Hong Kong Lyrics

Lyric discussion by Michael746 

Cover art for Hong Kong lyrics by Gorillaz

I think it's very clear that this is largely about Hong Kong's handover to China.

Lord, hear me now Junk boats and English boys Crashing out into the noise Electric fences and guns

Where once there were junk boats and English boys, soon there will be electric fences and guns (China).

You swallow me I'm a pill on your tongue Here on the nighting floor The neon lights make me numb

Yes, it is about his being lost in the astounding maze that is Hong Kong. But it is also relating to Hong Kong being swallowed, like a pill on the tongue of China. Eventually, that it will be assimilated.

And late in a star's life It begins to explode And all the people in a dream Wait for the machine Pick the shit up keep things clean

Agree with an earlier poster. It is about Hong Kong dying, and the dream of relative freedom giving into the slow erosion of communism and limits on democracy.

Kid hang over here What you learning in school? Is the rise of an eastern sun Gonna be good for everyone?

Again, questioning what children are now learning at school. How long will it be until education is controlled? The latter half of the verse is fairly clear. The rise of an Eastern sun (China). Will it be good for everyone?

The radio station disappeared Music turned into thin air The DJ was the last to leave She had well conditioned hair Was beautiful but nothing really was there

Free speech and expression slowly disappearing.

i couldn’t agree more