China Girl
David Bowie
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Oh, oh, oh, little China girl Oh, oh, oh, little China girl I could escape this feeling, with my China girl I feel a wreck without my, little China girl I hear her heart beating, loud as thunder Saw they stars crashing I'm a mess without my, little China girl Wake up mornings where's my, little China girl I hear her heart's beating, loud as thunder Saw they stars crashing down I feel a-tragic like I'm Marlon Brando When I look at my China girl I could pretend that nothing really meant too much When I look at my China girl I stumble into town just like a sacred cow Visions of swastikas in my head Plans for everyone It's in the whites of my eyes My little China girl You shouldn't mess with me I'll ruin everything you are You know, I'll give you television I'll give you eyes of blue I'll give you men's who want to rule the world And when I get excited My little China girl says Oh baby, just you shut your mouth She says, sh-sh-shhh She says, sh-sh-shhh She says She says And when I get excited My little China girl says Oh baby, just you shut your mouth And when I get excited My little China girl says Oh baby, just you shut your mouth She says, sh-sh-shhh She says Oh, oh, oh, little China girl Oh, oh, oh, little China girl Oh, oh, oh, little China girl Oh, oh, oh, little China girl
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Written by: David Bowie, James Osterberg
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, TINTORETTO MUSIC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Songtrust Ave
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Origin"China Girl" was originally written and recorded by Iggy Pop in 1977 for his album "The Idiot".
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Bowie's ContributionDavid Bowie co-wrote the song with Iggy Pop during their time in Berlin and later covered it in 1983 for his album "Let's Dance".
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Chart SuccessBowie's version of "China Girl" became a major hit, reaching No. 2 in the UK Singles Chart and No. 10 in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
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Music VideoThe video for "China Girl" was directed by David Mallet, it won Best Male Video at the first ever MTV Video Music Awards in 1984.
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MusiciansBoth versions of the song were produced by Bowie and featured Carlos Alomar on guitar, but the 1983 version also included Stevie Ray Vaughan on lead guitar.
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Earning for Iggy PopThe song provided financial stability for Iggy Pop as he received co-writing credits and earned substantial royalties from it; this despite his version not being as well known or commercially successful.
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Controversial ImageryThe music video for the song featured controversial imagery, including stereotypical portrayals of Asian women and a scene where Bowie throws a bowl of rice.
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Meaning of LyricsWhile the lyrics were initially seen as related to romance, Bowie revealed that they were about invasion and exploitation of foreign culture and lands.
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CollaborationThe song is one of many successful collaborations between Bowie and Pop, which include well-known songs such as "Lust for Life" and "Tonight".
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RecognitionThe song's popularity continues today, with Rolling Stone including it in their list of David Bowie's 30 essential songs.
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Citation
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"China Girl Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 5 Jun 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3177003/David+Bowie/China+Girl>.
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