"China Girl" is a song by James, a British band formed in Manchester in 1982. The song was released as a single in 1986 and became one of the band's most popular and enduring songs. The lyrics of "China Girl" describe the protagonist's intense and complicated relationship with a woman referred to as his "little China Girl." The song is written from the perspective of the protagonist who believes that his life is incomplete and he feels like a wreck without his China Girl. He describes her heart beating loudly like thunder and the stars crashing down, emphasizing the intensity and passion of their connection. The protagonist also mentions feeling tragic like Marlon Brando when he looks at his China Girl, suggesting that their relationship is filled with dramatic moments. He acknowledges that he can pretend that nothing really meant too much in the past, possibly implying that he was emotionally distant before meeting his China Girl. The chorus speaks to the protagonist's vulnerability and dependence on his China Girl. He wakes up in the morning longing for her presence and the sound of her heartbeat. He sees her as essential to his happiness and without her, he feels like a mess. The lyrics take a dark turn when the protagonist mentions stumbling into town like a sacred cow and having visions of swastikas in his head. This could be interpreted as him feeling out of place or disconnected from his surroundings, possibly due to the intensity of his relationship with his China Girl. The protagonist claims that he has the power to ruin everything his China Girl is and offers her material possessions like television, eyes of blue, and men who want to rule the world. This can be seen as a metaphor for the protagonist's desire to control and possess his China Girl. In the chorus, it becomes clear that the protagonist's China Girl has a voice of her own. She tells him to shut his mouth, signaling that she is not submissive and won't tolerate his excitement or potentially harmful behavior. The repetition of "She says ... sh" emphasizes her authority and the need for him to listen to her. Overall, "China Girl" explores themes of intense love, dependency, control, and the power dynamics within a relationship. It delves into the protagonist's emotional state, his fascination with his China Girl, and the complexity of their connection.
