China

Longing Across Distances: Tori Amos' 'China' Expresses Unreachable Intimacy
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Lyrics

China all the way to new york

Expressing a journey from China to New York.

I can feel the distance getting close

Sensing the physical and emotional proximity increasing.

You're right next to me

Despite closeness, feeling a disconnect.

But I need an airplane

Expressing a need for distance, possibly metaphorical.

I can feel the distance as you breathe

Sensing a growing emotional gap through breathing.


Sometimes I think you want me to touch you

Expressing a desire for physical closeness.

How can I when you build a great wall around you

Obstacle to intimacy, likened to a "great wall."

In your eyes I saw a future together

Seeing a shared future in the partner's eyes.

You just look away in the distance

Partner avoiding connection by looking away.


China decorates our table

Symbolic mention of China decorating the shared space.

Funny how the cracks don't seem to show

Noticing flaws, but they don't affect the relationship.

Pour the wine dear

Invitation to share a moment, pouring wine.

You say we'll take a holiday

Planning a holiday together, but disagreement arises.

But we never can agree on where to go

Difficulty reaching consensus on destinations.


Sometimes I think you want me to touch you

Desire for physical closeness reemphasized.

How can I when you build a great wall around you

Obstacle to intimacy reiterated, the "great wall."

In your eyes I saw a future together

Hope for a shared future, but partner remains distant.

You just look away in the distance

Partner's gaze still directed away, maintaining distance.


China all the way to New York

Repetition of the journey metaphor, China to New York.

Maybe you got lost in Mexico

Speculation about partner being lost, possibly in thoughts or actions.

You're right next to me

Despite physical proximity, still sensing a disconnect.

I think that you can hear me

Belief that partner can hear, but emotional distance remains.

Funny how the distance learns to grow

Noting the ironic increase in emotional distance over time.


Sometimes I think you want me to touch you

Reiteration of the desire for physical closeness.

How can I when you build a great wall around you

Obstacle to intimacy persists, the metaphorical "great wall."

I can feel the distance

Sense of increasing emotional distance.

I can feel the distance

Repetition emphasizing the tangible feeling of distance.

I can feel the distance getting close

Feeling the emotional distance becoming more tangible.

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