"Sombras De La China" is a song by Joan Manuel Serrat, a Spanish singer-songwriter. The lyrics tell the story of a man who came from the sea with dark skin and small eyes. He had hands full of shadows and dreams, and in exchange for a beer at the cantina, he would give away shadows of a China (or East Asian) woman. The song portrays the enigmatic and exotic nature of this man, who mesmerizes people with his skills to create illusions through shadows. These shadows are described as being like those of a China woman, representing a sense of mystery and allure. The lyrics then introduce love, which arrived in April, reciting old ballads. The hands of love are said to be filled with kisses, and these kisses are described as being full of shadows. As winter approaches, love disappears behind the scenes, leaving only shadows upon the walls. The song continues by stating that life came from the south and took the narrator, along with hands full of shadows. These shadows, now filled with stars, accompany the narrator on their journey. The phrase "Sombras de la china" is repeated, emphasizing the significance of these shadows throughout the song. Overall, "Sombras De La China" explores themes of mystery, illusion, love, and the transient nature of life. The song evokes a sense of longing and the fleeting nature of experiences and connections.
