David Bowie: China Girl Meaning

Song Released: 1983

China Girl Lyrics

Oh oh oh ohoo little china girl
Oh oh oh ohoo 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 the stars crashing

Im a mess...

1. anonymous

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   Apr 17th 2008 !⃝

   Bowie's saying nothing, it's an Iggy Pop song.
2. anonymous

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   Feb 10th 2008 !⃝

   Although, at first you may think China Girl is a reference to a love story, I think it goes into a bigger depth. I believe the song is referencing the connection and relationship of the two countries. "I feel a wreck without my, little China girl" explains the United States dependency on China (trade, exports, etc). Yet through the song Bowie always mentions "little China girl" demonstrating America's feeling of superiority over China. "I hear our hearts beating, loud as thunder." references both countries desires for power.
   Another brilliant line,
   "I stumble into town, just like a sacred cow. Visions of swastikas in my head. Plans for everyone."
   The swastika comment is referencing Hitler the Nazis, and their crazed determination to create a perfect race. So the vision is the idea to over take China for America.
   "My little China Girl
   You shouldn't mess with me
   I'll ruin everything you are
   I'll give you television
   I'll give you eyes of blue
   I'll give you a man who wants to rule the world"
   Bowie is saying that America could easily invade/destroy China, but is also ignorantly offering a Westernized, "better" China.
   And lastly,
   "And when I get excited
   My little China Girl says
   Oh baby just you shut your mouse", basically Bowie is saying that China is in fact more powerful, and has the upper hand and control over America. The "mouse" reference is mocking the Chinese accent, instead of "mouth".

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