Meaning of "Chinese Tattoo" by Roar

The lyrics of "Chinese Tattoo" explore various themes related to personal growth, relationships, and the complexities of love. The first verse talks about the Chinese character tattoo on the speaker's upper arm, implying that it holds significance and healing power. However, the song goes on to challenge the initial meaning attached to it, suggesting that the concept of strength is not as straightforward as once thought. This emphasizes the idea that our perceptions and understandings of things can change over time.

The chorus reflects the speaker's personal experiences with relationships, expressing the belief that they will never be treated right and repeatedly attract the wrong kind of people. The sense of anger and disappointment is palpable, as the speaker always seems to be left with nothing but negative emotions. This conveys a sense of frustration and hurt, highlighting the difficulties faced in navigating relationships. The mention of "lessons" implies a continuous learning process and the potential for personal growth.

The second verse further explores the speaker's experiences in relationships. The lyrics suggest that the speaker tries to hide their emotions, especially when approaching a new potential partner ("Mr. Right"). While there is an acknowledgment that the relationship may not be love in its truest form, there is still a feeling of comfort and warmth ("immaculate and warm insides"). This demonstrates the conflicting emotions that can arise in relationships, where something may feel nice even if it doesn't fulfill the idealized concept of love.

The bridge of the song introduces the metaphor of a shark in its sleep, symbolizing continuous movement and survival. It questions whether this constant motion and freedom are truly liberating or just an illusion. The lyrics suggest that love can make a person naive, potentially implying that vulnerability and trust are essential elements of love that can leave one open to being hurt.

The final lines of the song describe a loss of innocence or purity, comparing it to losing one's virginity during a challenging period ("hell week"). This evokes the idea that personal growth often involves difficult and transformative experiences.

Overall, the song "Chinese Tattoo" delves into the ever-changing nature of personal perceptions, the challenges faced in relationships, and the complexities of love. It navigates themes of personal growth, self-reflection, and the emotional rollercoaster that can come with romantic connections.