Song: “China Girl”

Composers: Iggy Pop, David Bowie

Artists: Iggy Pop (1977), David Bowie (1983)

Albums Iggy Pop’s The Idiot, and Bowie’s Let’s Dance

 

“I feel a wreck without my China Girl.”

Here’s a soft version of the song. Bowie accompanied by a piano, at first that is. The gears shift and the song goes back to its rock roots quickly.

“I stumble into town, just like a sacred cow…”

This is a song that is done well by both Bowie and Iggy Pop. Whenever I hear this song I think of the opening scene of You Only Live Twice (1967)  While this song’s meaning is debatable it is downright enjoyable. I recommend it. Iggy Pop’s version is just as good as Bowie’s, however it is a different animal.

This is a rare bootleg that just happens to be on YouTube.

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“I’m a mess without my China girl. I hear hearts beating loud as thunder..”

Iggy Pop’s version feels post-punk and quite distant from Bowie’s more refined approach. Iggy’s version is more of a weightlifting song. Whereas, Bowie’s is a song for a long run out on the outskirts of town.

This is a song that is now a talisman to the talent of David Bowie and Iggy Pop and a forever reminder of their shared Berlin period.