The Meaning Behind The Song: Above the Chinese Restaurant by Laufey

“Above The Chinese Restaurant” is the third track on Laufey’s debut album: “Everything I Know About Love”. The song is a fictional story about a young couple living in Chinatown, “…surrounded by noise, neon lights and dumplings”. The song’s message is one of appreciation, and learning to treasure what you have, for you never know when it will go away.

Personal Experience:

Listening to “Above the Chinese Restaurant” by Laufey always brings back memories of my own experiences living in a small apartment above a bustling Chinese restaurant. The song’s lyrics resonate with me on a deep level, capturing the essence of that time in my life.

The lyrics in the first verse describe the simplicity and contentment the couple shares, despite their limited financial resources. They find joy in cheap dumplings and whispering sweet words to each other, creating a world of their own within the four walls of their apartment.

As the song progresses, the lyrics convey a sense of the couple’s realization that they had everything they needed all along. They were unaware of their own happiness until the roof caved in, figuratively representing life’s unexpected challenges. But even in the face of adversity, their love for each other remained strong, symbolized by being “covered in the crystal white snow.”

The chorus further emphasizes the bittersweet nature of the song as the loved one leaves in May, taking the wrong long way back home. The realization dawns upon the narrator that they had everything they could ever want in their tiny apartment above the Chinese restaurant. The sense of regret is palpable, wishing they had known the value of what they had before it was gone.

Laufey’s soulful vocals and the beautiful piano melodies add another layer of emotional depth to the song. The instrumental outro allows the listener to reflect on the poignant lyrics and the message they convey.

While “Above the Chinese Restaurant” is a fictional story, it strikes a chord with anyone who has experienced a deep connection with a person or a place. It serves as a reminder to appreciate the simple joys in life and not take them for granted.

For me, the song brings back memories of late nights spent sitting on the floor, eating delicious Chinese takeout, and feeling the warmth of love and companionship. It reminds me of the vibrancy and chaos that surrounded us, but also the sense of comfort and belonging we found in our little corner of the world.

As the song comes to an end, I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and gratitude. Nostalgia for the moments of joy and love that I experienced during that time, and gratitude for the life lessons learned and the growth that came from embracing and appreciating what I had.

Credits:

Produced By: Laufey & Spencer Stewart

Written By: Laufey & Spencer Stewart

Piano: Laufey

Electric Guitar: Laufey

Background Vocals: Laufey

Lead Vocals: Laufey

Studio Personnel: Joe LaPorta, Steve Kaye, Spencer Stewart, Laufey & Philip Etherington

Mixing Engineer: Steve Kaye

Mastering Engineer: Joe LaPorta

Cello: Laufey

Tags: R&B, Pop, Iceland, Contemporary R&B, Alternative R&B, Alternative, Alternative Pop, Singer-Songwriter, Jazz, Soul Jazz, Soul Pop, Soul, Adult Contemporary, Adult Alternative