☝️ Key Points
- The song is a metaphor for the fragility and value of dreams.
- It warns against pushing dreams too far or forcing them.
- A central theme is the consequence of unchecked dreams and their potentially negative effects.
- The song warns against greed and the danger of taking from a barren or empty life.
- Overall, the song is a cautionary tale to treat dreams with caution and respect.
Interpretation
The song title "China in Your Hand" by
T'Pau is a metaphor representing the fragility and value of dreams. Similar to fine china porcelain, dreams can be very fragile and therefore must be handled with care.
The lyrics 'Don't push too far / Your dreams are china in your hand' warn against pushing one's dreams too far or forcing them too much. They might come true and perhaps not be as one imagined. The consequences could be unexpected and potentially uncontrollable, as in 'And you can't help them / You don't know what you might / Have set upon yourself'.
'China in Your Hand' also warns against greed ('Come from greed / Never born of the seed') and the danger of taking life from a 'barren hand' or an empty, infertile hand.
Overall, 'China in Your Hand' is a cautionary tale urging to treat dreams with caution and respect, as they can be powerful and potentially dangerous if pursued carelessly.