4 ms·
Fascinating. The term most likely had nothing to do with the Bowie song (which apparently was inspired by one of Iggy Pop's romantic interests, who was Vietnam
by kafkaesq 10y ago
Fascinating. The term most likely had nothing to do with the Bowie song (which apparently was inspired by one of Iggy Pop's romantic interests, who was Vietnamese). But it does suggest some interesting (unintended) interpretations of the lyrics: the "China Girl" not a fetish object, or even simply an unattainable romantic partner -- but rather a talisman, or a blank slate; which, the more you look at, the more you project into.
Or in Bowie's words,
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
- sevensor 10y agoI was hoping there was a connection! Even if there's not, it makes the song richer. Iggy Pop's version gives me chills.
- donretag 10y agoYou cannot be certain those are Bowie's words since Iggy Pop co-wrote the song and recorded it six years before Bowie.
- ebbv 10y agoPretty sure the Iggy Pop song is about heroin.