The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #71726 Message #1229882
Posted By: Q (Frank Staplin)
20-Jul-04 - 11:37 AM
Thread Name: Origins: Ching Chong Chinaman Song
Subject: Lyr Add: CHING CHONG
I still think 'Ching Chong' goes back before the 1916 musical "Chu Chin Chow." Still looking, but found this sheet music from c. 1917.
CHING CHONG Words J. Will Callahan, Music Lee S. Roberts
Way out in old San Fran There is a Chinaman Who's known for miles around, Wonderful place he keeps Down where he eats and sleeps Way underneath the ground; Each night the festive chinks Come there to wink and blink, And dream away the hours, They sing this funny song While they are born along On beds of poppy flow'rs.
Chorus: Ching Chong, Oh Mister Ching Chong, You're the King of Chinatown, Ching Chong, I love your sing-song When you have turned the lights all down; Ching Chong, just let me swing 'long Thru the realms of drowsy-land, Dreaming while stars are beaming Oh Mister Ching Chong, sing-song man.
When you're in Frisco Town Don't fail to stop around And see this Ching Chong man, Wonderful things you'll learn Down where the torches burn He'll show you all he can; Then when the time is ripe He'll fill your little pipe And then a light he'll bring, Gently you'll float away Far out on Slumber Bay, And softly you will sing.
Pub. by Lee S. Roberts, Fine Arts Bldg., Chicago, c. 1917 (undated); copy at Bancroft Library, Univ. California, Berkeley. Cover shows man with pigtail decorating Chinese lanterns.
Note from Joe Offer (7 June 2012): somebody sent me a link to a YouTube Video (click) of this song.