"Like China" is a song written and performed by the English singer and drummer Phil Collins from his second solo album Hello, I Must Be Going!. It was produced by Collins and Hugh Padgham.

"Like China"
Promotional single by Phil Collins
from the album Hello, I Must Be Going!
B-side"I Cannot Believe It's True"
Released1982
Recorded1982
GenreProgressive rock
Length5:05
LabelVirgin Records (UK)
Songwriter(s)Phil Collins
Producer(s)Phil Collins, Hugh Padgham
Phil Collins singles chronology
"I Cannot Believe It's True"
(1983)
"Like China"
(1982)
"Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)"
(1984)

Song background

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The song, the third track on the album, takes a cheerful rock music tone. It opens with Collins singing with a British Cockney accent. The song takes an upbeat tempo and features a discordant guitar introduction, as well as a guitar solo by Daryl Stuermer midway through the song.

The title is a traditional English expression meaning "gently and with great care". The lyrics portray an infatuated teenager attempting to convince a girl to date him despite their different social backgrounds — as emphasized by the singer's affected Cockney accent and his reference to being from "the other side of town".[citation needed] In doing this, the narrator says he will treat her as gently as china.

Single release

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The song was released as a US promo single from Hello, I Must Be Going! in 12" format. It entered the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart in December 1982, reaching #17.

"Like China" was also released as the B-side for the UK single "Why Can't It Wait 'Til Morning?" in 1983.

Track listing

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U.S. 12" Promotional single (Atlantic)

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  1. "Like China"
  2. "I Cannot Believe It's True"

Charts

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Chart (1982) Peak
position
U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks 17

Personnel

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References

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