Imogen Heap

Lyrics

[Intro: Helen]
Yī, èr, sān, sì, wǔ, liù, qī, bā
Èr, èr, sān, sì, wǔ, liù, qī, bā
Sān, èr, sān, sì, wǔ, liù, qī, bā
Sì, èr, sān, sì, wǔ, liù, qī, bā

[Verse 1: Imogen Heap]
We come to your shores over misty millennia
From hustlers to emperors
For power and pleasure
We carve through the cars
Dance around the Daily News
Cue in the grande ballabile
Even your ten-ton tone rings home for Marco Polo

[Chorus 1: Imogen Heap]
(Slow down) From a thread of sky
(Slow down) To the warp and weft of your being
(Slow down) You're beautiful, graceful, like no other
Pretty damn good as you are
(Slow down) Friend of mine
(Slow down) In a terrible hurry for change
(Slow down) As you unravel your marvels from evergreen gardens
Remember we loved you this way

[Interlude: Helen]
Sān, èr, sān, sì, wǔ, liù, qī, bā
Sì, èr, sān, sì, wǔ, liù, qī, bā
[Verse 2: Imogen Heap]
To treasure it all, scroll out to see
In gold, fire, wood, clay, and water
Your structure and flow, adagio to allegro
With leaves to the tide
In full moon, plum blossom, we salute to you

[Chorus 2: Imogen Heap]
(Slow down) From a thread of sky
(Slow down) To the warp and weft of your being
(Slow down) Dynamic and playful, you opened my eyes, yeah
You're pretty damn good as you are
(Slow down) Friend of mine
(Slow down) Could you go for progression, not pace?
(Slow down) As you unravel your marvels
Don't lose them all on the way

[Bridge: Imogen Heap, Helen]
Mantoshan, Mantoshan, Mantoshan, Mantoshan, Mantoshan
Mantoshan, Mantoshan, Mantoshan, Mantoshan, Mantoshan
Bā

[Chorus 3: Imogen Heap]
(Slow down) From a thread of sky
(Slow down) To the warp and weft of your being
(Slow down) You're beautiful, graceful, like no other
Pretty damn good as you are
(Slow down) Friend of mine
(Slow down) You're in a terrible hurry to change
(Slow down) Unravel your marvels from evergreen gardens
Remember we loved you this way
[Post-Chorus: Imogen Heap]
Whoa, to the warp and weft of your being
You're beautiful, graceful, like no other
Pretty damn good as you are
Xizi, she knows that once it's gone, then it's gone
Xizi, she knows that once it's gone, then it's gone
Xizi, she knows that once it's gone, then it's gone

[Outro: Helen]
Yī, èr, sān, sì, wǔ, liù, qī, bā
Yī, èr, sān, sì, wǔ, liù, qī, bāEmbed

Imogen Heap, the critically acclaimed British singer-songwriter, takes us on a captivating musical journey with her song "Xizi She Knows." This unique composition serves as a heartfelt plea to the nations of Asia, urging them to preserve their ancient and authentic charm in the face of technological and social progress. With a seamless blend of eastern and western musical elements, Imogen weaves her ethereal vocals and the mesmerizing sounds of the guqin with Mandarin Chinese lyrics and references, creating a truly transcendent sonic experience.

About Xizi She Knows

"Xizi She Knows" is a culturally rich and thought-provoking masterpiece that showcases Imogen Heap's artistic prowess and her deep appreciation for global musical traditions. The song opens a gateway to exploring the delicate balance between progress and heritage, inviting listeners to reflect on the impact of modernization on ancient civilizations.

The title of the song, "Xizi She Knows," evokes a sense of intrigue and mystery. It hints at the wisdom and awareness possessed by the titular character, suggesting that she holds the key to preserving the authentic allure of Asia's cultural tapestry.

Imogen Heap's decision to combine the guqin, a traditional Chinese instrument, with American recording instruments exemplifies her commitment to cultural fusion and experimentation. The guqin's delicate plucking and haunting resonance create a captivating soundscape, evoking a sense of nostalgia for bygone eras. The artist's astute choice to incorporate Mandarin Chinese lyrics further enhances the song's authenticity and emotional depth.

Imogen's ethereal vocals glide effortlessly over the intricate melodies, infusing the track with a haunting yet soothing presence. Her breathy delivery enhances the dreamlike atmosphere, capturing the essence of both longing for the past and embracing the present. The juxtaposition of her vocals against the traditional soundscape creates a mesmerizing sonic blend, drawing the listener deeper into the song's narrative.

Lyrically, "Xizi She Knows" showcases a poetic tapestry of words that beautifully convey the message of preserving cultural heritage in the face of rapid modernization. Imogen's command of Mandarin Chinese enables her to incorporate evocative phrases and references, allowing her to tap into the rich literary traditions of the language. Each word and line resonates with profound meaning, painting vivid images and inviting contemplation.

The song's production is a testament to Imogen Heap's meticulous attention to detail. The delicate balance between the guqin and contemporary instrumentation creates a harmonious blend that honors the past while embracing the present. The arrangements are expertly crafted, allowing each musical element to shine individually yet contribute to the collective whole.

Through "Xizi She Knows," Imogen Heap masterfully captures the essence of cultural preservation, encouraging us to cherish and protect our heritage even as we forge ahead into the future. The song serves as a poignant reminder that embracing technological advancements should not come at the cost of losing our cultural identities.

In a world where progress often overshadows tradition, Imogen Heap's "Xizi She Knows" stands as a testament to the significance of cultural heritage. This mesmerizing composition invites us to immerse ourselves in the enchanting world of the guqin and the evocative Mandarin lyrics while contemplating the delicate dance between the old and the new. Through her remarkable musicality and heartfelt message, Imogen Heap urges us to honor and preserve the authentic charm that resides within our collective history.

• Release Date: February 5, 2012
• Artist: Imogen Heap