Songs About Asia showcase the beauty, diversity, and cultural richness of this fascinating continent.
Through music, artists capture the spirit of Asia’s landscapes, traditions, and stories.
These songs often blend unique sounds, from traditional instruments to modern beats, reflecting the vibrant cultures across Asia.
Whether inspired by breathtaking scenery, ancient history, or personal experiences, each song offers a connection to the essence of Asia.
Dive into our collection of Songs About Asia to explore the melodies and emotions that bring this extraordinary region to life.
1. “Far East Man” by George Harrison & Ronnie Wood (1974) – Perfect Rock Song About Asia
About this song:
- Album: I’ve Got My Own Album to Do
- Released: 1974
- Artist: George Harrison & Ronnie Wood
- Genre: Rock, Soul
- Key Lyric: “I can’t let him drown. He’s a far east man.”
Released in 1974, “Far East Man” showcases a collaboration between George Harrison and Ronnie Wood.
The song reflects themes of friendship and loyalty, inspired by Harrison’s connection to Eastern philosophies.
Written amidst Harrison’s spiritual exploration, it carries a soulful melody that conveys deep emotion.
The track appeared on Wood’s album I’ve Got My Own Album to Do but carries the distinct influence of Harrison’s style.
Its lyrical depth and smooth instrumentation make it a standout homage to the spiritual and cultural inspirations of the Far East.
2. “Go West” by Village People (1979) – Best Disco Song About Asia
About this song:
- Album: Go West
- Released: 1979
- Artist: Village People
- Genre: Disco
- Key Lyric: “(So that’s why) I have no protest. (When you say) You want to go west.”
“Go West” was released in 1979 as part of the Village People’s disco movement that dominated the late ’70s.
The track embodies themes of hope and optimism, with lyrics encouraging a new beginning in a different direction.
Written in the golden era of disco, the song’s upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus quickly made it an anthem.
It was part of the Go West album, blending vibrant vocals and infectious dance beats.
While not directly referencing Asia, its optimism aligns with the idea of new opportunities, a universal theme resonating worldwide.
3. “Kyoto Song” by The Cure (1985)- Recommended Post-punk Song About Asia
About this song:
- Album: The Head on the Door
- Released: 1985
- Artist: The Cure
- Genre: Gothic rock, Post-punk, Alternative/Indie
- Key Lyric: “A nightmare of you, of death in the pool. Wakes me up at quarter to three.”
The haunting melody of “Kyoto Song” was released in 1985 on The Cure’s The Head on the Door.
Robert Smith, the band’s lead singer, wrote this track as a surreal exploration of vivid dreams and cultural imagery.
Its eerie soundscape is inspired by the mystique of Kyoto, blending symbolic references with emotional intensity.
The song highlights Smith’s unique ability to merge the personal with the exotic in his storytelling.
A dark and introspective track, it conveys a sense of foreboding while celebrating the enigmatic allure of Japan.
4. “China Girl” by David Bowie & Iggy Pop (1977) – Awesome Post-punk Song
About this song:
- Album: The Idiot
- Released: 1977
- Artist: David Bowie & Iggy Pop
- Genre: Art rock, Post-punk
- Key Lyric: “I could escape this feeling with my China Girl. I feel a wreck without my little China Girl.”
Written by Bowie and Pop in 1977, “China Girl” is a mesmerizing piece from Iggy Pop’s album The Idiot.
The song explores themes of love and cultural fascination, with a subtle critique of Western romanticization of the East.
Its haunting melody reflects the emotional complexities of longing and cultural tension.
Bowie later recorded his iconic version, amplifying its emotional resonance and global impact.
The lyrics blend personal experiences with symbolic imagery, making it a standout exploration of cross-cultural love.
5. “Holiday in Cambodia” by Dead Kennedys (1980) – Remarkable Hardcore Punk Song About Asia
About this song:
- Album: Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
- Released: 1980
- Artist: Dead Kennedys
- Genre: Hardcore punk
- Key Lyric: “So, you’ve been to school for a year or two. And you know you’ve seen it all.”
“Holiday in Cambodia” is a powerful punk anthem released in 1980 by the Dead Kennedys as part of Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables.
The song criticizes privileged attitudes in Western societies, contrasting them with the harsh realities of Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge.
Its aggressive tone and biting lyrics reflect the punk movement’s focus on confronting uncomfortable truths.
Jello Biafra, the band’s frontman, wrote the song to highlight social and political hypocrisies.
With its mix of satire and rebellion, it remains one of punk rock’s most provocative and iconic tracks.
6. “Turning Japanese” by The Vapors (1980) – Stunning Power Pop Song
About this song:
- Album: New Clear Days
- Released: 1980
- Artist: The Vapors
- Genre: New wave, Power pop
- Key Lyric: “I’ve got your picture, I’ve got your picture. I’d like a million of you, all ’round my cell.”
“Turning Japanese” debuted in 1980 as one of the most iconic tracks from The Vapors’ album New Clear Days.
The song was penned by lead vocalist David Fenton and captures the feeling of obsession and longing in a humorous and exaggerated manner.
Its lyrics, laced with metaphors and quirky imagery, hint at the emotional impact of separation.
Musically, the track blends upbeat rhythms with distinct new wave energy, making it a standout anthem of the era.
Despite initial controversy over its title, the song became a cultural phenomenon and remains a symbol of ’80s pop creativity.
7. “The Road to Mandalay” by Robbie Williams (2001) – Excellent Pop Song About Asia
About this song:
- Album: Sing When You’re Winning
- Released: 2001
- Artist: Robbie Williams
- Genre: Pop, Rock, Folk
- Key Lyric: “Everything I touched was golden. Everything I loved got broken.”
Released in 2001, “The Road to Mandalay” stands as a lyrical masterpiece from Robbie Williams’ hit album Sing When You’re Winning.
The song’s title draws inspiration from Rudyard Kipling’s poem “Mandalay,” though its lyrics focus more on personal loss and reflection.
Williams crafted this track during a transitional phase in his career, infusing it with haunting melodies and heartfelt emotion.
Its narrative portrays the fragility of relationships and the inevitability of change, resonating deeply with listeners.
The blending of poetic imagery with contemporary themes highlights Williams’ ability to merge storytelling with musical versatility.
8. “Hong Kong Garden” by Siouxsie and the Banshees (1978) – Wonderful New Wave Song
About this song:
- Album: The Scream
- Released: 1978
- Artist: Siouxsie and the Banshees
- Genre: Post-punk, New wave
- Key Lyric: “Tourists swarm to see your face. Confucius has a puzzling grace.”
“Hong Kong Garden”, released in 1978, was the debut single by Siouxsie and the Banshees and part of their album The Scream.
The track’s title was inspired by a Chinese restaurant in London that Siouxsie frequented.
Lyrically, it juxtaposes the allure of Eastern culture with the challenges of cultural stereotypes and biases.
The song’s post-punk energy, layered with vibrant instrumentation, showcases the band’s innovative approach to music.
Its success marked a turning point for the group, establishing their presence in the emerging new wave scene.
9. “One Night in Bangkok” by Murray Head (1984) – Ideal Pop Song About Asia
About this song:
- Album: Chess
- Released: 1984
- Artist: Murray Head
- Genre: New wave, Hip hop, Pop, Synth-pop
- Key Lyric: “One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster. The bars are temples but the pearls ain’t free.”
“One Night in Bangkok” was released in 1984 as part of the musical Chess, combining theatrical storytelling with pop innovation.
The song contrasts the glamorous nightlife of Bangkok with its darker, more introspective undertones.
Written by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson of ABBA fame, the track blends witty commentary with addictive synth beats.
Its unique fusion of hip-hop verses and melodic choruses was groundbreaking for its time.
A commercial success, the song continues to intrigue listeners with its sharp lyrics and vibrant depiction of the city.
10. “China” by Tori Amos (1992) – Amazing Piano Rock Song
About this song:
- Album: Little Earthquakes
- Released: 1992
- Artist: Tori Amos
- Genre: Alternative rock, Piano rock
- Key Lyric: “Sometimes I think you want me to touch you. How can I when you build the great wall around you?”
Released in 1992, “China” is a poignant ballad from Tori Amos’ groundbreaking debut album Little Earthquakes.
The song uses the metaphor of the Great Wall of China to describe emotional distance within a relationship.
Amos’ haunting piano accompaniment perfectly complements the raw vulnerability in her voice.
Written during a time of personal reflection, the track explores themes of love, longing, and disconnection.
Its delicate yet powerful delivery has made it one of Amos’ most enduring and emotionally charged works.
Conclusion
Songs About Asia offer a rich tapestry of sounds and stories, reflecting the cultural, emotional, and geographical diversity of the continent.
From heartfelt ballads to upbeat anthems, these songs capture unique perspectives inspired by Asia’s landscapes, traditions, and people.
Whether through poetic lyrics, haunting melodies, or vibrant rhythms, they resonate with listeners across generations and borders.
Exploring Songs About Asia not only connects us to the region’s beauty but also deepens our appreciation for the universal language of music.
Let these tracks transport you on a musical journey through the heart and soul of Asia.