China Girl

The Stooges, Iggy Pop

About China Girl

"China Girl" is a song written by Iggy Pop and David Bowie during their years in Berlin, first appearing on Pop's debut solo album The Idiot (1977). The song became more widely known when it was re-recorded by Bowie, who released it as the second single from his most commercially successful album, Let's Dance (1983). The UK single release of Bowie's version reached No. 2 for one week on 14 June 1983, while the US release reached No. 10.


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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
I'll give you television
I'll give you eyes of blue
I'll give you men 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

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Iggy Pop

Iggy Pop (born James Newell Osterberg, Jr.; April 21, 1947) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Though widely known as an innovator of punk rock, Pop's music has encompassed a number of styles over the years, including pop, hard rock, jazz and blues. Pop became known as 'Iggy' in high school, during which time he served as drummer for local blues band The Iguanas. He is vocalist of influential protopunk band The Stooges (Pop and the other surviving members of the group reunited in 2003), having become known, since the late 1960s, for his outrageous and unpredictable stage antics. more »

2 fans

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".
Bowie's Contribution
David 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".
Chart Success
Bowie'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.
Music Video
The video for "China Girl" was directed by David Mallet, it won Best Male Video at the first ever MTV Video Music Awards in 1984.
Musicians
Both 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.
Earning for Iggy Pop
The 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.
Controversial Imagery
The music video for the song featured controversial imagery, including stereotypical portrayals of Asian women and a scene where Bowie throws a bowl of rice.
Meaning of Lyrics
While the lyrics were initially seen as related to romance, Bowie revealed that they were about invasion and exploitation of foreign culture and lands.
Collaboration
The song is one of many successful collaborations between Bowie and Pop, which include well-known songs such as "Lust for Life" and "Tonight".
Recognition
The song's popularity continues today, with Rolling Stone including it in their list of David Bowie's 30 essential songs.

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