-uer
The doll has blue eyes that are bluer than anything I've ever seen before


Her faults are few-ewer
This doll has a minimal amount of imperfections


Her lips are tru-uer
The doll's lips are more perfect than those of any human


My china doll
This is my personal possession and I am proud of it


I'd rather have a doll of clay
I would prefer to own a figurine made from clay


That I could call my own
Because it would be a unique and personal creation


Than someone else just like you
I would much rather this than having someone else similar to you


With a heart of stone
Whose heart is cold and unforgiving


She'll never lea-eave me
The doll will never abandon me


She'll not decei-eive me
Also, she will never lie or cheat on me


And never grie-ieve me
She will never cause me any sorrow or pain


No tears or sor-orrow
I will not shed any tears or experience any grief


No sad tomorr-orr-orrow
And there are no sad tomorrows to worry about


No one can borr-orr-ow
No one can borrow or take away my china doll


My china doll
This is my personal possession and I am proud of it




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: GERALD FRANK CANNAN, KENNY CANNAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Buddyroe Ginocchio

What an overwhelming and beautiful rendition of our past, one that must never be forgotten.

Thank you Slim, God bless.

rosemary marsh

Brings back memories of long ago.Still think his singing is great such a rich voice.He will always be remembered by many people.❤️❤️

Geoff Audsley

I can remember my grandmother singing this in the kitchen cooking scones, just great memories 50 years ago

webbjr37

One of many great ones by Slim, none can match his voice

Piet Fourie

Agreed, a fantastic voice but please also listen to the Irish singer Tony Kerr's rendition of this song. U will be surprised.

Elane McNabb

When I was a child, my favorite aunt would play this and I would immediately start to cry. I would snuggle in her lap and she would hold me (with a big smile on her face, I am sure). Such a beautiful memory and the song still brings a tear to my eye.

Harold Bruce

I don't think there are many modern singers who will be remembered in almost seventy years in the same way that the great Slim Whitman is remembered, His great hits like China Doll, Rose Marie and Indian Love Call are unsurpassed. What a great voice

harrison espenscheid

Song does just what great country music is all about- engages really deep sentiments.I have a large collection of C & W material from  mid-40 s through the mid-50s  when country music started going pop ( just my opinion) and this is one of my favorites.  Real romance in the finest sense of the word.

Angie Siddall

I was thrilled to find this song, as I recall my Uncle singing it when I was quite small. I remembered most of the lyrics, as I wasn't sure of it's title, so I found it and sing it now too. Great song, just as I recall it way back in the early 60's when I first heard it at a tender age. Awesong to hear this great clear rendition.

k Denton

I grew up listening to this wonderful man and his voice.

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