China Doll
Comfort in Fragility: A Message of Strength in Bruce Hornsby's 'China Doll'
Lyrics
You lie over there in a bed with iron rails
The person addressed lies in a hospital bed with metal rails, indicating a state of confinement or illness.
Like a frightened child in the cold light so frail
They seem vulnerable and scared, akin to a frightened child in the harsh, stark light.
And things were going so well, just rolling along
Life was progressing smoothly, but suddenly, everything took a negative turn.
Now, just when you think you've got it made, it's all gone
Just as they thought they had succeeded or found stability, it all fell apart.
Well, China doll, I've got something for you
The speaker addresses the person as a fragile "China doll" and offers support.
Well, a few good words, a hand to help you get through
They offer comforting words and assistance to aid in coping.
May not be much but now it's all that I can do
Acknowledging their limited ability to help but offering what they can.
Lay down your weary head, do whatever you gotta do
Encouragement to rest and do what's necessary to recuperate.
Put on your strong face when they're in the room
Advising to appear strong in front of others, concealing any vulnerability.
Can't show signs of weakness, an unspoken rule
Not displaying weakness is an implied social norm or expectation.
Put on your best face, act like nothing's wrong
Suggesting to maintain a facade of normalcy despite internal struggles.
We can be so helpless, helpless and so strong
Highlighting the paradox of being both helpless and strong in different ways.
Well, China doll, I've got something for you
Reiterating the support and assistance offered to the fragile person.
Well, a few good words, a hand to help you get through
Continuing to provide comfort and aid as much as possible.
May not be much, but now it's all that I can do
Admitting limitations in the help offered but still providing what's possible.
To ease your worried mind, do something to get through
Encouraging finding ways to ease worries and get through the difficult times.
We bend and break, so fragile, it's true
Reflecting on human fragility and susceptibility to breaking under pressure.
I say everything'll be alright but I don't have a clue
Expressing uncertainty about assuring that everything will be fine.
They say faith is a crutch, well, whatever works for you
Referencing differing beliefs about relying on faith for comfort or support.
In a world where you never know, I'll be there for you, I'll be there for you
Promising support in an unpredictable world where uncertainties prevail.
Well, China doll, I've got something for you
Reiterating the intention to provide aid and comfort to the fragile person.
Well, a few good words, a hand to help you get through
Continuing the offer of supportive words and assistance.
May not be much, but now it's all that I can do
Acknowledging the limited capacity to help but still extending support.
Lay down your weary head
Reiterating the advice to rest and recover.
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