Subject: Lyrics requested ... Once in China From: Date: 12 Oct 98 - 09:23 AM Looking for the lyrics for a ditty that starts out: "Once in China there lived a great man, His name was Chikera-chee-chi-chan ?? His legs were long his feet were small The chinese man couldn't walk at all etc ??? |
Subject: RE: Lyrics requested ... Once in China From: GUEST Date: 26 Apr 05 - 02:18 PM a.marchant@tiscali.co.uk |
Subject: RE: Lyrics requested ... Once in China From: GUEST,MMario Date: 26 Apr 05 - 02:24 PM I had no luck on google or at the levy sheet music site. |
Subject: RE: Lyrics requested ... Once in China From: Joe Offer Date: 26 Apr 05 - 03:13 PM I'm guessing it's one of those songs from the late 19th century that made fun of Chinese immigrants to the U.S. You'll find a number of songs like that if you use our Filter and look for "china" (set the age back) - or click here I did find this on a Google search:
his name was icka rocka icka rocka ran. his legs were long as his feet were small. and he couldn't walk at all. EENY MEENY MING MONG PING PONG CHOW! EASY VEASY VACKA LEASY, EASY VEASY VOW! EENY MEENY MACKA RACKA RAY RI CHICKA RACKA DOMINACKA LOLLIPOPPA OM POM PUSH! |
Subject: RE: Lyrics requested ... Once in China From: Joe Offer Date: 26 Apr 05 - 03:29 PM It also comes up in the writings of Louisa May Alcott, from Under the Lilacs, Chapter 21:
"In China there lived a little man, His name was Chingery Wangery Chan." Here the hero "took the stage" with great dignity, clad in a loose yellow jacket over a blue skirt, which concealed the hand that made his body. A pointed hat adorned his head, and on removing this to bow he disclosed a bald pate with a black queue in the middle, and a Chinese face nicely painted on the potato, the lower part of which was hollowed out to fit Thorny's first finger, while his thumb and second finger were in the sleeves of the yellow jacket, making a lively pair of arms. While he saluted, the song went n, -- "His legs were short, his feet were small, And this little man could not walk at all." Which assertion was proved to be false by the agility with which the "little man" danced a jig in time to the rollicking chorus, -- "Chingery changery ri co day, Ekel tekel happy man; Uron odesko canty oh, oh, Gallopy wallopy China go." At the close of the dance and chorus, Chan retired into the tea garden, and drank so many cups of the national beverage, with such comic gestures, that the spectators were almost sorry when the opening of the opposite window drew all eyes in that direction. At the lattice appeared a lovely being; for this potato had been pared, and on the white surface were painted pretty pink checks, red lips, black eyes, and oblique brows; through the tuft of dark silk on the head were stuck several glittering pins, and a pink jacket shrouded the plump figure of this capital little Chinese lady. After peeping coyly out, so that all could see and admire, she fell to counting the money from a purse, so large her small hands could hardly hold it on the window seat. While she did this, the song went on to explain, -- "Miss Ki Hi was short and squat, She had money and he had not So off to her he resolved to go, And play her a tune on his little banjo." During the chorus to this verse Chan was seen tuning his instrument in the garden, and at the end sallied gallantly forth to sing the following tender strain, -- "Whang fun li, Tang hua ki, Hong Kong do ra me! Ah sin lo, Pan to fo, Tsing up chin leute!" Carried away by his passion, Chan dropped his banjo, fell upon his knees, and, clasping his hands, bowed his forehead in the dust before his idol. But, alas! -- "Miss Ki Hi heard his notes of love, And held her wash-bowl up above It fell upon the little man, And this was the end of Chingery Chan," Indeed it was; for, as the doll's basin of real water was cast forth by the cruel charmer, poor Chan expired in such strong convulsions that hishead rolled down among the audience. Miss Ki Hi peeped to see what had become of her victim, and the shutter decapitated her likewise, to the great delight of the children, who passed around the heads, pronouncing a "Potato" pantomime "first-rate fun." |
Subject: RE: Lyrics requested ... Once in China From: Jim Dixon Date: 29 Apr 05 - 09:23 AM From the TIME Magazine archive: (with formatting changed a bit by me)
Dec. 3, 1945 In the [18]70s, collegians at Amherst set the 100-year-old jingle to music and sang it over pots of ale, when they wanted to prove that they could walk a musical straight line. One of the many versions ran like this: In China there lived a little man His name was Chingery-ri-chan-chan, His feet were large and his head was small, And this little man had no brains at all. Chingery-rico-rico-day ekel tekel Happy man. Kuan-a-desco cartty-o gallopy-wallopy-china-go. Last week this old tongue twister, with new and even less intelligible lyrics, was the fast-climbing No. 2 seller in Billboard magazine's poll of record sales. It was well on its way to join Mairzy Doats and the Hut Sut Song in the jabberwocky Valhalla of the jukebox. Twenty-nine-year-old Arkansas-born Jo Proffitt had changed the Chinaman into a chick, and called it Chickery Chick. She sent the lyrics to Tin Pan Alleysmith Sidney Lippman, who added some new notes. Now it describes a chicken who got bored with saying "chick chick" all day, astounds his companions with some jived-up poultry poetry: Chickery-chick cha-la cha-la, Check-a-la-romey in a ba-nan-i-ka... .Tin Pan Alley actuarians estimate that the U.S. will need about three months to get over it. -Copyright 1945 by Santly-Joy, Inc. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Lee Garrett Date: 17 Jan 07 - 10:21 AM My brilliantly bonkers Grandpa told me when I was young: Once in China there lived a great man, His name was Chika-Laka-Che-Chi-Chang. His sins were many though his feet were very small, But he had toenails on them all. With a Chika-Laka-Che-Chi-Chang-Chika-Laka, Chang-Chika-Laka-Malapy-Kat. Kat-Go-To-Go Iti-Kati-Ki-Go Iti-Kati-Ki-Go Chiney-Go!! Genius I tells ya, pure genius |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Joe Offer Date: 17 Jan 07 - 01:16 PM Lee, when you answer an eight-year-old request, that IS pure genius. Thank you very much. -Joe Offer, who searched for this song for hours and hours- |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,flyingcat Date: 17 Jan 07 - 02:29 PM this is version i learned at my mother's knee, she used to sing to us and make us laugh. In China there lived a very big man His name was Jigger iger ingjing jang His legs were long and his neck was short And the Chinese man could't walk nor talk His servants used to carry him about because he was so very very stout They took him up to the top of a hill And rolled him down like a great big wheel Jiggerigering jiggerang jiggarora bondolora woodawooda waok Okotoko idi adi itiko Itify titify Chinese talk |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Son of an Amherst grad Date: 21 Jan 07 - 11:59 PM My father, Amherst '53, used to sing a version with a chorus that went something like this: Chicka cha loo, cha loo, Japan Allopy, wallopy, chicka cha lallopy Chicka cha loo, cha loo, Japan Allopy wallopy China man We sang it on long car trips to Canada in the 1960s, along with other ethnic favorites. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 06 Feb 07 - 03:26 PM In China once there lived a man His man was chickery iker man his legs were long and his feet were small And this poor chinaman couldn't walk at all chorus The ladies from about the town Came up the hill and Rolled him down And tickle and tease this China man chorus And when this chinaman he did die and in his coffin he did lie They shipped his body to Japan And that was the end of the chinaman Politically incorrect in today's world but my Grandmother sang it to me when I was a child. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Azizi Date: 06 Feb 07 - 11:48 PM What???!! Could I have been wrong?? Is it possible that I was mistaken about the origin of the "Stella Ella Ola" family of handclap rhymes??? Click here to read those rhymes: thread.cfm?threadid=77066#1370542 I thought that these rhymes might have come from the Spanish language because of that "s chico chico" line that's found in a number of its variants. But I really was standin' on shakey ground as I could never find any documentation of a Spanish source. It just sounded kinda Spanish, you know? Now I come to find out that there may be a Chinese origin for rhymes like: Stella ella ola, clap clap clap With an s, chicko chicko, chicko chicko slap jack! falo falo falo, with ah one, two three four, FIVE! -snip- Okay. I can live with that. But. I was close, hun? No?? Oh, well. Thanks Jim Dixon, and all the Guests! I appreciate it. Really. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Azizi Date: 07 Feb 07 - 12:14 AM I hasten to correct my statement that the source for the Stella Ella Ola rhymes may be of Chinese origin. I should have written that the source for these rhymes may be American English rhymes that attempted to mimic what they thought was Chinese/Asian talk. That's considerably different than the rhymes being of "Chinese origin". |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,Hugh Date: 10 Feb 07 - 05:22 PM I remember a song I heard at summer camp in Canada in the 60s. Unthinkable that anyone would sing it now. Clearly of the same origin as many of the other songs mentioned here, but a little different. "Once in China lived a man Name was Chickeracka Chee Chi Cho Arms were long and legs were short Chinaman could walk nor snort." And the chorus went something like: "Hoke chickeracka cheek chickaloro Bongo loro piggywiggy wango Hoko poko hit 'im in the coco Chitterbee chatterbee chee chi cho." For some reason it really sticks in my head over 40 years later. In fact, I found this thread because it was running through my head today, so I googled "Once in China lived a man". Weird. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Azizi Date: 10 Feb 07 - 05:56 PM Hello, GUEST,Hugh! Life is weird that way. But anyway you get here, you're welcome to stay. Consider joining our community. There's a whole lot of exchanging musical and other information going on. Best wishes, Azizi |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Charley Noble Date: 11 Feb 07 - 03:34 PM It certainly is a weird little ditty, and I can easily imagine how readily it passed from one generation to another as a nonsense song. But I cannot imagine leading it today unless I changed it to something like "Once in Scarsdale there lived a rich man..." Once upon a time there was a little poetry book called, I believe, THE INNER CITY GOOSE which processed familiar nursery rhymes. The only one that comes readily to mind is: There was a crooked man, And he done quite well! Cheerily, Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Geoff Yeowell Date: 24 Feb 07 - 11:47 AM My English granddad used to sing us a song when we were little. It went something like this: There once was a Chinaman who had a funny name His name was Chickeraka Chu Chi Chan His arms were long and his legs were short This Chinaman couldn't walk or talk - CHORUS Chickeraka Chu Chi Chimmy Chimmy Ora Pomma Diddy Ora Paddy Waddy Wack Oko Boko Hit Him on the Popo Here we go, here we go, cheerio! - Once his servant took him out Treated him to a glass of stout When they got to the top of the hill The Chinese man felt very very ill - CHORUS - Once his servant took him for a drive Told him not to drive to fast He drove too fast and they tumbled down That was the end of the Chinese man - CHORUS My granddad died in 1993 at the age of 81. I wish I had recorded him singing this! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Stewie Date: 24 Feb 07 - 07:54 PM Adam McNaughtan recorded a Glasgow version of this and a couple of other children's ditties relating to Chinese on his "Words, Words, Words" album. This album and another, titled 'The Glasgow I Used To Know', have been reissued on an excellent double CD as 'The Words I Used to Know' Greentrax CDTRAX 195D. --Stewie. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,Mel Date: 12 Mar 07 - 09:40 PM I can't believe I found this. My grandmother used to sing it to me and I have never met anyone who knows what I'm talking about. Her version went: In China once there was a great man, His name was Chickery Choo Chai Chan, His legs were fat and his feet were small, That China man couldn't walk at all. Chickery Choo Chai Chan-galora, Bang-alora, Men-a-Kin-Men. Lang-con-do-dee Idi-kiddi-pi! Idi-kiddi-pi! China Coo! My god, it is quite insane when you write it down. The Idi-kiddi bits were inevitably accompanied by a burst of tickling. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: Artful Codger Date: 12 Mar 07 - 10:35 PM Can someone post an ABC or send Joe a MIDI for one of these variants? Gor, I remember "Chickery-Chick". I think the chorus ends: Fallika wallika, can't you see, Chickery-chick is me! Though I don't remember any of the verses. Thanks, Joe, for the Alcott excerpt. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 19 Mar 07 - 09:40 AM My Mum's version, which I now sing to my children is: In China once there lived a man Whose name was Chicker-racker-ring-chi-chan His legs were long and his feet were small It's a wonder he could walk at all. Chorus Chicker racker ring chi chan chacker rorum Pon my orum ecki pecki wan Oh ko oh ko chicker pa chicker pa Chicker pi chicker pi she en ko They marched him up to the top of the hill And they rolled him down with a right good will They rolled him here and they rolled him there The chinaman with the turned up chair. Repeat chorus! No idea how to spell it, of course, nor where it comes from (which was why I googled it in the first place) but there you go!! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Shawn Bettise Date: 30 Mar 07 - 09:27 AM Of all the things to be running through my head this morning - I googled it and found all of you - my older cousin taught us this rhyme - they sang it at Girl Scout camp in Montana. The following is what I can remember: "There was a man in China town - his name was Chika Racka Chee Chi Cho - His legs were long - his feet were short - the Chinese man could walk nor talk. (chorus) Chicka rack Chee Chi Cho Chi Chika Laro - Bongo Lago - Piggy Wiggy Wago - Oko Noko Hit 'im on the Koko - Charami Charami Chee Cha cho. The Chinese man, he had a wife and oh! they lived a terrible life (can't remember the rest of this verse) (chorus) The Chinese man was dynamite - he lit the fuse and turned out the light - the very next morning, he flew sky high - but he didn't care 'cause he could fly! (chorus) |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 30 Mar 07 - 02:55 PM "Under the Lilacs," Louisa May Alcott (see Joe Offer post, 26 Apr 05), was serialized in the children's "St. Nicholas Magazine." Chapter 21 with- In China there lived a little man, His name was Chingery Wangery Chan,- appeared in vol. 5, no. 11, 5 Sept 1878. This long-lived and popular children's magazine would ensure widespread disemination of the little rhyme. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 07 Apr 07 - 03:08 PM Chinkity Chinkity Luchadapan Ollipy Ollipy China man, His Teeth were short and his hair was long And this is the way he walked along They took his coffin to Japan And that was the end of the China Man. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Guest- MR Date: 07 Apr 07 - 07:39 PM I was trying to sing this to my 3 yr old daughter and remembered only the chorus on this song from 25 years ago-
Si lemma lauren one a pecka one Koi koi koi koi hitti hotti hotti ho Chee Chi cho. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 07 Apr 07 - 08:27 PM Here I thought I had buried long ago the old earworm as sung by Sammy Kaye (1945), and Artful Codger has to mention it. AAARRGHH! Posted in thread 14419 by Alice, 14 Oct 99 Chickery Chick Chorus (I won't repeat the rest) Chickery chick, cha-la, cha-la Check-a-la-romey in a bananika Bollika, wollika, can't you see Chickery chick is me! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 09 Apr 07 - 08:21 PM it kills me that I can't remember all the verses. My Mom taught us this when we were very young. the middle to end goes oh this Chinaman, oh he had wealth, he lived in a mansion all by himself the neighbors next door, they bought him a boat and this is the way the Chinaman floats: Chingaling chee, chi li, chi lo, chingaling wallaga, in the bananaga, wallaga, wallaga, over the sea, in the bananaga watch-ah. oh this Chinaman, oh he did die, and in his coffin he did lie; they sent him back to Old Japan, and this is the way his epitaph ran... Chingaling chee, chi li, chi lo, chingaling wallaga, in the bananaga, wallaga, wallaga, over the sea, in the bananaga watch-ah. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,Matthew Burns Date: 15 Apr 07 - 05:32 PM This is the version my Mum, nanna and great grandma used to sing to me, I'm from the north of England and was searchin to see if this was an actual song, i cant believe there's so many versions. anyway it went; In china once there lived a great man his name was chik-o-rak-a-chee-chi-chan his legs were long and his feet were small and that chinaman couldnt walk at all so its... chee chi chuckle oh cho chuckle oram candy norum in a pee nam cat-go two-go etty-gitty-gotty-go addi-pi addi-pi china go there were quite a few more verses but i cant remember them and me great grandmas dead n she always sang it the best. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,guest Date: 18 Apr 07 - 11:58 AM Once in China lived a man and his face was dark as tan here he comes and here he goes Hong Kong Harry with the beery nose chikericky chee-chee chee-chee cholum laughala doolum missipee guy I go you go, hitty-kitty catty go Hong Kong chikericky chee choo chi MY FATHER TAUGHT ME THIS SONG AS A CHILD. APPARENTLY HE USED TO SING IT WITH HIS MATES IN THE ARMY CIRCA WW2 Other songs included:- Felix... keeps on walking... keeps on walking still... AND For the boys all laugh at Charlie Chaplin... his boots a cracklin, for the want of blackin'... AND Dan, Dan the lavatory man... cleaning up the muck all day... cleaning up the 'you know'... reading the football final, passing the merry hours away gor blimey... At this point my mum would step in and give my Dad a row for teaching the bairn... they rude songs... Well I was only 3 then, but more than five decades later, I still remember them. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,Cheryl M Date: 18 Apr 07 - 10:03 PM I knew of verse that spoke of The Chinaman's Wife. It was something about "he led a terrible life" and "She cut off his pigtail, grew so long," and then I don't remember anymore. Is anyone familiar with that part of the song? |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Michele L Date: 19 Jun 07 - 09:39 PM I LOVE THIS!!! I was trying to find the lyrics to sign this to my son. My Grandmother used to put us to sleep with this song, but this is all I can remember: In China there once live a man His name was Chinering Changering Chan His legs were short and his feet were long as this Chinaman couldn't walk at all. Checkeree chee che-la che-la Checker-a-roni in a banana-ka ballacka wallacka kanatakee in a banana-ka China go This Chinaman had plenty of wealth He lived in a mansion all to himself The neighbers nextdoor they bought him a boat And in it they set the poor Chinaman afloat Checkeree chee che-la che-la checker-a-roni in a banana-ka ballacka wallacka kanatakee in a banana-ka China go That's were I lose it. I know the words are what I heard as a little girl, but I would love to know the actual lyrics. anyway, having fun with this post. |
Subject: Lyr. Add: Chingery Chan From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 19 Jun 07 - 10:30 PM Jim Dixon posted the first verse of this old Amherst song. Here is the entire song. Many versions and additions since it first appeared in the 1860's. Lyr. Add: CHINGERY CHAN 1. In China there lived a little man, His name was Chingery-ri-chan-chan; His feet were large and his head was small, And this little man had no brains at all. Chorus: Chingery-rico-rico-day, Ekel-tekel. Happy man! Kuan-a-desco-canty-o, Gallopy-wallopy-china-go. 2. Miss Sky-high she was short and squat; She had money, which he had not; To her he then resolved to go, And play her a tune on his little banjo. Chorus: 3. Miss Sky-high heard his notes of love; She held his wash-bowl up above; She poured it on the little man, And that was the end of Chingery-chan. Chorus: Chingery-rico-rico-day, Ekel-tekel. Injured man! Kuan-a-desco-canty-o, Gallopy-wallopy-china-go. From the section on Songs of Amherst (E. C. Brayton), p. 178-179. No author cited. H. R. Waite, Coll. and Ed., 1868, "Carmina Collegensia: A Complete Collection of the Songs of the American Colleges, with Piano-Forte Accompaniment. To Which Is Added a Compendium of College History." Oliver Ditson & Co. New York:-C. H. Ditson & Co. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 19 Jun 07 - 10:41 PM The song was reprinted, without change, in the enlarged "Carmina Collegensia" of 1876. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Azizi Date: 19 Jun 07 - 11:04 PM "Chingery-rico-rico-day" ??! Could "Once in China there lived a great man" be the source [or "a" source] for the children's handclap rhyme "Stella Ella Ola"? If so, there goes my theory about "Stella Ella Ola's Spanish origin... Here's an example of "Stella Ella Ola" for those who aren't familiar with it: Subject: RE: Kids chant Stella Ola Ola / Stella Ella Ola From: GUEST Date: 03 Apr 07 - 01:17 AM wow, i'm surprised i found this...we used to sing it like this in the early 90s Stella ella ola clap clap clap singin' es chico chico chico chico cracker jack es chico chico falo falo i gotta blow my nose so, 1,2,3,4,5! thread.cfm?threadid=77066#1370542 |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 19 Jun 07 - 11:48 PM I doubt a relationship. Chingery Chan was changed around by Louisa May Alcott; I think "Under The Lilacs," where she used it, (1878) is on line (also see the post by Joe up above. There seem to be a number of these songs- children and the writers for them are inventive! On the other hand- |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 20 Jun 07 - 02:26 PM refresh |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST Date: 21 Jun 07 - 05:54 PM Here's the version I learned as a child. Clearly much mutated from but also related to other versions: In Chinatown there lived a man His name was Chickety-Chickety Chan His feet were long and his toes were short And this is the way the Chinamen talk CHORUS: Ooooh, chickety-chee chi-ly chi-lo chickety-rummity inna-ga-waddiya waddiya waddiya chi-na-key inna-banana-ga-watchio [other verses I've forgotten] The Chinaman, he up and died and in his coffin he did lie they shipped him off to old Japan and that was the end of the Chinaman |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,DavidWalters Date: 26 Jun 07 - 08:49 AM Like all old songs this one has many versions and here's the one my mother used to sing: Chickeracka chin chi chi chackerlan Constance lorey hetti petti pan Hoko poko hitterpotta hitterpi Hitterpi hitterpi ee i oh Once there lived a little old man His name was Chickeracka Chin Chi Chan His arms were long and his feet were small Chinese man couldn't walk at all Chickeracka chin chi chi chackerlan Constance lorey hetti petti pan Hoko poko hitterpotta hitterpi Hitterpi hitterpi ee i oh His servants used to carry him about On their backs and the boys would shout, "Here he comes, there he goes, Chinese man with a very long nose." Chickeracka chin chi chi chackerlan Constance lorey hetti petti pan Hoko poko hitterpotta hitterpi Hitterpi hitterpi ee i oh. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Karen Date: 08 Jul 07 - 09:40 PM I remember singing this with my sisters on the base we lived on, not sure which one we first learned it at, but possibly Ottawa. China man had a wife, Didn't know how to handle a knife, Cut her up with a carving knife. Chee chi cho chickalora, Bungalora, Pigy Wiggy Oko, Oko oko, hit him in the coco, Chitter bug, Chitterbug, Chee chi cho cho. And that's all we can remember. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,John Tapscott Date: 12 Jul 07 - 04:28 PM When I was about 5 years old (I'm 60 now) I learned this poem in school by heart I still remember most of the lyrics: Once In China there lived a funny man, His name was Chick-a-rack-a chee-chaw-chan. His nose was long, his legs were short, This Chinese man could walk nor talk. Unfortunately I can't remember the chorus properly. It's something like: Chick-a-rack-a-chee-chaw..... .........con-o-lorum ecko pecko-ann Some of the lyrics quoted in this thread have been close but there is nothing the same as those I learned as a child. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Simon In Leeds Date: 12 Jul 07 - 05:00 PM When I was very young My Uncle made out that my family was originally from China and our imaginary family sang this song to each other. Once in China there lived a great man his name was chika raka chee chi chan his legs were long his feet were small the chinese man he could,t walk at all chikaraka chee chi chor chucoloram condu norum nedi pee nan cat go doogo esty go dee gedygo chika raka chee chi the chinese man. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Janet from Leeds Date: 16 Jul 07 - 11:25 AM I beg to differ with my cousin from Leeds. The words I learned were just slightly different. Only this weekend the family got together, aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, brothers sisters and cousins and recited the poem once more. Once in China there lived a great man, His name was Chika Raka Chee Chi Pan, His legs were long and his feet were small, The poor old man he couldn't wall at all, ChiKa Raka Chee Chi chore chuckalorum, Condu lorum neddy pee nan, Cat go doo go, estigo digeddy go, Chicka Raka Chee Chi the Chineese man. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,R Date: 16 Jul 07 - 06:47 PM Wow! How cool that there is a website on this! My mom was a kindergarden teacher and taught me this song back in the early 70s. I loved it and made her sing it to me over and over and now I sing it to my son...he's only 5 months...unfortunately I won't be able to sing it once he understand and can repeat the words because it has now been deemed politically incorrect, but anyway...here is the version I know: Once there was a China man His name was Chicka chalu Chapan His hair was short, his teeth were long And this is the way he walked along, Chicka chalu chalu Chapan Challapy Allapy, Chicka Challapy Chicka Chalu, Chalu Chapan Challapy Allapy China Man Alas this poor old man he died And in his coffin did reside They shipped him back to old Japan And that was the end of the China Man Chicka chalu chalu Chapan Challapy Allapy, Chicka Challapy Chicka Chalu, Chalu Chapan Challapy Allapy China Man |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,JDW Harrogate Date: 17 Jul 07 - 07:24 AM Regrettably I was unable to attend the recent Family gathering. However as the "Uncle who hails from China" I am delighted to confirm that the version given by my niece Janet (Leeds)is correct & as taught to me by my Mother (her Grandmother). I'm afraid its back to school for you Simon!!! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Janie - Daughter of the Uncle who hails from Date: 18 Jul 07 - 05:39 AM I have to tell you all that I am really quite devastated - I was firmly under the misapprehension that my father's family had actually written the rhyme when they lived in China many years ago - how taken in was i????? I also believed that my father's pigtail was somewhere in the loft at home!! sad really!! Anyway, I have to confirm that my cousin Simon needs to go back to another family gathering so that he can learn chica racka all over again - The words I know are the same as my cousin Janet!! But she has always been right about everything in my life!! xxx |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Guest Date: 18 Jul 07 - 08:58 AM In China once there lived a man his name was chickereye ching chin chang his legs were tall and his feet were small and the chinaman couldnt walk at all his servants used to carry him about on their backs and the people would shout here he comes, there he goes the china man with the monkey nose |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,PenniOther daughter of 'Uncle who hails from Date: 19 Jul 07 - 04:29 AM I was fortunate enough to be present with my cousin Janet at the recent family gathering..... What she omits to mention is the reason we were discussing Once in China - is that it is - or at least used to be - a pre-requisite for any outsider wishing to join our dynasty to be able to recite the ditty. My fiance was attempting to learn said poem prior to being 'allowed' to marry me. I can confirm that the version written by Janet is the same as that provided for him by Aunt Margaret - who also hails from China. How did Simon go so wrong???? I blame the parents!!!! Aunty sybil?? |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Lisa, Witney, Oxon England - Aged 34 Date: 21 Jul 07 - 06:42 AM Wow.... I am trying to teach my five year old boy this rhyme, my aunt used to sing it to me when we used to walk on the moors over Barnsley. Our version was this: In China lived a funny little man His name was Chi Chy Chy Chy Chuckalan His legs was small but his body was tall The Chinese man couldn't walk at all Chi Chy Chy Chy Chy Chuckaloo Chuckaloo loo loo icky picky bum Halabala rush and a by gum day Halabala riding home It took two men to carry him around It made the people laugh and shout Here he comes and there he goes The Chinese man with the turned up toes Chi Chy Chy Chy Chy Chuckaloo Chuckaloo loo loo icky picky bum Halabala rush and a by gum day Halabala riding home..... My memories of this are such happy ones, my little boy loves it and so do I....thanks everyone for sharing your memories. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Al the ole fashioned gal Date: 22 Jul 07 - 10:31 AM We used to sing this in the Brownies and I sang it to my son, he's 12 now and likes me to sing it every now and again. The version I learnt goes In Chinatown there lived a man His name was Chicker Racka Choo Cha Chan His legs were short and his feet were small, and the poor little devil couldn't walk at all. CHORUS Chicker racker choo cha chi chicker nora anti nora wee willy wim oko oko hit him on the boko itta ma itta ma im pim pim. His servants used to carry him about, upon their backs with a merry merry shout, And when they got to the top of the hill they rolled him down like a Beechams pill CHORUS He got married so they say to his wife on his wedding day. Tho he was born on the day of his birth He died on the very last day on earth CHORUS |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Al the ole fashioned gal Date: 22 Jul 07 - 10:36 AM As my mum sang it me from when I was tiny, I sang it to my son (still do now some times).Have never seen it written down so excuse the spelling, I write it as it was sung. Chickaree chick cha la cha la, chicala roma in a bananicka Wollika wollicka can't you see Chickaree chick it's me |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Guest - H Date: 02 Aug 07 - 05:18 PM It made it to Northern Ireland in a slightly different form There was a wee man from Chinatown And his name was Chickalacka Brown His head was big and his feet were small Poor wee man couldn't walk at all Chickalacka, Chickalacka, chychickalora Chychickalora, walla, walla, wack Hoke em, poke em, shill em and soak em Itch iki, itch iki, e i o |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 18 Aug 07 - 08:50 PM the lyrics i grew up with were in china town, there lived a man and his name was ring-a-bing-a-ban his legs were long, feet were short and the poor china man, could hardly walk when he went out, they would shout chi-chic-ari-chak- chi-chic-aloram candi-loram-mani-maniquack oto-koto-etie-kitie-catio-ita-pear-sheet-a-pear eee-en-ko the servent rolled him down the hill they rolled him down like a rolling pill when he went out, they would shout chi-chic-ari-chak- chi-chic-aloram candi-loram-mani-maniquack oto-koto-etie-kitie-catio-ita-pear-sheet-a-pear eee-en-ko ( i cant remember anymore lyrics , all-in-all a very racist song from another generation, but im still trying to find the origins of the rhyme, anyone have any info on this???? )
-Joe Offer- |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,Chickachaloo Date: 19 Aug 07 - 08:53 PM My grandfather sang us this version 30 years ago - now I sing it to my kid :) "Chicka cha loo cha loo chapan Wallapa Wallapa China Man Once there was a China man, his name was Chicka Cha Loo Chapan His head was big and his feet were small So the poor China Man couldn't waaalk! Alas, the china man to die, And in his coffin he did lie, They sent to coffin to Japan and that was the end of the China man! Wallapa Wallapa China Man!" |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,David in Bournemouth, England Date: 23 Aug 07 - 09:38 AM The rhyme I learned from my Dad (1907 - 1984) was complete nonsense and I have no idea where he heard it - or why he learned it off by heart. Nevertheless, I have made sure my kids know it and my grand-daughter too; she does skipping to it. Once in China there lived a man And his name was Chikarak-a-chee chi chan Chickarak-a-chee chi chandi claus Alabalawak, alabalawak, Oto oto itty itty ossify Itty itty ossify T E Joe! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Charley Noble Date: 23 Aug 07 - 11:38 AM I do hope that "The Fish Cheer & I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die Rag" by Country Joe & the Fish has an equally long life as this politically incorrect ditty. The "Fish" song, in my opinion, has some redeeming value. I would still hesitate to sing "Once in China there lived a man" to any general audience unless I first characterized it as an anti-Chinese song. And, yes, I can understand why it's so much fun to sing within the family but it is still a song of ethnic if not racial ridicule. At least mull that over before passing it on to another generation. Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,Poppy Date: 25 Aug 07 - 09:09 PM This morning my mum asked if my father, who died a few years back, ever sung me a song about a little china man with long legs and small feet. It was their special song, and she couldn't remember it - googled it for her and here it is - cool, that will make her very happy... Poppy |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST Date: 10 Sep 07 - 06:08 PM In Chinatown there lived a man His name was Chickety-Chickety Chan His feet were long and his toes were short And this is the way the poor Chinamen talked CHORUS: Ooooh, chickety-chee chi-ly chi-lo chickety-rummo inna-banana-wallya wallya chi-na-key inna-banana-ga-watchio This chinaman had plenty of wealth and lived in a mansion all by himself the people got good and bought him a boat and sent the poor china man off to float Ooooh, chickety-chee chi-ly chi-lo chickety-rummo inna-banana-wallya wallya chi-na-key inna-banana-ga-watchio This Chinaman, finely died and in his coffin he deny they shipped him back to old Japan and that was the end of the poor Chinaman |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,GUEST Billy Date: 24 Sep 07 - 11:08 AM My father who was born in the 1890s sang this song to my brothers, sisters and I during the '30s. We all (9 of us) learned this song and sang it to our children and grandchildren. This is the version we all sang: In China once there lived a great man His name was Chika Raka Chee Chi Pan His legs were long and his feet were small The Chinese man couldn't walk at all Chorus: Chee Chika Raka Chi, Cho Chuka Lorum Con Go Lorum Ina Pee Nam Ek Co To Co, Esee Gossee Gissee Go Edi Bi Tedi Bi Chian Coo The servants use to carry him out Upon their back for the folks to shout: Here he comes and there he goes The Chinese man with the monkeys nose (Chorus) The servants who were grave and grim Determined to put an end to him They took him to the top of a hill And rolled him down like a rolling pin (Chorus) |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,sinky Date: 24 Sep 07 - 08:32 PM once in china there lived a great man he lived with his friend in an old camper van he loved his kung fu,and cup of typhoo and his all the year golden sun tan his back was all covered in hair, and he hangs his coat over a chair when he sits in the pub with his beer and grub he wishes we all could be there BOB DYLAN |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST Date: 30 Sep 07 - 12:46 PM My families version goes like this: Once there was a Chinaman he lived in a mansion all alone his feet were long his legs were short Chinaman couldn't walk or talk chickety loochie loochie la poliver woliver chickety olicer chickety loochie loochie la poliver woliver Chinaman Chinaman he upped and died laid his coffin by his side shipped his body to Japan That was the end of the chinaman |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST Date: 04 Oct 07 - 04:54 AM My grandfathers version went like Once in China there lived a little man And his name was chicarocka, chicarocka ching ching chang His arms were long and his legs were short And this little man could neither walk nor talk. chicarocka chicarocka boom chickarolla acka packa kick him in the boka boom chickarolla bom bay |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,treeboy Date: 11 Oct 07 - 12:43 AM Once in china there lived a little man His name was chingalo ching chong chan His head was big and his feet were small And this little man couldn't walk at all Chingalo chingalo ching chong chan haydee hoedee happy man Jubalo rascal county oh gallapee wallapee chinee-oh Now mrs cayay was short and fat She had money but he was flat So under her window he would go To play her a tune on his old banjo Chingalo chingalo ching chong chan haydee hoedee happy man Jubalo rascal county oh gallapee wallapee chinee-oh Now Mrs. cayay heard notes of love She raised her washboard high above And let it fall on poor cingalo chan That was the end of the china-man Chingalo chingalo ching chong chan haydee hoedee happy man Jubalo rascal county oh gallapee wallapee chinee-oh |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Jim Dixon Date: 12 Oct 07 - 08:38 AM Google Book Search found this in Notes and Queries, ser. 10 v. 2 1904 Jul-Dec, page 507:
Katty had a cow, Kittywarry, kattywarry, I ching go. There was a translation which rather gave itself away by using a proper name dissimilar from anything in the original, which translation ran thus :— Once in China there lived a man, His name was Ratio Tamo Tyrie Tan His legs were long, his feet were small, Chinee feller couldn't walk at all…. "Nominy" is a new word to me. Anybody have access to a dictionary definition? |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,The version I learned Date: 21 Oct 07 - 10:06 AM My mother learned this song in summer camp(50-60's) I'm sure it was modified from what she learnt..I just have never been able to get it out of my head. I was hoping today to find more verses...or even the original song The chorus started slow and each time you sang it sped up. Once in China lived a man his name was Chickarack a chee chi cho his arms were long, his legs were short chinaman could walk nor snort. Chorus Chickarack chee chi cho chicka loro hungo bungo, piggy wiggy wago hoco poko, hit em on the coco chitta by, chitta by, chee chi cho China man had a wife she led him an aweful life she cut his pigtails off so long (fingers an inch apart) and sold them for this chinese song. Chorus (faster than the first time you sang it) China man he did die in a coffin he did lay they sent him back to Old Japan and that was the end of the China man Chorus (as fast as you can - almost tripping over your own tongue) I laughed so had as a kid, my kids laugh too....I think it has to do with the faces you make as you sing the chorus faster and faster. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 21 Oct 07 - 12:59 PM Hey, it's funny because I was looking for the lyrics a year ago and couldn't find a page anywhere that even tried to come up with them. It's so funny how different everyone's versions are. My grandfather's chorus went more like: Chicka chaloo chaloo chapan Alaby Alaby chicka chalalapy Chicka chaloo chaloo chapan Alaby Alaby China man. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 28 Oct 07 - 01:59 PM chickery chick challa challa chickaliomee ina bananika wallikka wallikka cant you see chickery chick is me |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Kim Date: 04 Nov 07 - 10:35 PM my mother taught me this song as soon as learnt how to spealk; Once in China, lived a man his name was Chick a rack a chee chi cho. His arms were long, his legs were short. China man could walk nor snort. Chick a rack a cee chi cho chicka loro, bungo, loro piggy wiggy wago. Ho co po co, hittem on the coco chit a by chit a by che chi cho. China man had a wife, she led him an aweful life cut his pig tales off so long and sold them for this Chinese song. Chorus China man he will die, in a coffin he will lie. send him back to the native land and thats the end of the Chinese man. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,sinky Date: 05 Nov 07 - 12:16 PM once in china there lived a great man he ate a sandwich of brown sauce and spam he ate it too fast,developed bad gas and shat all over his mam |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST Date: 11 Nov 07 - 04:10 PM My Father taught me and my 4 sisters to sing this song...some of them here are close but none spot on. In Chia Town there lived a man His name was chikity chikity chan His feet were long and his toes were short and this is the way the Chinaman talked OH!... Chikity che che Ouchie ow Chicity Romeo eat a banana Gawalla gawalla Chanta kee Eat a banana go ouchi ow This chinaman he had great wealth and lived in a mansion all by himself his neighbors next door bought him a boat and down the river he did float Chorus: (in minor key) This Chinaman was doomed to die and in his coffin he did lie they sent his body to Japan and that was the end of the Chinaman Chorus: |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Wolfrider06 Date: 15 Nov 07 - 05:14 AM Once in China there lived an old man, His name was Chicka Racka Chee Chi Cho Chan His legs were long and his feet were short Poor old man couldn't walk or snort (chorus) Chicka Racka Chee Chi Cho Chicka laro Bungo loro Piggy wiggy wago Oko poko Hit em on the koko Chitty pie chitty pie Chee Chi Cho China man had a wife Led him such an awful life Cut his pigtails Oh so long, Sold them for a chinese song (Chorus) China man he did die In his coffin he did die Now they'll ship him back to Japan That'll be the end of the chinese man (Chorus) China man went to heaven His sail box was number seven He went up on roller skates Rolled right past those pearly gates (Chorus) |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Ray Pearson Date: 16 Nov 07 - 12:31 PM My dad learnt this from his mother - My Dad died 10 years ago. Once in China there lived a funny man And his name was Ikeraka Ching Chong Chan His feet were long and his legs were short And the Chinese man couldn't walk nor talk. Chorus Ikeraka ching chong chow chaka lorum Condo lorum itty pitty wicka Itty my itty my itty itty otiko Itty my itty my chikerang coo The chinese man he grew so stout His servants could not carry him about They took him up to the top of a hill And Rolled him down like a Beecham's pill Chorus |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,Brian Fellows Date: 16 Nov 07 - 05:03 PM I learned this song when I was 10 years old - I am now 71. I wonder how far it goes back? I was living in Birmingham England at the time. How international is its scope? Here are the words I learned. There was a man from China Town His name was Chicker-acker-chu-chi-chan, He wore his whiskers upside down The Chinaman from China Town. Chorus Chicker-acker-chu-chi Chi-chick-a-lora Poly-worla, Poly, wolly, wolly Oko, boko, 'it 'im on the boko Itcha-by, itcha-by, Chewing gum. His head was big, his feet were small, The poor little Chinaman couldn't walk at all They rocked 'im here They rocked 'im there They rocked 'im the bamboo chair. Chorus |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,Brian Fellows Date: 16 Nov 07 - 05:11 PM Here is my 3 year old grand daughter singing the song on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSLYYkEH_nM I wonder if the tune is always the same? |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Pat- They way our Mama sang it Date: 18 Nov 07 - 08:06 AM In China there lived a little man, his name was Ching-a-ling, ching-a- ling, Ching-a-ling Chan, His legs were short, his feet were small, this little man couldn't walk at all. Ching-a-ling, Ching-a-ling, ching-a-ling chan, ride-o, dieg-o, happy man, He rode disco-cordeo, galloping, walloping chine-o Miss Sky-Hi was short and fat, she had money and he had none, Under her window he would go, and play a tune on his little banjo. (chorus) Miss Sky-Hi heard his notes of love, held her wash-board high above Let it fall on Ching-a-ling chan, and that was the last of the China-man. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Guest, Jo Date: 11 Dec 07 - 05:15 PM Trying to improve my typing skills at this late stage of my life, and was typing silly things from memory as practice. When I realized I was likely missing a piece of the first verse of this, I googled some key words and found this "thread". yow. Learned my version on the school bus in the mid-1950s (Cleveland OH, as a first or second grader). The chorus has the "piggy wiggy wacko" line, as in some others above. My verses are similar but never quite the same as any above. I like that the ending comes full circle. Here 'tis: Once there was a Chinaman whose name was Chicka Racka Cuckoo Pan. And this Chinaman he was stout, his servants used to carry him about. They carried him up to the top of the hill and rolled him down after he wrote his will. Chicka racka chee chi cho chicka lora Bungo lora piggy wiggy wacko Hoco poco hit him in the coco chitter by chitter by chee chi cho And this Chinaman he had a wife who led him such a horrible life. She cut his pigtail off so long, and sold it for a set of ping pong. Chicka racka chee chi cho chicka lora, bungo lora piggy wiggy wacko hoko poko, hit him in the coco, chitter by chitter by, chee chi cho. And this Chinaman he did die, and in his grave he did lie. The worms crawled in and the worms crawled out, and now this Chinaman ain't so stout. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,lana Date: 12 Dec 07 - 05:59 PM I don't know all this ditty sung to me by my grandad from 1964 onwards but it has been so amusing reading these threads I feel the need to respond - my grandad was in the army (WW2)and had a clean version and a 'dirty' version that to my mind went something like this: There once as a man and a funny little man His name was Changa Roo Ra Ran His legs were short and his feet were small and the poor little fella couldn't walk at all Chorus: Ey ek e pow wow, ey ek e pow wow, ey ekey ekey man ey echo. Alternatively: for the 'dirty' version! There once was a man and a funny little man and his name was Chinga Roo Ra Ran, his legs were short and his feet were small and the poor little bugger didn't have no balls! same chorus ! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Guest Date: 19 Dec 07 - 05:12 PM I'm from Fargo, North Dakota. I used to love this song when I was a little girl. This is the version I know. THERE WAS A MAN FROM CHINATOWN HIS NAME WAS CHICKARACKA CHEE CHI CHO HIS LEGS WERE LONG, HIS FEET WERE SHORT THE CHINAMAN COULD WALK NOR TALK CHICKARACKA CHEE CHI CHO CHICKALERO BONGO LARO PIGGYWIGGY WAGO HOKO POKO HIT EM ON THE KOKO CHARAMI CHARAMI CHEE CHI CHO THE CHINAMAN, HE HAD A WIFE AND SO THEY LIVED A TERRIBLE LIFE CUT OFF HIS PIGTAILS, WERE SO LONG SOLD THEM FOR A CHINESE GONG CHICKARACKA CHEE CHI CHO CHICKALARO BONGO LARO PIGGYWIGGY WAGO HOKO POKO HIT EM ON THE KOKO CHARAMI CHARAMI CHEE CHI CHO THE CHINAMAN GOT MAD ONE NIGHT SO HE LIT SOME DYNAMITE BLEW UP HIS HOUSE IT WENT SKYHIGH NOW THE CHINAMAN CAN FLY! (REPEAT CHORUS) |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Tra WAY Cool Date: 20 Dec 07 - 10:40 PM When I was about 4, my grandfather taught me this song....this was our version... In China, there lived a silly old man His name was Chee Cho Chi Chookaran His legs were long His feet were small that silly old man , he couldn't walk at all... With a "Chee Cho Chi Cho Chew Chookaran Inky, pinky pa to my grandpa too Talk to my China coo". His servants used to carry him about and the people, they would shout... See there he is See there he goes... That silly old man with the great big nose With a "Chee Cho Chi Cho Chew Chookaran Inky, pinky pa to my grandpa too Talk to my China coo". It is a little far off of what all these versions are. I am wondering now, if he made it his own??!! I would love to hear the melody that you are all thinking of. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Mary Date: 23 Dec 07 - 10:14 AM This is how I learned it when I was a child, and I'm 57 now! My kids laugh at me when I sing this song to my grandbabies! Once in China there was a man His name was Chica Raka Chee Chi Cho The chinese man, he had a wife and oh they led a terrible life she cut off his pigtail it was so long and sold it for a chinese song Chica Raka Chee Chi Cho chickalero Bongo lero piggy wiggy wago Hoco poko hit him in the coco cherimiah cherimiah chi chi cho I can't remember the rest! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,DOWSE Date: 09 Jan 08 - 02:25 PM My father's next door neighbour taught him this song in Denton, Manchester, during the 1960s. I have no idea where it originated from but I was taught the song as a young child. Once in china there lived a great man, His name was Chicka-racka-chee-chi-cho. His legs were long and his feet were short, This China-man couldn't walk or talk. [Chorus] With a chicka-racka-chee-chi co-chicka-lorum con-chicka-lorum alla-balla-wah! oh-co-co-co itchi-bah-itchi-bah-itchi-bah-itchi-bah chinese coke. Took him to the top of a hill and rolled him down like a Beechams pill. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Darren ex-West Bromwich Date: 18 Jan 08 - 11:05 PM My Dad taught this one to me and his Dad taught it to him. Obviously back in the day they had a a hatred for Asian people and made up songs to ridicule them. Once in China there lived a great man His name was Chikiran Chikiran Chan. He had three sons and they all were small, He went to the river and he drowned them all. They were, Chikiran Chikiran Chan Chiko Loro Pongo Loro Merifi Kan, Katgo Yugo Utchi Kutchi Utchi Boi, Utchi Boi Utchi Boi Chinese Cow. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Darren ex-West Bromwich Date: 18 Jan 08 - 11:12 PM Another strange song Grandad taught us was: Once a fellow said to me i know where there is a tree loaded down with blackbird eggs i got a ton to do so just cock your leg upon the wall when down i fell on a 7inch snail stuck right in where the monkey keeps his tail couldnt get a look at it at all I was there a'watchin'em a'watchin'em a dog came into the ballium and he made us laugh I had a ticker about 6 quid coz i was a'watchin all the time |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,in Regina, Saskatchewan canada Date: 13 Feb 08 - 06:51 PM LOL These are so funny! The song I learned in the 60's in Regina, Saskatchewan Canada was: "Once there was a Chinaman His name was Chickeracki Chee Chi Cho his arms were long his legs were short Chinaman could laugh nor snort OOOOOOOOH Chickeracki chee chi cho Chickaloro Bungo Loro eeni meeni mango Hoco Poco hit 'em on the Poco Cheeta-by Cheeta-by Chee chi cho that's about all I remember :) |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Cath Date: 18 Feb 08 - 12:30 PM My mam used to sing this song to us and I have since passed it to my children and now my grandchildren. In fact the two girls (aged 6 & 7) learnt it only last week. My grandparents were from the west of Ireland and I can see the irish influence on the lyrics. I am sure we were only taught two verses. Once in china there lived a funny man His name was Shigga-wagga-she-shi-sham His head was large and his feet were small The funny little man he couldn't walk at all Shigga wagga she shi sham shigalorum On my orum paddy waddy wy Oko oko diddy pie diddy pie Diddy pie diddy pie Shi anko His servants used to carry him about On the mountains they would shout Here he comes There he goes The funny little man with the big red nose Repeat Chorus" I dont accept that it is a racist song as the peculiarities could be attributed to almost any race. I think it is brilliant that there are so many versions around. My mam also used to sing the Charlie Chaplin song. cath |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Denise Date: 27 Feb 08 - 01:35 AM Once in china there lived a funny man His name was Chickeracker Ching Chine Chan His arms were long and his legs were short This funny man could Laugh nor talk.... Chickeracker ching chine o Cockerlaw rum Boom Tiddy Or Rum Willy willy Wack. I was convinced that my grandfather made this up..Lol... Because I had never heard it from any one before...... Funny how there are many different versons..... I wonder if it has every been in print or just passed on verbally... It has been the first poem taught to our family children through the generations... If anyone knows who wrote it or if it is in print I would love to know? |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,denise Date: 27 Feb 08 - 01:57 AM How funny....I thought my grand father had made this up too. I had never heard anyone else say it. Our verson is different again.. Once in china there lived a funny man His name was Chickeracker Ching Chine Chan His arms were long and his legs were short this funny man could laugh nor talk chicderacker ching chine o cocker law rum Boom tiddy or rum willy willy wack I think that my grandfather changed the Walk and Talk part because is brother had lost a leg in a Prisoner of War Camp... My grandfather was from Kent England... All our family and cousin were taught this as soon as they could talk. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,guestokc Date: 05 Mar 08 - 11:00 AM Hiliarious...My family might have changed it from Chingery to Chinglaling, but this is how i learned it....... In Chinatown there lived a little man, his name was Chingaling...Chingaling Chan His legs were short and his feet were small, this little man couldn't walk at all. CHORUS Chingaling Chan chingaling chan Hi-Oh-Di-Oh Raggedy Man Cordy Disco Cordy Oh Gallopin' Wallopin' China Oh Mrs. Way High up Above She had money he had love To her window he would go to play her a song on his little banjo CHORUS Mrs. Way High up Above Held her wash board high above, Let it drop on Chingaling Chan That was the end of the Chinaman. CHORUS |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,norman perrin Date: 17 Mar 08 - 08:08 AM lovely gen,but I don't see any references to the popular nonsense song heard so often on the wireless(sic!) in the late '40s not long after that other "classic" Mairzy Doats and Dozy Doats etc.Q's entry on 07 jun 07 has the chorus right,but there was more and no refs to a chinaman dead or alive. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Steve Gardham Date: 17 Mar 08 - 06:44 PM Hi, This thread has been running for 3 years now and nobody has bothered to post the original. What a wonderful collection of variants though! I'd be interested to know if they all go to the same tune. My parents sang their version to the ubiquitous first strain of 'In and out the windows'/'So early in the morning'/'Blue-tail fly' etc. I'd say it dates at least from 1840 if not earlier as the earliest printer on broadside I have record of is John Pitts of 7 Dials London and he was in business before 1800. The usual title is 'Chinaman with a/the/his Monkey Nose' This is the version printed by Bebbington of Manchester c1850 In China once there dwelt a great man His name was Chick-a-chack-tan-ran-tan, His legs were long and his feet so small this Chinaman couldn't walk at all, His servants used to carry him out, Upon their backs, and the folks would shout, O, lookee here comes!'--oh, dere he goes! 'The Chinaman with a Monkey Nose. So Chickara-Choo-Chi-Cho-Chut-La Chokolo roonee, ning o ping nang, Padoger was dusta canta kee, Gunnee po hutto pi China coo! There are 4 more double verses Looking at line 7 above I would guess it originated as an early solo minstrel-type song. It predates the Virginia Minstrels but there were plenty of solo blackface performers in Britain even back as far as the 18thc. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 17 Mar 08 - 07:13 PM I learned it as follows: Once in China there lived a tall man His name was Chickarecka Chee Chy Cho The Chinese man could not walk nor talk His servants had to carry him about. Refrain: Chickarecka Chee Chy Cho Chickaloro Bon-go lor-o piggy-wiggy wag-oh Ho cho cho cho hit him on the ko-ko Chit-a-by, chit-a-by, Chee Chi (pronounced Chai) Cho The Chinese man he grew so stout His servants had to car-ry him about. They took him up to the top of the hill, And rolled him down like a rolling pin. REFRAIN (repeat) |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE CHINA MAN WITH HIS MONKEY NOSE From: Jim Dixon Date: 19 Mar 08 - 08:13 AM "Nobody has bothered to post the original"! Please, Mr. Gardham, you do us an injustice! You imply that we knew where to find the original, or that the original would have been easily found! I assure you, there is no lack of diligent searchers at Mudcat, but once in a while, we search and we fail to find. I see now that The Bodleian Library collection of ballads has 7 versions of songs beginning "In China once there dwelt a great man" but none of them was printed by Bebbington of Manchester. Where did you find yours? Here's the Pitts version, catalogued as Harding B 11(1415): THE CHINA MAN WITH HIS MONKEY NOSE. In China once there dwelt a great man. His name was Chick-chack-tan-a-ran-tan. His legs were long and his feet so small, This China man couldn't walk at all. His servants used to carry him out, Upon their backs, and the folks would shout, 'O, lookee here comes'--'Oh, dere he goes! The China man with his Monkey Nose. So Chickara-Choo-Chi-Cho-Chut-la Chockolo roonee, ning o ping nang, Padoger wa dusta canta kee, Gunnee po hottee pi China coo.' This China man had plenty of pelf. He liv'd in a mansion by himself, And next door was his servant's abode. Now was not that a singular mode? Two men he hired to carry him out, But they turn'd out to be robbers stout. He paid them well, and gave them clothes, The China man with his Monkey Nose. So Chickara, &c. One day this China man fell in love, And fancied, he said, miss Telto Dove; So one of his servants carried him quick. The other bent forward with a stick. On a two legg'd horse, he look'd such a gill. They took him some miles and stopt on a hill, Then into a ditch the robber throws The China man with his Monkey Nose. So Chickara, &c. Some China ladies then from the town Ran up the hill and roll'd him down From top to bottom. They then began To tickle and play with the China man. From him they most took all his breath, For they nearly kissed this man to death. At any rate, they all stopp'd his woes, The China man with his Monkey Nose. So Chickara, &c. These Chinese ladies, so fine and gay, Resolv'd to carry him home next day; So safe at his house they reach'd once more With all the ladies, and lock'd the door. The robbers plunder'd his house entire, Then set the ladies and him on fire. All in the house had a fire repose, The China man and his Monkey Nose. So Chickara, &c. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 20 Mar 08 - 04:41 PM IN CHINA ONCE THERE LIVED A MAN HIS NAME WAS CRACKER RACKA ROO SHI SHAN HIS LEGS WERE LONG HIS FEET WERE SHORT THE POOR OLD MAN COULD HARDLE WALK THEY ROLLED HIM HERE, THEY ROLLED HIM THERE THEY SAT HIM IN A BAMBOO CHAIR HO HO HO CHITTA BYE LAY ING CHEE AND CO |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Steve Gardham Date: 20 Mar 08 - 06:58 PM Sorry, Jim. Didn't mean to be rude or clever. The Bebbington/Pearson version is In Manchester Central Library. I didn't bother noting down the Bodl versions cos I already had lots of versions. I have records of the following printers printing it in addition to Bebbington/Pearson no386 which is also in the Baring Gould BL collection. Sanderson, Edinburgh Poet's Box, Glasgow. Hodges/Ryle/Such, London probably all derived from your Pitts version Booth, Hyde The Roud Index probably gives more. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Jim Dixon Date: 21 Mar 08 - 09:02 PM Well, I did mean to be clever, but not rude. Welcome to Mudcat. I am impressed by your interest in broadsides. Please stick around and look at other threads. From time to time, we do find that lots of "folk" songs can be traced to broadsides, or old popular music, music-hall, and so on. It could be helpful to have someone around who is interested in tracking them down. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,Emily Date: 11 Apr 08 - 02:32 PM My grandfather used to sing this song to me and my brother. The stanza we remember is: In china lived a china man his name was ring a ling chan chan chan he worked his fingers to the bone wasn't he a curious soul oooooo Chingaling Chango Rango Ray Fiddle-dee-dee and a happy day! cure my fist with a calapee pole calapee wallopee chinie ohhh... |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,steve Date: 11 Apr 08 - 08:56 PM Im not the greatest on spelling but i sang this at school and remember it all, this is the version i was taught. once long ago there lived a funny man his name was ikerrocker ickerocker ran his legs were long and his feet were small and he coudlnt walk at all, inee meinee ming mong ping pong chow easye vease valkazise easy veasy vow emnie meinee makara lacker rar re chickerlacker dominacker lolipoper on bomp bush i know the rest if you want email me darkvale@blueyonder.co.uk |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,From my grandmother Date: 13 Apr 08 - 07:07 PM I learned a version of this from my grandmother when I was little: In Chinatown there lived a man His name was Ring a ting a tang His body was short, his leg were slim Ollie ga wallie ga Chinaman Chickara coo cha coo cha ra Chack a roni made a pee olla pee Olla pee dusk a China chew Ollie ga wallie ga Chinaman The Chinaman he lived in wealth He lived in a mansion alll by himself He sent his servant to Japan To buy some tea for the china Man Chickara coo cha coo cha ra Chack a roni made a pee olla pee Olla pee dusk a China chew Ollie ga wallie ga Chinaman The Chinaman well he did die And in his coffin he did lie The sent his body to Japan And that was the end of the Chinaman |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Susan from NJ Date: 14 Apr 08 - 07:16 PM My mom is 88 and I'm 62. I remember her singing it to me when I was a child. To the best of my recollection it went: In China once there lived a man His name was Chickety Chickety Chan His feet were long and his toes were short And this is the way the Chinaman spoke. Oh. . . Chickalee chall-I chall-o Chickalo romeo in a bananago Alago walago chanticlee In a bananago out you go Oh. . . This poor Chinaman he did die And in his coffin he did lie They shipped him back to old Japan And this is the way his epitaph ran Oh. . . Chorus |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Leadfingers Date: 15 Apr 08 - 07:45 AM 100 |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Leadfingers Date: 15 Apr 08 - 07:46 AM Not bad - Nine and a half years to clock the hundred !! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,John from Kemsing Date: 15 Apr 08 - 11:22 AM I offer a lyric for 2008. Once in China there lived a great man. They called him Chairman Mao. He learned so much on the world wide web. He doesn`t live there now Ch:- Choo, Chin, Choo Chin Chow Where the hell is Chairman Mao.? No one else was allowed to surf Just Mao and a couple of mates They saw the big cars and Disneyland And decided to go to the States Ch: He got to love the burgers and chips They sold in Tiannanmen Square He got brassed off with rice every day It was more than he could bear. Ch: He saw there was dollars in real estate Made a killing in Shanghai Packed his bags, stuffed full of loot Then flew to the U.S.of A. Ch. He hasn`t been seen for a couple of years But Ive heard and it`s not just talk. He bought the whole McDonalds chain Now lives "high on the hog" in New York. Ch: |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,nitin in pensacola florida Date: 15 Apr 08 - 04:47 PM my father used to recite this song to me... when i was a kid. now i'm in my mid twenties, and wish i had this written down. my fahter learned it in a catholic school growing up in indonesia ----------- Once in China there was an old man His name was Chickeracka Chee Chi Cho His legs were short, his feet were small And this China man couldnt walk at all Chickeracka Chee Chi Cho Limmer On A Bon Pomma Diddy Ora Paddy Waddy Wack Oake Po, Oake Po Here we go, here we go chee chi cho! This China man had plenty of wealth He lived in a mansion all to himself His feet were large and his head was small This China man had no brains at all Chickeracka Chee Chi Cho Limmer On A Bon Pomma Diddy Ora Paddy Waddy Wack Oake Po, Oake Po Here we go, here we go chee chi cho! His servants used to carry him about On their backs and the boys would shout, "Here he comes, there he goes, China man with a very long nose." Chickeracka Chee Chi Cho Limmer On A Bon Pomma Diddy Ora Paddy Waddy Wack Oake Po, Oake Po Here we go, here we go chee chi cho! Once a servant took him out Treated him to a glass of stout When they got to the top of the hill The Chinese man felt very ill Chickeracka Chee Chi Cho Limmer On A Bon Pomma Diddy Ora Paddy Waddy Wack Oake Po, Oake Po Here we go, here we go, chee chi cho! He got married or so they say To his wife on his wedding day On that day she bought him a boat And in it she set the China man afloat |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Julie Date: 21 Apr 08 - 11:50 AM This is the one I remember when I was young. There was a little old china man His name was Chicka Chalooch Chapan His teeth were short and his nails were long and this is the way he went along Chicha Chalooch Chalooch Chapan Allapy Allapy Chicka Chalolopy Chicka Chalooch Chalooch Chapan Allapy Allapy China man |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,lyricman Date: 02 May 08 - 03:29 PM In China once there lived a great man his name was Chic-a-roca-re-cha-chan, His body was long and his feet were small, the Chinaman could not walk at all, Chorus: Chic-a-roca-re-cha, chic-chic-a-lora, gonga-lora, bang wang wang, hoco doco hit 'em on the coco, diddy boy, diddy boy chico, His servants used to carry him about, on their backs and the men would shout, "Here he comes, and there he goes, the Chinaman with the turned up toes" Chorus |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,EWI Date: 04 May 08 - 08:57 AM My grandmother, born in 1899 used to sing this to me. In China there lived a little man. His name was Chingaly Ching Ching Chan. His head was big and his feet were small, So this little man couldn't walk at all. Singing...Chingally Chingally Ching Ching Chan Deego, Deego happy man. Curo, presto, canty-lo. Gallupin' Wallupin' Chinee-o |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Emily Date: 04 May 08 - 08:29 PM Does anyone know where I could HEAR the music to this little song....my grandma used to sing this to my dad, and after googling it, we found these threads!! My dad remembers the chorus, but we would love to hear how the whole song is sung! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Nikki C from South Coast England Date: 06 May 08 - 11:32 AM Didn't realise you could put your name on! If anyone has a book with the rhyme in could you let me know what it is called please? I'd love for my neice to own it! Thanks :-D Nikki |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,AC Date: 18 May 08 - 03:51 AM My family version went:- In China once there lived a great man His name was Chiracker Che Chi Chan He was so big, he was so stout, The servant girls had to carry him about Singing Chiracker Che Chi, Chanelackererlorum Congo Lorum Eckipecki Wan Ocopoco Ititittytottyto Ittypi,ittypi see em coo!! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Ron Date: 18 May 08 - 11:47 AM My mom taught me this one: In chinatown there lived a man his name was chick-a-la chick-a-la chan, His toes were short and his feet were long, And this is the way his epitaph ran: "Oh, Chick-a-lee Cha-lie Cha-lo, Chick-a-la Romeo in a Banana-go Wallago wallago can't cha see? In a banana-go out, chow!" I hope you like the version... |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST Date: 22 May 08 - 08:15 AM Here's the Irish Catholic Massachusetts version: There once in China lived a man A little bit of a China man He was a funny little man This little bit of a China man mee-allah-mee-oush, mee-allah-mee-oush little bit of a china man |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST Date: 22 May 08 - 09:38 AM Odd how many different versions of this song are out there... The version my grandmother (Southeastern US) taught me: Once there was a Chinaman And his name was Chingery Chan His hair was long and his toes were short The poor old man couldn't hardly walk. CHORUS: Chickety Luch-eye Luch-eye Lye Alacabamaco Chickety Alaco Chickety Luch-eye Luch-eye Lye Alacabamaco Chinaman! When that Chinaman did die, In his coffin he did lie, In his coffin of Japan, That was the end of the Chinaman! (REPEAT CHORUS) |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,Ethan Date: 26 May 08 - 09:12 PM Our version, that my family has sang goes like this: Once in china there lived a man Named cherimiah cherimiah chee chi cho This man he had a wife And oh they lived a terrible life He cut off her pigtail which was so long And sold it for a chinese song: Cherimiah, Cherimiah Chee Chi Cho Chikalero Bungalero Ho-ko Po-ko Hit him on the koko Cherimiah Cherimiah Chee Chi Cho |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Cush Date: 28 May 08 - 04:19 PM There was a wee man from China town His name was Mr Chickalaka Brown Chickalacka Chickalaka chine Chickalorum CHine chickalorum mwala mwala mo Moko Moko Sat apon a soko Itchy go Itchy go ee I o He sailed far away across the sea His ship was wrecked and so was he! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Stacey Charlesworth Date: 31 May 08 - 03:50 PM Anyone know this version? Can't quite get my head around all this!!! Was Googling the lyrics, attempting to impress my mother with the wonders of the internet - it worked big time...thoght I think she thinks there is still a correct version, hers! She's 82,from Cheshire, England and was taught it by her mother, passed it on to me, and my sister, who has taught it to her granddaughter, 2 and a half. Once there was a great big man His name was Chickaracca Chee Chi Chum His legs were long and his feet were small This Chinaman couldn't walk at all Chicka Racka Chee Chi I Conka Lorum Conka Lorum Packa Wacka Whack His servants used to carry him about Upon their backs The men did shout Chicka Racka Chee Chi I Conka Lorum Conka Lorum Packa Wacka Whack They took him to the top of a hill And rolled him down like a rolling pin Chicka Racka Chee Chi I Conka Lorum Conka Lorum Packa Wacka Whack Oko Poko Itty Pitty Cotty Pie Itty Pie Cotty Pie Co in Choo |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Guest Leila Date: 02 Jun 08 - 03:41 PM Here's the version I learned at summer camp in southern Saskatchewan in the 1960s. China man had a wife She led him a terrible life Cut his pig-tails off so long Sold them for a Chinese song Chorus Oh chick-a-ratta-chee-chi-cho-chick-a-rollo Bungo-rollo-peenie-weenie-wango Oh-co-po-co-hit him on the co-co Chit-a-back-a-chit-a-back-a chee-chi-cho China man very stout Servants carried him all about Took him to the top of a hill Rolled him down like an aspirin pill Chorus China man he will die In his coffin he will lie Carry him back to old Japan That's the end of the China man Chorus (And the reason that he had to be buried in Japan instead of China is because he no longer had long pig-tails.) |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Mad Date: 08 Jun 08 - 04:05 PM The version I learned from my grandmother goes like this: Once there was a Chineseman His name was Chikka Rakka Chi Chai Cho His feet were long and his arms were short This Chinese man couldn't walk nor talk Chikka Rakka Chi Chai Cho chikalera Bungalera piggy wiggy waggle Ogo pogo anna banna coco Cheraby cheraby chi chai cho This Chinese man, he had a wife And oh, they lived a terrible life She cut off his pigtail, it was too long And sold it for a Chinese song Chikka Rakka Chi Chai Cho chikalera Bungalera piggy wiggy waggle Ogo pogo ana bana coco Cheraby cheraby chi chai cho It was always accompanied by a lot of clapping. I always thought she had made it up, so I'm happy to know that there are other people out there with their own versions of it. Makes me feel less crazy somehow :) |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Helen, Lancashire, UK Date: 09 Jun 08 - 05:36 PM There was a family version sung by all the womenfolk on my maternal grandmothers side to their children, I have memories of my gran and several of her many sisters singing at family gatherings. The only verse of our version that I remember clearly went: The Chinaman was very,very fat and his servants they were very,very thin They took him up to the top of the hill and they rolled him down like a rolling pin! Chicka Racka Chee Chi Chan Chackalorum Condolorum ecky pecky weck Oko Coko, oochy, coochy, oochy boy Itchi pie, Itchi Pie Shee in coo |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Guest-Charley T Date: 09 Jun 08 - 05:37 PM My mother, who passed away not long ago at the age of 99, told me she learned this version from a sailor who visited her family when she was a wee girl in Scotland-that would have been sometime around 1913 or 1914: In China once there lived a great man, his name was Chicarac a Chee Chow Chan. Now his legs were long and his feet were small, and the Chinaman couldn't walk at all, with his Chicaracka chee chow chan, condolorum, mondolorum,many pea cat. You go, I go, etty, cotty, kitty ko, atcha pie, china pie, chinee co. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,Chili Date: 16 Jun 08 - 06:35 AM This us the version i learnt Once in China there lived a great man His name was chikeraka choo chi chan His legs were long and his feet were small And this little china man he couldtn walk at all Ohhhhhhhhhh Chikaraka choo chi chan cho chokalora cokalora lelipy man Taki tooki etcha catcha citcha co Etcha pie etcha pie lelipy man They walked him up to the top of the hill and They rolled him down like a rolling pin (repeat chorus) He lived until he he died As most people do And now you've got the history of Chikeraka choo (Repeat weird chorus once more) Good old fun ryhme....hell to say when you're a tot though |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,PigglyWiggly in the UK Date: 16 Jun 08 - 01:24 PM My dad tought my sister and I this when we were much younger - I never found out where he learnt it!! It muct have travelled all around the world as we are in London!! Once in china there lived a funny man His name was chickeracka choo chi chan His arms were long and his feet were short The poor old china man could hardly walk Chickeracka Chickeracka Choo chi norum Punchy norum Alla walla wax Hokey Cokey Hit him on the Bokey Itchy Cotchy Itchy Cotchy Winkle Now this old China man went to sea To see the sights of Kangaree The ship got wrecked and so you see The poor old China Man was drownded Chickeracka Chickeracka Choo chi norum Punchy norum Alla walla wax Hokey Cokey Hit him on the Bokey Itchy Cotchy Itchy Cotchy Winkle |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Richard Latker Date: 25 Jun 08 - 04:32 PM Hi Emily I'd like to ask you some questions about your grandfather, A.W. Jeffreys. I'm at pristine@netvigator.com Thanks, Richard |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Coveynov12 Date: 16 Jul 08 - 10:59 AM My mom taught me this from the camp that she used to go to. I go to the same camp now, but they don't sing it anymore for understanible reasons. I still like the song because it is catchy. There was a man from china town His name was Ikichicka - chi- cho - chow His legs were long and his feet were short Poor old man he could hardly walk Chorus: ChorIkichicka - chi- cho - chow chickolora Bobtail lora paddy wack wack Oko moko hit 'em on the coco Hit 'em hard hit 'em hard There he goes!! He had servant carry him about Up on the mountain they would shout "Here he comes and there he goes - poor old man with the turned up toes" Chorus: ChorIkichicka - chi- cho - chow chickolora Bobtail lora paddy wack wack Oko moko hit 'em on the coco Hit 'em hard hit 'em hard There he goes!! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,Bess Date: 18 Jul 08 - 11:54 AM Holy cow, I had no idea that there were so many versions of this song. I learned this from my Quaker Liberal relatives who are now embarrassed to sing it because of it's racist overtones! Chinkety Chinkety Chan In Chinatown there lived a man His name was Chinkety Chinkety Chan His feet were long and his toes were short And this is the way the poor Chinaman talked: Ohhhhhhhhhh- Chinkety-chee Cha-lye Cha-lo Chinkety Romeo in a banana-ga Wallika wallika chanikee In a bannana-ga WAH-chee-yow! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,KJS Somerset England Date: 09 Aug 08 - 05:45 PM My mother used to sing this lyric to me at the age of 5 I am now 74. In China once there lived a man, His name was Chickerty Ran Chan Chan His legs were long and his feet were short That Chinaman he could not walk, He hired three ment to carry him out Upon their backs how he did shout He paid them well, found them in clothes That Chinaman with a monkey's nose Chickerty Ran Chan Char Co Loo Char Co Loo said Giggypo Nan Go to the dust O Cancer Koo Giddy poor ninny poor Chinaman. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,Donna Date: 16 Aug 08 - 03:20 AM My husband learned this when he was a boy in Canada. in the 1930's our kids and all the nieces and nephews learned it as well. Chickaracka chichichan Once in China there lived a great man His name was Chickaracka chichichan His legs were long and his feet were small Chinese man couldn't walk at all. Chorus: Chickaracka chichi cho chicka lorum pum tick a lorum paddy waddy wack Oklo oklo iddy by iddy by she backo Chinese men used to carry him about upon their backs so he could shout Here he comes and there he goes Chinese man with the handsome nose Chorus: |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Jessica Lightfoot Date: 18 Aug 08 - 10:13 PM My grandmother used to sing this diddy to me when I was a little girl riding beside her in her car. She always said that there were more versuses that she couldn't remember. I was happy to find additional ones from your blog. My grandmother is now 84. This is what Gigi would sing to me and my siblings and cousins. Once there was a China man, his name was chicka cha looch a pan, his teeth were sharp, his nails were long, and this is the way he'd travel along- Chicka cha looch a looch a pan, aloppy aloppy, Chicka ja alopy, Then one day, the man he died, in his coffin he did lie, they shipped his body to Japan, and that was the end of the Chinaman. Chicka cha lutch a lutch a pan, aloppy aloppy, Chinaman. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Alan Cohen, Beer Sheva, Israel Date: 20 Aug 08 - 03:37 PM My mother used to sing this song to me and my sisters when we were small and we have passed it on to our own kids. She says she learnt it from her father. Her version is as follows: Once in China, there lived a funny man His name was Chikeraka Chu Chai Chan His legs were long and his feet were short The poor old man could hardly walk Chorus: Chikeraka chu chai chay chakalora Bonjiora alla walla wax Okey pokey hit him on the nokey Itchy cotchy itchy cotchy winkle Now this old man he went to see To see the sights of Kangaree The ship got wrecked and so you see The poor old man was drownded Repeat chorus |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Nikki TG Date: 29 Aug 08 - 03:40 PM My Grandad Dave has taught my entire family this version of the song and we all embarrass ourselves infront of our partners at family get togethers by singing it! Vs 1 In china town there lived a man his name was chicaraca chee chi chan his legs were long and his feet were small china man couldnt walk at all Chorus Chicaraker chee chi cho chicanorah condy nora iddy widy win otoe otoe hit him on the boto iddy pie iddy pie imm pimm pimm Vs 2 The cause of his infirmity was very simple you can see he waked to France on a railway track and wore his feet out coming back Chorus Chicaraker chee chi cho chicanorah condy nora iddy widy win otoe otoe hit him on the boto iddy pie iddy pie imm pimm pimm Now China man got married they say to his wife on his wedding day although he was born on the day of his birth he died on his very last day on earth! Chorus Chicaraker chee chi cho chicanorah condy nora iddy widy win otoe otoe hit him on the boto iddy pie iddy pie imm pimm pimm We plan on passing down!! i noticed no one had posted this version yet! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Jim Knowledge Date: 30 Aug 08 - 03:20 PM I `ad that Chinaman in my cab once. I `ad to take him from SOHO to Carnaby street. `e was after some new clobber from that poncy shop that used to be next to the "Bunch of Grapes. I said, "`ere, are you that Chinaman there all singing about. They reckon you`ve got long legs, little feet, turned up toes, funny teef and `as to be carried about `cos you can`t walk?" `e said, "nah, it`s all a load of borrocks. It`s just a flont I put on but it don`t `arf dlaw the punters in to my "Peking Parace"!!" Whaddam I like?? |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,canada Date: 07 Sep 08 - 10:02 PM once in china there lived a little man, his name was chicka racka chee chi cho. His legs were long and his feet were short. This little man could neither walk nor talk. (chorus) Chicka racka chee chi unga lora, bunga lora, iggy piggy wago. Oko poko hit him on the coco. Chitapie chitapie, chee chi cho. This little man he grew so stout, the servants had to carry him about. They took him up to the top of a hill and rolled him down with a rolling pin. Chorus |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Chris Gibbons Birmingham UK Date: 13 Sep 08 - 05:08 PM Earlier today I was at a friends house and someone said, 'Once in China' and everyone looked amazed when for the first time in fifty years I immediately said the first verse, I could not remember the chorus--I leant it as a small child from my grandmother who was born in Meiktilla in Burma and I know she leant it from her Aya, nurse, I thought the chorus was Burmese which was why I could not remember it ---so I googled it. I am amazed at how many versions there are. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Bill, Grantham Date: 29 Sep 08 - 02:23 PM My mum who came to the UK from India in 1948 sang this version: In China once there lived a great man His name was Chickeracka Chee Chi Cho Chickeracka Chee Chi Cho Chickalorum Conday Lorum, One a pack a one His legs were long & his feet were small This Chinaman couldn't walk at all Chickeracka Chee Chi Cho Chickalorum Conday Lorum one a pack a one Oh toh toh toh, itti kitty catty co Ittipie, ittipie, chi chi cho |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Steve Morris Date: 30 Sep 08 - 07:28 AM And I thought the only version was:- In China once there lived an old man, His name was Chikka-Rakka-Ching-Chang-Chang, His legs were long,his feet were small, This Chinaman,he couldn't walk at all. So-o-o-o:- (Big Breath) Chikka-Rakka-Ching-Chang,Kongalore,Kokalore,Ekki-Pekki-Mo, Okka-Okka,stick him on a poker, Ate a cow,ate a cow,ee en chew, Ra-ra chikkara,chikkara rooney, Rooney-pooney,ping-pang-piney, Kar-rah-raxi,Chinese ching! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Jennifer Date: 23 Oct 08 - 10:35 AM I learned this version from my mother and we thought we were the only family who knew this rhyme as all my friends had never heard of it. I have taught it to my children and grandchilren so we are contining the tradiion. In China once there lived a great man His name was Chickeraka chee chi pan His legs were long, and his feet were small So this Chinaman couldn't walk at all With a Chickeracka chee chi cho cockerlorum, conderlorum up in nine Cat go doo go esticotikitico Ettipie tittipie Chinese coo The servants used to carry him out On their backs till the folks did shout And when they got to the top of the hill They rolled him down like a rolling pin. With a Repeat chorus. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Ronnie Graham, Australia, Date: 26 Oct 08 - 06:25 AM i learnt this song in grade 5[1978]. once upon a time in a land called chat there lived a funny funny little man, his nose was long and his feet were short and the poor little follow couldn;t walk or talk, chikka and a choo cha chan chik a door punch and polly polly polly wack oke oke etchi ka etchi ka, etchi ka etchi ka oke oke oke. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Azizi Date: 26 Oct 08 - 08:53 AM I'd like to make some random comments about this rhyme: From reading the comments posted on this thread, it appears that few people have included in their posts any acknowledgement of the fact that the words of "Once In China There Lived A Great Man" ridicules Chinese people. One poster who did recognize this was GUEST,Darren ex-West Bromwich; 18 Jan 08 - 11:05 PM. Darren posted this comment: "My Dad taught this one to me and his Dad taught it to him. Obviously back in the day they had a a hatred for Asian people and made up songs to ridicule them" -snip- Another poster who recognized the "socially incorrect" nature of this apparently fondly remembered rhyme is GUEST,Hugh Date: 10 Feb 07 - 05:22 PM who wrote: "I remember a song I heard at summer camp in Canada in the 60s. Unthinkable that anyone would sing it now. -snip- Guest Hugh may have meant that he considers it unthinkable that this song would be sung in public at camp. It would be interesting to see what Chinese people think of this rhyme. I hope that if {since} this rhyme continues to be passed down to children that at the very least some acknowledgement of this fact is made by the adults who are carrying on this tradition. And I hope that those who pass this rhyme on to their children reinforce that it isn't good to make fun of people because of their race, ethnicity and/or nationality. That said, I believe discussion threads like this one serve are important as they help document the variant texts of folk rhymes and folk songs. [See my earlier comments to this thread about the possible connection between "Once In China"... and other certain other children's rhymes]. I think that community folklorists, professional folklorists, and the general public have only begun to recognize the importance of text based Internet discussion forums such as Mudcat as a means of documenting, studying, and passing on the words to children's rhymes/songs and other folk songs. And, hopefully, in the immediate future, more and more people will also recognize the huge role that Internet sites such as YouTube can serve in helping to document, study, and disseminate not only the words,but also the tunes, and any performance activities of these examples of folk culture. GUEST,Brian Fellows 16 Nov 07 - 05:11 PM appears to be the only person so far to post a URL to a YouTube video of "Once In China There Lived A Great Man". Along with that website address, Brian Fellows adked "I wonder if the tune is always the same?" Here's the hyperlink to that YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSLYYkEH_nM For some reason that video clip is titled "Chewing Gum". I searched for this rhyme on YouTube under its title, and there doesn't appear to be any entries of it as of this date. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 06 Nov 08 - 06:45 PM That sounds so familiar...but the version I learned goes like this: Once there was a chinese man His name was Chicka-laka-Chee-Chi-Cho His arms were long his legs were short He could neither talk nor snort Chicka-Laka-Chee-Chi-Cho Chitta-laura Bongo-loro-piggy-wiggy-wora Hoko-Poko Hit-em-on-the-toko Chiggy-man Chiggy-man Chee-Chi-Cho The Chinese man had a wife Oh she had an awful life She his pigtail off so long Sold it for a Chinese Song Chicka-Laka-Chee-Chi-Cho Chitta-laura Bongo-loro-piggy-wiggy-wora Hoko-Poko Hit-em-on-the-toko Chiggy-man Chiggy-man Chee-Chi-Cho The Chinese man he will die In his coffin he will lie Then they'll ship him back to Japan That is the end of the chinese man Chicka-Laka-Chee-Chi-Cho Chitta-laura Bongo-loro-piggy-wiggy-wora Hoko-Poko Hit-em-on-the-toko Chiggy-man Chiggy-man Chee-Chi-Cho |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,brian f Date: 12 Nov 08 - 11:05 AM As many other replies have started...my Mother sang this to me when I was young...S. Ontario Canada, early 1960's...hers sounded like this: There once was a Chinaman His name was Chicka raka chee chi cho His arms were long, his legs were short Chinaman could walk nor snort Chorus: Chicka raka chee chi cho chickaloro Bungaloro piggy piggy waggle* Hoko poko hit 'em on the coco Chitterbye chitterbye chee chi cho Chinaman had a wife Gave him trouble all his life Cut his pigtails off so long Sold them for a China song (Chorus) Chinaman he will die In his coffin he will lie Then they'll ship him off to Japan And that's the end of the Chinaman (Chorus) *(accompanied by grabbing the "piggy toe" and wiggling) I must say that in my area of Canada at that time we really knew nothing of other races as kids and the one or two "chinamen" or "negro persons" or any other race or nationality were regarded with a simple wonder and nothing like hatred. Ignorance is a bad thing, but sometimes simple naivete is bliss. We took these people on as friends just like any other... |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Guest33 Date: 16 Nov 08 - 11:00 PM I'm glad I found this thread! I've had this song stuck in my head. My mom was from Hammond/Chicago, and grew up in the 1930s. She sang a lot of silly war songs (The coffee in the Army...) and ethnic ditties of a sort that is not considered funny today (Snowball). Another Guest gave us a variant that is very close to what she would sing. I remember the tune, by the way, which doesn't seem to be part of the discussion. The glaring ignorance of geography was part of the joke. Anyway, here's what our earlier Guest posted, with my mom's variant in CAPS: A CHINAMAN FROM OLD JAPAN and this is the way the Chinaman floats: Chingaling chee, chi li, chi lo, chingaling wallaga, in the bananaga, wallaga, wallaga, CHAN OF THE SEA, CHINGLAING CHAN WAS HE. AT LENGTH Chinaman did die, and in his coffin he did lie; they sent him back to Old Japan, and this is the way his epitaph ran... |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Christine, Ontario Canada Date: 17 Nov 08 - 07:04 PM Hi, Yes I too am surprised all the versions of this rhyme I learned as this ...... There was chinese man and he grew so tall He could not walk and he could not talk We took him to the top of the hill and rolled him down with a rolling pin and he said... Chick a racka Dona racka Che chi cho Chicka rollo bungalow piggy wiggy wag -o- hoko poko hit him on the coko it-a by it-a by che chi cho I was taught this from my Grandmother as a child and have passed it down to my children. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Lorna Lou Date: 19 Nov 08 - 10:16 AM Just yesterday I started singing this as an (American) friend and I played Scrabble. She'd never heard of it! It seems to be mostly a 'Canadian' thing, as I'm from Ladysmith, BC. As I recall it went something like this (and yes, my mother taught it to us kids)(very catchy tune, too!) There was a man And his name was Rang Rang-A-Pang-A-Tang. His legs were long And his feet were small This China man could not walk at all. ChickALaOhNo China Man! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,George Moore, UK Date: 20 Nov 08 - 07:25 AM I have just googled about a "song" I was taught by my father back in the 1940's, and I still remeber it today. The spelling might not be correct, but this is how it sounded.. In Japan there was a very great man, His name was Chikka Rakka Ching Chang Chay, His legs were long and his feet were short, This Chinese man couldn't walk nor talk. Chikka Rakka Ching Chang, Bonzee Lorum,Witty Witty Wack, Oko Oko, hit him on the Boko, Itty Fy, Itty Fy, Chinese talk. Absolute gobbledy gook, but I never forgot it, and I'm now 68 years old. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Cheapy Knowles Date: 25 Nov 08 - 10:12 AM This is the version of the song that we were taught in the 1970s by our grandmother, who was born in 1912. In Chinatown there lived a man His name was Chicka-la Chicka-la Chan His feet were long and his legs were short and this is the way the Chinaman walk Oh Chicka la lee cha lie cha low Chicka low romeo in a banana go Wall a go wall a go China sea In a banana go WOW CHOW This Chinaman he had some pelf He lived in a mansion all by himself His friends came over and built him a boat And this is the way the chinamen float Oh Chicka la lee cha lie cha low Chicka low romeo in a banana go Wall a go wall a go China sea In a banana go WOW CHOW Then one day the man he did die and in his coffin he did lie They shipped him back to old Japan and this is the way his epitaph ran. Oh Chicka la lee cha lie cha low Chicka low romeo in a banana go Wall a go wall a go China sea In a banana go WOW CHOW! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,dawn-in-nz Date: 26 Nov 08 - 05:17 AM I was reading an old book in Google today and came across the words 'O Cockalorum' which immediately brought to mind a ditty by father used to sing to me when I was little - he was born in 1910. So I've just googled the first line of that ditty and came up with this thread - had a fun half an hour reading them all! So here's my version of it, which by the way I sing to my grandchildren and they love it. I haven't a clue how to spell anything so I'm going to spell it phonetically. The Kiwi Version In China once there live a great man His name was Chicory Chee Chi Can His legs were fat his feet were small This Chinaman couldn't walk at all Chee Chi Cho Cockalorum Mandiddleorum many king man Wendor Goudor itty kitty pie Chitty kitty pie China Coooooo I've obviously made up some of the words from what I remember which isn't a lot these days! BTW Cockalorum - means 'self important little man'. Cheers....Dawn pandora@kc.net.nz |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Rick, Surrey, UK Date: 13 Dec 08 - 07:46 AM Not the most PC version, but this is the one I learned in the mid sixties when we lived in Chicago, US. Not sure about somne of the words. Once in China there lived an old man Whose name was chikka-lakka-luka-kan His legs were long and his feet were short and he could neither walk nor talk, oh . . . Chikka Lakka Luka, Chikka Lakka Lorum Condum florum bulla bulla way Oka Oka itchy cry, itchy cry Diddy-by, diddy-by shingo . . . He had so many servants to carry him about That everywhere he went, the epople would shout Here he comes, and there he goes The Chinaman with the monkey's nose Chikka Lakka Luka, Chikka Lakka Lorum Condum florum bulla bulla way Oka Oka itchy cry, itchy cry Diddy-by, diddy-by shingo . . . |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Betsy Date: 15 Dec 08 - 03:38 PM WOW i am in awe. my mom said she learned "our" form of this in camp which would have been in the 1920s. we have passed it on to my children and now my grands are begining to learn it. We couldnt remember all of the verses but SO MUCH of what is written above belongs to our version it is weird. i think there was another verse that i cannot remember right now. (also the first time ever to try to write these words): In Chinatown there lived a man Named Chilio Chilio Chilio Chan His feet were long and his legs were short And this is the way the Chinanam talked CHORUS: Ooh chick-a-la-lee cha-lai cha-lo chick-a-la romeo in a bananago wallago wallago china sea in a bananago wowtcho Now this chinaman he had wealth he lived in a mansion all by himself he had friends who built him a boat and this is the way the chinamen float OO ...(chorus) Now this chinaman he did die and in his coffin he did lie they shipped him back to old japan and this is the way his epitaph ran Chorus |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,melanie Date: 28 Dec 08 - 03:49 PM my grandad's version went like this (not sure about spelling): Once in china there lived a funny man, his name was chickeraka hoo wang wang, his legs were short & his feet were small, and this funny man couldn't read or walk CHORUS: Chickeraka chickeraka hi cokalorum mo tiddyorum tiddy widdy wack hoko boko hit im on the coco chickeraka chickeraka chinese chap When the chinese took him up a hill, they rolled him down like a Beecham's pill CHORUS When the chinese went to sea, the ship got sunk & so did he Chorus |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,joanne Date: 30 Jan 09 - 11:51 AM in a chinese town there lived a funny man his name was mr maca ru ri chan his legs was long and his body was short this is the was the chinese talk chica raca ru i chin chicka lora bumba lora paddy waddy woo oko doko hit him on the noko tidy boy tidy boy see him run.... dont know if the spelling is correct but i sang that nonsence as a kid and never forgot it, it dosent even make sense lol. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,Carl Sargunar Date: 03 Feb 09 - 06:45 PM I grew up in India and learnt this song when I was 6 or 7, but can remember most of it - strange that there are so many variations. Might even call them Chinese whispers of this song from all over the world. Here's mine: Once in China, there lived a young man His name was Chaka rucka chi chai cho His hands were long and his legs were short and this Chinaman could not walk a lot Chorus: Chaka rucka chi chai cho lama lauren a-handa ma lauren a-man a-pak a-won Hi-quick hi-quick hiti hiti hotigo Chi Chai Cho Dun Dun Dun, a big fat man hit his head on a frying pan combed his hair on a donkey's tail and this Chinaman could turn up his face Ch Marvellous Carl, |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Chalie C. Rampasaud Date: 22 Feb 09 - 05:06 PM Once there was a China man, His name was Chinky-Chaloo-Cha-Pan His legs were long, but his feet were short, And the poor little Chinky could hardly walk, And then one day the Chinky died, And in his coffin he did lie, They sent the coffin to Japan, And that was the end of the China man... REMIX That was the end of the China man, WHAT!, That was the end of the China man, WHAT!, That was the end of the China man, WHAT!, That was the end of the China man, WHAT!, Hit it, Hit, Break it down, hit it hit it!!! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Rahimzada Date: 27 Feb 09 - 11:16 PM I'm loving the different versions. I live in NY and my dad taught me a very similar song, though simplified, from a camp he went to when he was a teen (several decades ago). Now the song my whole family is singing is:
bongo loro pikiwikiwako hoco poko hit him on the coco cherryby, cherryby che chi cho! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there was a funny man From: GUEST Date: 15 Mar 09 - 06:22 PM My Mother taught this version to me when I was about 3 years old in 1966, passed down to her from her father. Once in China there was a funny man His name was Chickeraka Chin Chai Chan His arms were long and his legs were short The poor old man couldn't walk or talk Chickaraka chin chai chan chickorlora Onkolora achi pachi wak Oko oko itchipotchi itchipai itchipai itchipai sheeanko |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,lowe88 Date: 24 Mar 09 - 11:33 AM The version i was taught went something like: Once there was a China man, He's name was Chika Raka Choo Chi Chan, He's legs were long and he's feet were small, And the poor little fella couldn't walk at all. (CHORUS) Chika raka choo chi chan chika nora Conday nora, iddy widdy woo. Oko Poko, biff him on the poko, Iddy pi iddy pi, im pim pim/ The cow was on the railway track, the train was coming fast, The train got off the railway track, To let the cow go past. (CHORUS) The china man he went to sea, Took his wife and family, The ship was wrecked and so you see, That was the end of the poor Chinese. (CHORUS) I never did really get it, but it was always fun to sing! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 24 Mar 09 - 05:46 PM I was taught this by my friend (scotland) and her mum had taugt her it. There lived a man in China town His name was Chika Ricka Ree Ching Chai His name was many but his feet were small When he came to the cross he lost them all With his Chika Ricka Ree Ching Chai Ching Lorum Plorum Mini Kee Kai Kiko Kooko Kee Kee Kee Kee Ki Ko I spy Chika Ricka Ree Ching Chai Makes absolutely no sense at all... |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Rosy Chopra Date: 12 Apr 09 - 01:55 AM I learned this version in elementary/ middle school and taught it to my daughter and cousins. It is fun! Once in China there lived a funny man His name was Chick-a-rack-a-Chick-Chack-Cho His legs were small and his feet were short This China man couldn't walk at all Chick-a-rack-a-Chick-Chack-Cho-Chick-a-lorum Condo lorum many paack-a-wah Ho ko ho ko ho ko ho ko Pedi-yak pedi-yak Chick Chack Cho |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 17 Apr 09 - 04:52 PM Once in China there lived a mightyman his name was chicceracc cee chi cho. His legs were long and his feet were small this china man couldn't walk at all. ow chow chow chow ichi cachi ichi par ichi par cee chi cho Servants use to carry him about and everyone at the back would shout here he comes and there he goes that china man with the turned up toes. chicceracc cee chi cho chick alorum, condulorum, manna paka one ow chow chow chow ichi cachi ichi par ichi par cee chi cho . |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Guest - DLJ Date: 17 Apr 09 - 08:32 PM My mom learned this song from my grandma and sang it to us when we were little kids (1960s Toronto). The version I know is .... First Verse: Once in China lived a man His name was Chickeracka Chee Chi Cho His arms were long his legs were short He could walk and he could snort Chorus: Chickeracka chee chi cho chickaloro Bongo loro piggywiggy waggo Hoko poko hit em on the coco Chitterpie chitterpie chee chi cho Second Verse: Chinaman had a wife She did treat him awfully nice Cut his pigtail off too long And sold it for a chinasong Repeat Chorus Third Verse: Chinaman he did die In a coffin he did lie Sent him back to his native land And that's the end of Chinaman Repeat Chorus |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Ingrid in Florida, originally from Rhodesia Date: 13 May 09 - 04:42 PM My mother used to sing this to us when we were kids in the '60s. Her version was something like this: Once in China there lived a great man. His name was Chicka racka chi chaw chan. His les were long and his feet were small. This chinaman he couldn't walk at all. The sailors used to carry him about on their backs, and the men would shout: Chicka racka chi chaw chan chicka-lorum ecky pecky peck. Oh ko, oh ko, itchy onchi ko. Here he comes and there he goes. This china man with the turned up toes. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,Lindsay Brummer Date: 16 May 09 - 11:35 PM My Mom and Grandma ALWAYS sang something like this to us growing up: In China lived a China man, His name was Chingery Chingery Chan Chan Chan His legs were long, his body tall, This China man could not walk at all, so... Chingery Chingery Ring-O-Ray Fiddelie-D and a Happy-May Cure my Fiz and a Cappie-O Collipe-Wallapie-Ching-Ho This China man had plenty of wealth, He lived in a house all by himself, He worked his servants next to the bone, Now wasn't this man a curious drone? so... Chingery Chingery Ring-O-Ray Fiddelie-D and a Happy-May Cure my Fiz and a Cappie-O Collipe-Wallapie-Ching-Ho |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Bill Brade, Kent, England Date: 18 May 09 - 02:23 PM My Father taught me this (my mother never ever sang. I've since taught it to my Daughter and her two daughters.....long may it continue. There was an old man from China Town He's name was Mr Chickerlo Brown, His legs were long his feet were short The poor old man he couldn't walk Chorus Chickerlacker chickerlacker chan chickerlora Chan chickerlora alla walla wack Oko boko sock him on the oko Itchyco itchyco ee i oh Now this old man he went to sea To see all the sights of the poor chinese The Ship got wrecked and so you see That was the end of the poor chinese Chorus They took him to the top of the hill Rolled him down on aq Beachams pill The Beachams pill was far too small So they rolled him down on a tennis ball Chorus This could have come from Lancashire or even the Surrey/Hampshire boarders.......... |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,lisa Date: 19 May 09 - 05:34 PM My nan used to sing it to us, when we were young not sure where it came from? In China once there was a little man His name was Chico raker Chi Rye Chan His head was large and his feet were small Poor little China man he couldn't walk at all Chorus Chica raker chi rye chan chica roarer on my roarer penny penny wicey oko oko penny penny wicey oko |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Frank in Ottawa Date: 21 May 09 - 12:15 AM In 1997, my dad came to Ottawa from Edmonton to visit and I asked him to sing the old song he used to sing to us when we were kids in the '50's. I have the video of him singing it and I have transcribed it as closely as I can. This is all he could remember. My dad was never a racist -- it was just a cute, silly song he learned as a kid: In Chinee once there lived a man His name was Hong Kong Chickadee Chong His legs were short and his toes were long The Chineeman couldn't walk at all His friends would have to carry him about Whenever he went the people would shout Here he comes and there he goes The Chineeman with the monkey toes Chickadee choo choo choo Chickadee long-gee, pong-gee, knick, knick, knack Ankee pist and ankee poh (pronounced 'dough') Helluva gelluva Chinaman foh |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 03 Jun 09 - 08:43 PM once in china lived a man his name was chickerakacheechycho his legs were short but his name was long the china man couldn't walk or talk chickerakacheechycho chickeraro hoko poko hit him in the coco chitta bite chitta bite cheechycho the china man, he grew so stout the servants had to carry him about they took him to the top of a hill and they rolled him down like a rolling pin chickerakacheechycho chickeraro hoko poko hit him in the coco chitta bite chitta bite cheechycho |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,kath uk Date: 10 Jun 09 - 03:58 AM My nan taught me this version in the 50,s:- In Chinatown there lived a funny man. His name was Chica laca laychor Chan His hair was long His feet were short The poor old chinaman had no nose at all! Chica laca laychor Chicy ora In thy ora pickey packey wikey oko oko pickey packey wikey Oko Then something about servants.. Written phonetically as remembered! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,GUEST,Zoe,BrightonUK Date: 20 Jun 09 - 07:52 PM Learnt from my Auntie who grew up in Bangladesh: Once in China, there lived a great man, His name was Chikka-rakka-chee-chy-cho, His head was tall and his feet were small, And this little man couldn't walk at all! Chikka-rakka-chee-chy-cho, chikka-lawrum, Condo-lawrum, manna-fakka-one. Oko-poko, ichy-potchy-ichy-potchy, Ichy-pie ichy-pie, chee-chy-cho! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Gary Thomas Date: 21 Jun 09 - 01:43 PM Hi, Only yesterday 20th June 09 i was talking with my brother about this poem that we learnt as children in the 50`s. Here goes....... Once in China there lived an old man, his name was Chika anna chi chy chan, His legs were long and his feet were small, The poor old man couldnt walk at all. Chikka anna chi chy chow cockalaurham archi boreham addy paddy wack When the majors carried him about on the hill tops they would shout Here he comes and here he goes The chinese man with the monkeys nose Chikka anna chi chy cho cockalaurhama Archi boreham addy paddy wack Oko boko hit him on the oko addyfye addyfye Jericho..... Thats as much as i can remember. Quite nostalgic. Happy Days |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Margaret L of Edmonton AB Date: 21 Jun 09 - 02:46 PM Learned this silly song in Girl Guides back in the 50's and was usually sung around a campfire. Reading all the posts here, how did the words ever get so jumbled up! In China once there lived a great man. His name was chicka racka chee chow chan. His legs were long and his feet were small, The poor little man couldn't walk at all. Chicka racka chee chow, chan chicka lora, Conga lora wacky packy wack, Oco, oco, eedy, geedy, guidy go, Dedify, dedify, chee un coh. He had servants carry him about They took him up to the top of a hill Rolled him down with a might good will, Singing chicka racka chee chow, chan chicka lora. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Steve, originally from Saskatoon, now in Ari Date: 22 Jun 09 - 02:32 AM Can't believe this site exists! "Hugh" (10 Feb 07) referenced a version of the Chinaman song that is the same as the one I know. Must have been a Canadian version, since I learned it at summer camp in Canada, in the 60's, as well. Once there was a Chinaman, Whose name was Chickachacka Chee Chi Cho His legs were long and his arms were short, So he could neither walk nor snort. Chorus: Oh, Chee chi cho chi cho chuckalero Chungalero, teenweenie wango Ho Ko Poko, hit 'em on the coco Cheetabye, cheetabye che chi cho Chinaman had a wife She led him a terrible life Took him up to the top of the hill And rolled him down like an aspirin pill (Chorus) Chinaman he will die In his coffin he will lie They will bury him and then That'll be the end of the chinaman (Chorus) I can't believe that I still remember this song, that other people actually remember it too, and that we actually were OK with singing such things! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Sammie jo Date: 23 Jun 09 - 02:30 PM My grandad use to sing this to me when I was a little girl. I will never forget this!!! Once in China there lived a great man, his name was ChikkaLakka Che Chi Chan, his legs were big and his feet were small, the poor chinese couldn't walk at all... Chikka Lakka Che Chi chan chikka norey, oko moke pombarnorey paddy waddy wack... thats that! haha x |
Subject: RE: Song Req: 'There was China Man...' From: GUEST,AmericanRice Date: 27 Jun 09 - 12:33 AM I've heard of one that goes "In china once there dwelt a man, his name was Ricotangtangotangtan His legs were long and his feet were small the poor china man couldn't walk at all! His servants used to carry him out, upon their backs and all would shout, 'Oh here he comes, and there he goes! the china man with the monkey nose!' Rie chikarai chu chala chalae chacala ronie ningaping nei Pick of the dust a canaky canopy uniky china coo. This china man went out one day, not intending for to stay. One of his servants carried him quick, the other bent forward with his stick. On a two legged horse oh he looked such a kill! They carried him up to the top of the hill. And into the ditch, these robbers throwed, the china man with the monkey nose! Rae chikarae chu chala chalae chacala ronie ningaping nei Pick of the dust a canaky canopy uniky china coo. Two chinese ladies from the town, walked up the hill and rolled the man down. From top to bottom they then began, to tickle and play with the poor china man. They almost robbed him of his breath! They almost tickled the poor man to death! But at any rate, it eased the woes, of the china man with the monkey nose. Rae chikarae chu chala chalae chacala ronie ningaping nei Pick of the dust a canaky canopy uniky china coo." My mama used to sing this to me when I couldn't sleep. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Hannah Date: 04 Jul 09 - 08:44 PM I think i must've learnt this at my primary school; it's the song my dad used to teach me hand-clapping games version i learnt is-- In Chinatown there lives an old man His name is Icka Racka Choo Chi Chan His brain was big but his head was small Poor little fella couldn't talk at all Chorus is: Icka racka choo chi chan chicker nora conti nora illi willi wim oko oko hit him on the boko itta bo itta bo, im pim pim His servants used to carry him about On their backs, then he gave a shout So when they got to the top of a hill They rolled him down with abundant will Chorus again He never married, so they say Had no wife or a wedding day He was born on the day of his birth But he'll die on the very last day of earth Last chorus |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Old Girl Date: 05 Jul 09 - 03:58 PM I learned: In China town there lived a funny man His name was Chickaracka Choo Chai Chan His legs were long and his feet were short The poor old man could hardly walk Chickaracka Choo Chai Chan chickanora Kondynora iddy widdy wim Oto oto hit him on the boto Iddy pie, iddy pie, im pim pim! (Don't ask me what it means .....) |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,Guest Date: 18 Jul 09 - 10:40 PM Learnt this about 10 years ago. (Northern Ireland) There was a wee man from Chinatown His name was Mr. Chickalaka Brown His head was big and his feet were small Poor wee man he couldn't walk at all Chorus: Chickalaka, Chickalaka Chai Chickalorum Chai Chickalorum Walla Walla Wack Oko Moko Cinnamin a Stoko Ichigo Ichigo E I O They took him to the top of the hill And rolled him down on a Beecham's Pill The Beecham's Pill was far too small They rolled him down on a tennis ball Chorus. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,Grandaughter of Marjorie Stillians Date: 01 Aug 09 - 04:05 AM I was just looking up the lyrics for this because I was recording my grandmother singing all her songs she sings. This is so funny. I love seeing this history and how we're all connected. We couldn't remember the middle verse but here is our take on it. There was a poor old Chinaman His name was Chinkachaloochipan His teeth were short and his nails were long and this is the way he walked along (to be said very fast) Chinka cha loo cha loo chi pan Ollipy Ollipy Chinka Chilollipy Chinka cha loo cha loo chi pan Ollipy Ollipy Chinaman [Missing verse] Alas this poor Old Man he died And in his coffin he did lie They sent him away to far Japan And this is the way the coffin ran (to be said very fast again but with the last Chinaman said very slow) Chinka cha loo cha loo chi pan Ollipy Ollipy Chinka Chilollipy Chinka cha loo cha loo chi pan Ollipy Ollipy Chinaman |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Kelly Date: 01 Aug 09 - 11:25 PM My take on the song which i learnt from my grandfather There was a man, a very funny man his name was chiker raker chi chai chang his head was big his feet were small A chinese man who couldnt walk at all Chicker raker chi chai chik chik a lorum condi lorum wee wagga wim hut to hut to hit on the boko hitty my hitty my i tie tie |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,Guest, Jeff Date: 06 Aug 09 - 03:55 AM Thanks All, I remembered two verses from my mother (Living in U.S. with English parents) she would sing this ditty to amuse us kids in the 50's and 60's. Chorus Chic a rack a che chi cho chack a lorum conda lorum nida pee nun, catco guco estacata kitico idipi didipi chinee coo Once upon a time there lived a great man whose name was Chic a rack a che chi pan his legs were long but his feet were small that China man could not walk at all. Chorus He had three men big and stout who used to carry him all about they carried him up to the top of the hill and rolled him down like a rolling pin. Chorus The monkey nose verse I have read in others versions was the one missing from my memory, will have to add it in in my future renditions! OK! Thanks again |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Guest, Mb Date: 16 Aug 09 - 10:05 PM Wow, it is amazing to find this thread! We have a version that has -een passed down from my father and his brother (born 1920-22) and we have known it as our family song! It is slightly different from all the other versions, and its lack of political correctness is now obvious. But to us as kids it is just this unique, fun little ditty that our family sings when we get together. And we are not a singing family! There lived in China a very queer man His name was Chicka-ricka-ricka-ran Cheero cheero chucka-rucka-rah Hucka-rucka-pine ah bulla wulla wah Here he comes and there he goes The Chinese man with the monkey nose Ba bulla cushata kudanta-tay Walla walla wah jingo-ay |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Joe Offer Date: 17 Aug 09 - 12:03 AM I have to say I cringe every time this thread is refreshed. On the other hand, I remember a time when people thought that "Chinamen" were "cute," as were songs about them. The American prejudice against Asians did not seem to be as intense as the hatred of blacks, but it lasted a lot longer. -Joe- |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 25 Aug 09 - 11:28 AM This Is Another Version There Lived In China A Funny Little Man By The Name Of Ichi coopi Can His Feet Were Large, His Head Was Small Funny Little Chinaman Couldn't Walk At All Servants Used To Carry Him Around Upon There Heads And They Did Shout Here He Cuns And Here He Goes Funny Little Chinaman With A Handsom Nose This Version Has Been Passed Down Generations Of My Family From My Great Grandad |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,JohnM Date: 31 Aug 09 - 04:34 PM Fascinating to read all these versions. My father recited it to me and now I am too - to the delight of my grandchildren. Our version is slightly different and does scan better than many of the above. Interesting how we had the nose rather differently and cotton reel rather than Beechams Pill. My father was in amateur theatre in the 1930's and also in India and Burma in WW2. Once in China there lived a great man His name was Chick a racka ching chong chan His nose was long and his feet were small And the poor little Chinaman he couldn't walk at all. Hey........Chack a racka ching chong Cha chicka lora kondolora mick picky whack! (the kids love an extended "Hey" before the chorus is sung fast and then very fast.) His servants used to take him out they used to think him rather stout They took him up to the top of a hill And rolled him down on a cotton reel. Chorus (fast) I shall definately add some of the other verses about his wife and death |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Azizi Date: 31 Aug 09 - 07:50 PM For those who may be interested, here is an excerpt from a comment from another Mudcat thread about these types of songs: Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ching Chong Chinaman Song From: GUEST,A proud Asian American - PM Date: 07 Apr 09 - 08:01 PM Why would anyone want to continue a tradition such as this, a tradition that degrades an entire race of people? For what point and purpose? How would you feel if your people were subjected to such vile degradation, disrespect and hatred? You really should think things through before you decide to pursue a topic. And anyone who has ever uttered such filthy words for fun and amusement needs to do some serious soul-searching... -snip- I realize that singing this song is a family tradition for some people. I also realize that a number of people are nostalgic about this songs because it reminds them of their childhood and of their parents and grandparents who may be gone. I believe that there is some merit in documenting the variants and engaging in other folkloric study of these songs. However, I'm concerned about passing on to another generation this song and other songs like it because it ridicules a race or a nationality of people. These comments may not make any difference to those who think these songs are just fun. But I hope people think about these points before they teach these songs to their children and to other children. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,Chris Brierley Date: 09 Sep 09 - 02:22 PM My dear Gran used to sing a version of this song too!Trying to get my brother to recall her version of the "lyrics". It certainly made me smile to see others have heard of it and those old memories live on. God bless you Gran. We miss you so much. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,Chris Brierley Date: 09 Sep 09 - 02:40 PM A few thoughts for Azizi This is a song about an anonymous person. It was probably fiction at the time. I think you are an idiot berating people for recalling their memories on this forum. The song does not "degrade an entire race of people" however I could make a few comments about those funny yellow rice munchers if you like? |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Barbara Date: 14 Sep 09 - 03:25 PM I just taught this to my 3 year old grandaughter and we sing it like this: Once in China there lived a great man His name was Chickarapa Chiko Pan He had long hair and his feet were small And this little man he couldn't walk at all. Chickarapa Chiko contickalero nanapeenan Cat da, Ooh da, es ay diddypaw diddypaw Chinese Coo Hoo Hoo. It works for us and she loves it. (some words can only be spelled phonetically) |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Lisa Date: 28 Sep 09 - 12:08 AM I'm trying to find what these Chinese lyrics mean. My grandma used to sing them to me when I was little but she also said she didn't know what they mean. I hope they aren't offensive! Anyone know? Hi lo many many cow cow Umpa pa un chi wa wa Idi adi o Ooh hoo |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: Joe Offer Date: 28 Sep 09 - 12:12 AM No doubt, they mean nothing, Lisa. I guess many of us were brought up with made-up interpretations of what Chinese speech sounds like. In general, I think people thought it was cute. I wonder what Chinese people thought of it. -Joe- |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Nagesh from AVN Vadiyampet (Somu's batch) Date: 02 Oct 09 - 04:53 AM I think in my schoolhood i used to sing it like this: One in China there lived a great man his name was chica raka chee chai chou hig legs were short and feet were small this china man couldn't walk at all chica raka chee chai chokkalorum chandalorum mani pakkako okko takko iti kati kati ko iti pai iti pai chee chai cho Not sure if this is correct and if so what it means :-). Have fun. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Phil Date: 10 Oct 09 - 05:56 AM Once in China there lived a great man, His name was Chakarakamee-Aye-Kan, His legs were long and his feet were small, Chinese man couldn't walk at all, His servants used to carry him about, on their backs and the men would shout, Here he comes and here he goes, Chinese man with a teapot nose. Chakarakamee-Aye Oh pitchee okee, Bunyerokee mee aye kan, oko oko itchipie itchipie, Chi-nese man. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Brandy Date: 10 Oct 09 - 12:37 PM I have to say that it is amazing that so many people had so many differnet versions of this song. I do realize that it is not the most politically correct song but my mother who passed away a few years ago sang this to me when I was a kid and all I remember is how much fun the song was to hear. I had a son two months ago and was looking for fun songs to sing that would make him laugh and the first thought was of this song. For all of you who are offended and think that it will pass on an unfair bias to children please remember that bias and prejudice are a learned behavior and a childs song does not make a child prejudice against chinease people. The funniest part is I thought it was about an american indian when I first started looking for it, so that just goes to show that it really does not stick in a negative way. For all of you who put in your versions for those of us who are looking I say Thank you for helping me to recapture a part of my mom that I no longer have at my fingertips :O) |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,becky Date: 10 Nov 09 - 08:15 PM My Grandpa taught me the following... There was a little man from china His name was titter-n-tan-tan-tan His legs were long and his feet were small Little chinaman couldn't walk at'tall at'tall So fancy I, to carry him out Upon my back, the boys did shout "There he is, yonder he goes" "Little chinaman with the monkey monkey nose" Ah-choo, choo, chick-alla Chick-alla, I know, hinky-pinky nail Chine-oh man with the fantor key Akabah, chakabah, chine-oh coo-coo |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 21 Nov 09 - 03:50 AM His head was big but his feet were small This little man couldn't walk at all Chika Raka ching chong Chi raka roni Alla balla fat man Oh cony cony Itty bitty caterpiller Ika ba, ika ba Here he come and there he goes A funny old man with squashed up toes Chika Raka ching chong Chi raka roni Alla balla fat man Oh cony cony Itty bitty caterpiller Ika ba,ika ba |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 23 Nov 09 - 03:33 AM My dad has sung this song for as long as we can remember! At every family occasion it would get sung and all his grandchildren now sing it too! He died this morning and I cannot think of a btter tribute than writing down his version...so here it is! Once in China, there lived an old man His name was Chickaracka chee chi chan His legs were long and his arms were short This Chinese man couldn't walka nor talk Chickaracka che chi cho chockalorum Akondalorum acka packa wacka oto oto iti my iti my Iti my iti my chickarang coo This chinese man he grew so stout His servants had to carry him about They took him up a very high hill And rolled him down like a beechams pill Chickaracka cho chi cho chockalorum Akondalorum acka packa wacka oto oto iti my iti my iti my iti my chickarang coo...... All sung in a very "chinese" accent....quality!!! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Dave In Rhode Island Date: 29 Nov 09 - 08:20 AM I learned this song as a kid during the summers at camp in the 1970's. Here in the Connecticut/Rhode Island area it went like this; Once there was a Chinaman His name was Chika Cha Loo Chapan His hair was short and his teeth were long And this is the way he walked along CHORUS Chika Cha Loo Cha Loo Chapan Chalopy olipy chika chalolipy Chika Cha Loo Cha Loo Chapan Chalopy olipy Chinaman At last the old man he did die And in his coffin he reside They shipped him back to old Japan And that was the end of the Chinaman Chika Cha Loo Cha Loo Chapan Chalopy olipy chika chalolipy Chika Cha Loo Cha Loo Chapan Chalopy olipy Chinaman . |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Lys Date: 14 Jan 10 - 11:35 PM This is the version I grew up with: There lived in China a very old man Whose name was Icka Bocka Ching Chong Chang His head was big but his feet were small Funny old fella couldn't walk at all Ickabocka ching chong chijackaroney Yellow belly fat man oke king koney Itchy witchy cattarpillar Ickaba ickaba oke oke oke Here he comes and there he goes Funny old fella he squashed his nose Ickabocka ching chong chijackaroney Yellow belly fat man oke king koney Itchy witchy cattarpillar Ickaba ickaba oke oke oke |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,john from cramlington Date: 17 Jan 10 - 03:30 PM once in china there lived a great man his name was cheeraka chee chi chan his legs were long and his feet were small the poor china man could`nt walk at all cheeraka chee chi chor chuck alorum candi norum itapy nap cat go u go itty catty kitty go itapy itapy chiney go |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Gemma Date: 06 Feb 10 - 01:37 PM In China once there lived a great man, His name was chikerocka choo chi pan His legs were long and his feet were small This little Chinaman couldn't walk at all Chickerocka chickerocka cho chiker orum Condo romum acki paki wak Oko koko hit him on the boko Ikipie ikipie okoko |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 11 Feb 10 - 03:16 AM Was taught to us in primary school in the 70's in Australia There lived in china a very old man his name was chikaraka ching chong man His head was big but his feet was small this little man could walk at all chikaraka ching chong chi chikarony ala' man' a fat man o ko kony iki wikki ikki bye iki bye iki bye oh kokony Here he comes and there he goes a funny little fat man with a squashed up nose chikaraka ching chong chi chikarony ala' man' a fat man o ko kony iki wikki ikki bye iki bye iki bye oh kokony |
Subject: RE: In China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Juny Date: 13 Mar 10 - 01:38 AM Hi Everyone, My grandmother who was born in 1909 sang this to me when I was little... She grew up in Arkansas. I always enjoyed singing it with her, even though some of it doesn't make much sense, it's so cute and fun to sing! I will pass it down to my children one day as well! =) This is the version she sang to me: "In China, there was a little man His name was Shing-a-ling, Shing-a-ling Shan. His legs were short and his feet were small And this little man couldn't walk at all. Shing-a-ling, Shing-a-ling, Shing-a-ling Shan Rycko Decko Happy Man Alico Disco Corneo Gallopin and a wallopin in the county-o This little man went to the window to play his little banjo He let it fall on Shing-a-ling Shan And that was the end of the China Man...." =) |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST Date: 14 Mar 10 - 12:56 PM GOODNESS KNOWS WHY THIS CAME TO ME TODAY BUT MY SONG FRO MY GRANDFATHERS MUST BE CONNECTED...IT WAS TAUGHT TO ME IN NEW ZEALAND.. HE WAS A WELSH MAN !!! PHONETIC OF COURSE AND APOLOGIES TO ORIGINATOR.. .CHICK ARACKA CHICK A RACKA CHAI CHICK A LOREM BOMPTY LOREM WIDDY WIDDY WAY OROKO OROKO ITTY OTTY ITTY O DITTY FIE DITTY FIE CHING A LEE SING... HE SAID IT WAS ABOUT A CHICKEN.... ANY CLUES ANY CONNECTIONS MY SISTER SINGS A DIFFERENT VERSION INSISTS ITS WHAT WE LEARNED!!! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 16 Mar 10 - 01:14 AM Hey, I'm from Australia and growing up my father use to sing me a version similar to those listed but still quite different. Interesting ay, Went something like this... One upon a time in the land of chang, There lived a funny little funny little man, His nose was long and his feet were short, And the funny fella couldn't walk at all. Chika racka ruchii Chan chika roara Podgy Laura Poley Walley Whack Oakey dokey Itch ki oakey Itch ki itch ki oakey Love to know where the orgins of this song is. have many others i've been searching for to. funny how songs you grow up with turn out to come from all around the world... On here I read New Zealand, Arkansas, Connecticut/Rhode Island, Northern Ireland, Bangladesh, Canada, Edmonton, Toronto and Australia. From all over the place. It's amazing. Love it. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great ma From: GUEST,dankeith1earthlink .net in washington stat Date: 13 Apr 10 - 01:01 PM I often hum this one to myself... my old granny filled me full of old songs. She called it the galloping man from china... chineao There lived in china a very great man his name was shiggery shig shian his head was big has feet were small poor shiggery could not walk at all Oh shiggery shingo my go day diddly discum happy may tooby tiskey ohhmy ohh the galloping man from chineo some ladies from the very next town brought him up the hill to roll him down from head to toe he began to spin like shiggery shigery shig shian Oh shiggery shingo my go day diddly discum happy may tooby tiskey ohhmy ohh the galloping man from chineo OOOh shigery shingo my go day didly diskum happy may tooby tisky ohhmy oh that galloping man from chineo So there it is... it is a bit of history to me and I think it refers to the binding of feet and the ungainly walk of those who had to make do with the results of having to walk with said bound feet.... not a very nice song but most of them granny sang were a bit non correct PC. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Jim Dixon Date: 14 Apr 10 - 09:00 PM I think only women had their feet bound, and only high-class women at that. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 21 Apr 10 - 11:17 AM My grandmother used to sing this to me as a child. She died in 2007 aged 82. I can't remember exactly all the words In China once there lived a man His name was Chic-a-balla chu chan chan His legs were long and his feet were small The China man couldn't walk at all Chic a bala chu chan chan chic-a-lorum Chuc chic-a-lorum quack quack quack Oco oco e dilli ottapo Hitterpi hitterpi see him go His servants used to carry him about and on his back the boys used shout here he comes and here he goes the china man with the bumpy nose Chic a bala chu chan chan chic-a-lorum Chuc chic-a-lorum quack quack quack Oco oco e dilli ottapo Hitterpi hitterpi see him go Im singing it to my daughter now! Sarah, Ireland |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Sussex Sweet Shop Date: 28 Apr 10 - 05:55 AM Had to join in... obviously loads of variants from over the years. Here is my late Nan's In China lived a very great man His name was Chicker-acker-chee-chiy-cho His legs were long and his feet were small This Chinaman couldn't walk at all Chorus Chicker-acker-chee-chiy-cho-chicker-lorum Condor-lorum, Mana-Pata-Whack Hoko-Tow-Ko, Itchy, Kitchy, Catchy, Ko Itchy-By, Itchy-By, Chee-Chiy-Cho His servants used to carry him about And on the mountains they would shout Here he comes and there he goes This Chinaman with the turned up toes Chorus (We used to shout the word Whack at the end of the second line of the chorus) |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Guest Date: 05 May 10 - 03:01 PM Before TV in rural Ireland in the early 70's my Grandmother used to recite the following: In China once there lived a man And his name was Chicky Chicky Chi Cho Chan His head was big and his eyes were small And the poor little man couldn't walk at all Chorus: Chicky, chicky chi cho, Upon my Nora Woki Woki wora, didi pi, didi pi, on coe They rolled him here And they rolled him there They rolled him into A BIG armchair Chorus It kept us amused! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 25 Jun 10 - 03:06 PM This is HILARIOUS to read all these different versions. My mom and dad sang this to us, and they learned it from my grandmother. And I sing it to my kids lol! I'm pretty sure we have a huge deviation from the original. In China once there lived a man His name was Ching-a-ling Ching-a-ling Chan His head was big but his body was small And that little man couldn't talk at all Now Miss Ki-yi was short and squat She had money but he had not So under her window he did go Playing a tune on his light banjo When Miss Ki-Yi heard his notes of love She raised her broomstick up above She let fall down on that little man And that was the end of Ching-a-ling Chan. Chorus: Ching-a-ling, Ching-a-ling, Ching-a-ling Chan Gallopin' Wallopin' Happy Man Yu ko tis ki chine-y ho Gallopin' Wallopin' Happy Man |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 04 Aug 10 - 09:53 PM I know nobody has posted here in a while but the version I was taught by my dad was: chinese man had a wife she gave him an awful life cut his pigtails off so long sold them for a chinese song chideraka chee chi cho chikalora bunga lora piggy wiggy waga poko loco hit em on the coco chiderby chiderby chee chi cho chinese man he did die in his coffin he will lie ship him back to his native land that's the end of the chinese man chideraka chee chi cho chikalora bunga lora piggy wiggy waga poko loco hit em on the coco chiderby chiderby chee chi cho there is supposed to be a second verse in the middle but he never taught it to me lol |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 07 Aug 10 - 10:22 PM Grandpa, who was born in 1901, sang this to his children and grandchildren in rural Nebraska. Some of us are together today and checked to find lyrics. Ours of course is different as well. In China once there lived a rich man His name was Chickery Chink Chi An His legs were short, his feet were small This China man couldn't walk at all. some ladies from the very next town brought him up the hill to roll him down from top to bottom this china man rolled (this is where we don't remember) I know Grandpa sang more. Today is my Dad's 85th birthday. We've had fun trying to remember. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 11 Aug 10 - 04:42 PM In China lived a little man His name was Ching a Ling, Ching a Ling Shan His legs were short, his feet were small This little man could not walk at all Chorus: Ching a Ling, Ching a Ling, Ching a Ling Shan Rye-O, Dago, happy little man You know Bisco Card-io Gallopin, Whallapin, Chineo |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Carli and Fiona Date: 14 Aug 10 - 09:17 PM There once was a man who lived in china, who's name was Chika-raka-ching-chong-chow, his legs were big but his feet were small, this little man couldn't walk at all. Chika-raka-ching-chong-chow-chickaroni, Alla-bella-fat man- oo koo koona, itchy itchy caterpillar ricka by, ricka by, oo koo koo. His servants came from minisoo dam, funny little screwed up gentleman, here he comes and there he goes, funny little fella with a squashed up nose. Chika-raka-ching-chong-chow-chickaroni, Alla-bella-fat man- oo koo koona, itchy itchy caterpillar ricka by, ricka by, oo koo koo! Me and my sister learnt this from our mum who was taught it in primary school in Australia. Its funny how many different versions there are! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 21 Aug 10 - 11:02 AM The version I learned from my great grandfather Thurston goes: In China there lived a little man. His name was chingally chingally chan. His legs were short. His feet were small. This little man couln't walk at all. Chingally chingally chingally chan A ryego deego happy man Curro disco cardio Galluppy walluppy chineeoh. Miss Kai-Ai was short and fat. She had money and he wanted that. So under her window he would go And play her a tune on his old banjo. Chingally chingally chingally chan A ryego deego happy man Curro disco cardio Galluppy walluppy chineeoh. Miss Kai-Ai was no lonesome love. She raised her washtub high above And let it fall on Chingally Chan And that was the end of the Chinaman. Chingally chingally chingally chan A ryego deego happy man Curro disco cardio Galluppy walluppy chineeoh. There is also a characteristic tune but, not being a musician of any sort I cannot transcribe it here. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Fred J Fisher Date: 06 Sep 10 - 10:54 AM My uncle Rube, born in England in the late nineteenth century, sang the song this way: In China there lived a jolly old man, Whose name was Chicka Licka Ai Kai Kan. His legs were long and his feet were small. Poor Chicka Licka, he couldn't walk at all. His servants they would carry him about, And over the hills you could hear them shout: Boom tiddy ai kai, alla balla bay; Ai kai bai kai iddie biddie kiddie kai, Chicka by chicka by jingo. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Patsy Date: 07 Sep 10 - 11:05 AM My mum used to sing this playground clapping song when she was a little girl in the 30's in the playground or in the streets of Bristol when there was not much traffic and relatively safe! In China once there lived a great man, His name was chikerocka choo chi pan His legs were long and his feet were small This little Chinaman couldn't walk at all Chickerocka chickerocka cho chiker orum Condo romum acki paki wak Oko koko hit him on the boko Ikipie ikipie okoko My mum's younger sister, although a few years younger had a slightly different version although basically the same. Funny how things alter in a few years. When I was a little girl I knew the Eenie Meenie one that is mentioned right at the top as a playground clapping song. Irish comedian Frank Carson did a version of Eenie Meenie Macarraca and it did get into the UK hit parade I think it was at the end of the 70's or early 80's. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Interested Party Date: 21 Sep 10 - 04:27 AM I thought it was a cheer. My father recited it as: "Rah-rah chicorah, chicorah rooney. Rooney, rooney, ping pang pooney-- Palla-walla wah, sing Chinee Ching!" (Not very P.C.!) It sounds like a cheer for football games--it has a kind of rhythm, and "Rah-rah", after all. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,GUEST Date: 08 Oct 10 - 06:36 PM My Mom's version was a little different but must be from the same original. It goes Once in Japan there lived a man name Hiko-chiko-chickery-chan, Hiko Chiko chinaman, Wadame Kadame dusty-o willapy wallapy chineo. One day the people of the town went up and brought the Chinaman down. Then the Chinaman he died and all the people for him cried. And that was the end of Hiko-Chiko-Chickery-Chan, Hiko Chiko Chinaman, Wadame Kadame Dusty-o Willapy Wallapy Chineo. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,missin daddy Date: 17 Oct 10 - 11:11 PM So neat to see all the different versions of this song. My dad used to sing this version to me and I now sing it to my son. Dad passed away 4 years ago and still when I sing this song it is very emotional for me. In China there lived a very rich man his name was Chigari Chi Chian His legs so short and his feet so small this poor old man couldn't walk at all. So Chigari Chi Charaw Charay went galloping off one happy May he tore his tisky tineo, and went galloping off to Chineo. And then he would say, "I can't remember the rest" |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 05 Nov 10 - 04:31 AM My dad learned this song in high school in Melbourne and would sing it to me growing up. I sing it all the time to my little ones, although the version I know seems to be slightly different. "There lived in China a very fine man His name was Chicka-wocka-ching-chong-chan his ears were big and his feet were small this little man couldn't walk at all. Chicka-wocka ching chong chan chickaroni alla-balla fat man oh-ko koni itty bitty caterpillar icka-bi icka-bi oh-ko-ko!" |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,jhkinghill Reading UK Date: 14 Nov 10 - 04:01 AM My Dad used to sing this--he learnt it from his mother and thinks she learnt it from her parents, so we are going back to mid-late 19thC Lancashire: Once in China there lived a great man and his name was Chicker-ricker-rookington his legs were long but his feet were small so that Chinaman couldn't walk at all CHORUS: Soooooo--chicker-ricker-roo chy cho chucka-larum Scandal-arum is a peg man Cargo too-go is a giz gaz go is a peg nay go is a peg man Cheero cheero chuck chucka largo is despatched in China here he comes and here he goes the Chinaman with a monkey's nose Two smart men they carried him about the people did laugh and the people did shout they took him to the top of the hill and rolled him down like a rolling pin (sometimes changed to 'beechams pill'by my mother, an English teacher and purist about rhyme CHORUS repeated I've never found anyone before outside of our family who had the remotest idea about this song, which we figured must have come into the family from trips to the old music halls--unless anyone knows of any sheet music for it? |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Haruo Date: 14 Nov 10 - 04:45 AM In the Alcott book is it really (as cited here, and as predominates at Google) "painted pretty pink checks" or is that a typo or CRS misreading of "painted pretty pink cheeks"? |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,canada Date: 04 Jan 11 - 06:52 PM Hi, my dad who is from Lancashire and sang this song to us along with I'm a wee melody man but the way I remember is this way: In China once there lived a man His name was Chika-Racka-Chee-Chi-Chan His head was big and his feet were small And this poor Chinaman couldn't walk at all Chika-Raka-chee-chi Choo Cock-a-lorum Cando, lorum, ninny pinny nap Cat go, you go, etty cotty kitty ko Ditty pie, Ditty pie, Chika-Rack-Chee-Chi Talk about not being politically correct! But I'm in my early 60's and I remember this; that little golliwog from the jam jar lids and I had a book about ten little Ni***r boys sitting in the sun. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,billy75 Date: 17 Mar 11 - 07:25 AM LOL. This is like a game of Chinese Whispers. There are lots very similar to the version that my Grandad used to sing to me. I am going off memory though and i was a little girl at the time so I may have some words wrong ;) There was a funny man and he lived in Japan And his name was China-Racka-Tooting-Can. His feet were long and his toes were short, And this funny man couldn't walk nor talk. China-Racka, Chicka-Racka, Bommy-didi-ora, Bommy-didi-ora, widdi-widdi-wang. Oka-boka-stick it up your boka(?) Dedi-vy, dedi-vy, Chinese talk. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 13 Apr 11 - 04:05 PM Chinaman had a wife she lead him such an awful life so she shipped him back to japan and that was the end of the china man |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Tony Durrant in Melbourne Australia Date: 17 Apr 11 - 04:20 AM My father, Thomas Hawkins Durrant from Norfolk England, who died in 1968 used to sing this to us and make us repeat it until it was word perfect. I have never heard of this from anyone else ever but like it so much that it is very important for it to be preserved for the Durrants of future generations. This version has a tantilising similarity to some of the lines of others here but no matter that it is different because this is THE version that I learned as a kid and will pass down unchanged in all its accuracy or otherwise. Chicka racka chi chai Chou chica laurum Pungi laurum Paddy waddy wack Or kor bor kor Hit him on the knoke cor Hedge fire, hedge fire Here he goes The servant used to carry him about On the mountain he did shout Here he comes and here he goes That little chinaman with a big long nose |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Larry Urrutia Gooding Idaho. Date: 11 Jun 11 - 11:00 PM These are the words I remember. Iko chiko chickory chan Iko chiko Chinese man lordy caudy dusty o willopy wallopy chinese o one day the people of the town went up the hill to roll him down from top to bottom they all began to tickle and play with the Chinese man Iko chiko chickory chan Iko chiko Chinese man lordy caudy dusty o willopy wallopy chinese o One day the chinese man did die and in his coffin he did lie They carried him over to Japan and that was the last of the Chinese man. Iko chiko chickory chan Iko chiko Chinese man lordy caudy dusty o willopy wallopy chinese o |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,A Canadian version Date: 24 Jun 11 - 01:33 PM In China once, there lived a great man His name was Chickoraka Chee Chi Chan His legs were long and his feet were small And the Chinese man couldn't walk at all With a Chickoraka Chee Chi Chan Kondee Nora Mupsy Nan Catco Doogo Esty Catty Kittico That was the name of the Chinese man. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Deb in Holland Date: 03 Jul 11 - 07:05 PM OK here goes. My father used to sing this to me 50 years ago in the East End of London: In Chinatown there lived a funny man His name was chicker aka roo chi chan His legs were long and his body was short And this is how the Chinese talk Chicker aka roo chi I chuck alorum lorum lorum paddy addy whack oko oko pat him on the boko attaboy attaboy see him run. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Cathy Date: 11 Jul 11 - 05:46 PM Never knew what this meant. I can just remember my version: Chicoraka chi chai cho chicalorum Congo lorum mena pi kat Etco cocto eti cotty kitty co Eiser pi, china pi, chinese choo. Or something to that effect! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,sangeeta Date: 10 Aug 11 - 10:32 AM the lyric we teach goes like this once in china i met a little man his name was Logo togo Ching Chang Chow his hair was long and his feet were small this little man couldn't walk at all Logo Togo Atti Ketti Kei Atti Kei Ketti Kei Ching Chang Chow. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Mike B Date: 10 Aug 11 - 02:31 PM I'm amazes there are so many versions of this my Father (84 years old) remembers his grandfather reciting this to get him to sleep as a young boy. He recalls that there were many verses and it went on for ages (maybe it just seemed that way). His version is quite different though (excuse the attempt at spelling. In China there did live a man his name was Ran Tan Tan His legs were long and his feet were small and that poor Chinaman couldn't walk at all i chai chicory kandle doodle wasky.... that's all he recalls and I hoped so much that I could get the full version for him! |
Subject: once in china From: GUEST,miss Bee Date: 10 Nov 11 - 12:02 AM once in china,there lived a funny man, his name was chick-a-rac, chick-a-rac, chick chak cho. his hands were long and feet were short, this kind of man could not walk at all. chick-a-rac chick-a-rac chick chak cho chick-a-rac chick-a-rac chick chak cho. than than, than ,a big fat hen, it washed its face with a flying pan, it combed its hair with a big toe nail, it brush its teeth with a horse's tail. chick-a-rac chick-a-rac chick chak cho chick-a-rac chick-a-rac chick chak cho. i learned this song when i was in a boarding school. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Anderson Date: 10 Nov 11 - 04:32 PM I grew up with my Mom now 92 and her sister singing this and teaching it to my children. My cousins daughter at 5 actually asked if she could sing it at an audition for the next Oscar Meyer kid. Very ackward. In China once there lived a man his name was Chickety Chickety Chan his feet were long and his toes were short and this is the way the poor Chinaman talked oh chickey chee cha lotcha low chickty chickty chan ta key ..........something..???? IN A BANANAGO WHATCHIOW!!!! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Amyuk Date: 13 Nov 11 - 04:11 PM Ooh, here's the version I grew up with and now sing to my children In china there lived a very great man His name was chikeriker chee chi chan His head was big and his feet were small And this little man couldn't walk at all Oh chikerikeree chi chan chikolora Condalora mika paka wak Oti coti itty kitty kitty ca Diddabaa diddabaa Sheeakoo Now the man who used to wheel him about Proved to be a robber stout Rolled him up to the top of the hill And rolled him down like a rolling pin Chorus It's so funny reading all the different versions, although mines the best of course!! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Sarah Burgess Date: 24 Nov 11 - 06:22 PM My Gran taught me this rhyme and I have never heard it anywhere else, I can't believe how many different versions there are of it, I think I am putting down the words right, she died 20 years ago and there is no-one else to ask. I can picture her now singing it to me, I wonder if everyone else sings it to the same tune as I do ??? In China Town there lived an Old Man His name was Chickeracka Ching Kai Cho His legs were long and his feet were small So the poor man couldn't walk at all Chickeracka Ching kai Cho Chackalor Pondidleorum had a paddy wack Oka toka itty kitty kotty pie Itty Kai Itty Kai Chico The chinese used to carry him about On their backs and the men did shout Here he comes and there he goes The chinese man with the handsome nose Chorus The Chinese sailed across the seas To visit the caves of the poor brownies The ship did sink beneath the seas And that was the end of the poor chinese Chorus I really did love this rhyme, and I remember standing up at primary school trying to teach it to my class when I was 7 years old, great memories xxx |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 12 Jan 12 - 09:15 PM So cool to find this! My grandmother used to sing it to me and we actually recorded her before she died. Here is her version: Oh, I knew a man from old Japan His name was chickely chickely chan His feet were long and his nose was short And this is the way the poor chinaman talked Oh, chickely cha lie cha lo, chickly romano ana bananago alago alago chanakee ana banana co ouchio! Oh, this chinaman he had some wealth He lived in a mansion all by himself The people next door they bought him a boat And set the poor chinaman afloat! (repeat chorus) Oh, the chinaman he up and died And in his coffin he did lie They shipped him off to old Japan And this is the way his funeral march ran (repeat chorus) Adam S. age 43 |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Gavin (Northern Ireland) Date: 06 Feb 12 - 06:22 PM At last I can prove to everyone this song actually exists. Albeit with, yet again, slightly different lyrics. So, as sung by my maternal grandmother in Belfast: There once was a little Chinee man His name was Mister Chikalaka Brown HIs head was big and his feet were small The poor wee man couldn't walk at all. ...Chikalaka Chikalaka Chang Chikalorum Chang Chikalorum Allaallawack Hoko Poko Sock him in the Boko Itcheeko Itcheeko E I O. Ring any bells? |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 16 Feb 12 - 04:03 AM I do not know if this would be of interest to anyone, but we used to sing a similar song in the playground at primary school many years ago. There were three versus that i can remeber but unfortunately can onlt recall two for the time being. It went something like this... The Chinese man, he went for a walk He asked the Butcher for a piece of Pork The Butcher gave him a piece of fat Oh, said the Chinaman - I don't want that Choo Chi Chan, Cha Chittalara, Humbalara Paddy Paddy Wack Oko bocko, hit him on the coco Gidde boy, gidde boy - see him go The Chinese man, he went for a sail He sailed right to the USA The boat did sink and so did he And that was the end of the poor Chinese Choo Chi Chan, Cha Chittalara, Humbalara Paddy Paddy Wack Oko bocko, hit him on the coco Gidde boy, gidde boy - see him go There was a verse between these two as I said but cannot remember the lyrics (and have no idea how to spell any of the above ditties - only guessed by what they sounded like). |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 06 Mar 12 - 12:14 PM What an interesting thread. I heard this song from my grandfather, though never was sure if he picked it up during the war or as a schoolboy in London. Unfortunately he used different verses that I don't see here. There was one about 'combed his hair with a knife and fork' or something to that effect. The first verse ended with 'couldn't walk or talk' with 'talk' rhyming perfectly with short because of his accent. The only verse I remember, which I always thought was the best, was the last one which I don't see here: "They took him up in an aeroplane And told him not too bash his brain The word was said and he fell on his head and that was the end of the Chineseman" As far as the concerns on the board about the racist nature of this song goes, I don't think there is any risk that teaching this song will promote racist attitudes. It's just a fun look into the attitudes that prevailed back then. Case in point: I heard that song all the time growing up, but it didn't stop me from learning Chinese, spending time in China, having Chinese friends, and dating Chinese women. It's a fantastic culture, that I greatly admire, but that doesn't prevent me from enjoying this ridiculous song. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 26 Mar 12 - 01:50 PM This song was taught to me when I was a child in a Brownie group. The leaders were lovely, older British ladies but even as a child I felt unease with the ethnic ditties they seemed to like. The nonsense words were what we children liked to recite however. Their version went: Once in China there lived a man, His name was Chickaki-chee-chi-cho. His legs were long; his feet were small. And hardly could he walk at all. Chickeraki-chee-chi-cho chik-alero Bungo laro piggy-wiggy waro Hoko smoko hit 'em on the koko Chiremiah chieremiah chee chi cho! This man in China he had a wife And oh they lived a terrible life! She cut off his pigtail which was so long And sold it for a Chinese song! Chickeraki-chee-chi-cho chick-alero Bungo laro piggy-wiggy waro Hoko smoko hit 'em on the koko Chieremiah chieremiah chee chi cho! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 07 May 12 - 01:30 AM Can anyone help me out on this? |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,jeff Date: 02 Jul 12 - 12:27 PM hey i know a little bit of this song too umm i remember it as once there was a chinese man his name was chikeraka - chi chai chan his arms were long his legs were short, he could neither talk nor snort,oh chikeraka chi chai cho chickalore oh bum boogie woogie woogie war oh coco coco hit him on the coco cheddar pie cheddar pie chi chai choo/ the chinese man he had a wife he led her such an awful life he grew her pigtails oh so long and sold them for a chinese song/ chikeraka chi chai cho chickalor oh bum boogie woogie woogie war oh coco coco hit him on the coco cheddar pie cheddar pie chi chai choo, the chinese man he will die and in his coffin he will lie, and then they'll send him off to japan and thatll be the end of the chinese man/oh chikeraka chi chai cho chickalore oh bum boogie woogie woogie war oh coco coco hit him on the coco cheddar pie cheddar pie chi chai choo |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 22 Aug 12 - 08:15 PM Wow. I'm Googling this song to use as a skipping rhyme for a comic I'm writing. My Gran used to sing it (or a version of it) to me and my brother when we were kids in the '70s. I was beginning to think we'd imagined it! Our version is short and quite a bit different than those already listed here, so I thought I'd include it for completeness. Chicka racka chi chai Chay chaca raurum Mikum morum Paddy Paddy wack Oko moko Paddy Paddy why Poor Chinese with a monkey's eye. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Amy Date: 02 Oct 12 - 07:14 AM Once in china there was a man and his name was chicka rocka chee chi chan with a chee chi chor chee chor chickle orum candle orum inny pin nap out go too ko what a kitty ko what a chi what a chi wa nee ko the people used to carry him about and all the children would cry out here he comes and there he goes the china man with a monkey nose with a chee chi chor chee chor chickle orum candle orum inny pin nap they carried him up to the top of the hill and they roled him down with a rolling pin with a chee chi chor chee chor chickle orum candle orum inny pin nap - dad used to sing this to me and so did his and his dad blablabla, we have a recording of my great granddad singing it :) |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 17 Oct 12 - 10:20 PM My father, now 91 and still rockin' taught me this one: There was an old chinese man who lived across the sea his name was chicoraka ching chi chee his legs were long and his feet were short, the poor old chinese man couldn't walk chikoraka ching chai chay chakalora, bondolora, allo allo wa okie dokie inomonozoki, ictchy cotchy, ictchy cotchy, chingo! I have a vague memory he learned it in the RAF in WWII |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Jason Xion Wang Date: 18 Oct 12 - 02:05 AM Interesting. As a pure Chinaman I have never heard such a song myself. Jason in China |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 20 Oct 12 - 11:35 PM My fragmented memory of this song, must have heard it at primary school when I was around 7 years old - 46 now. There lived in China a very old man His name was Chika-raka-ching-chong-chang His head was big but his feet were small This little man couldn't walk at all Chika-raka-ching-chong chi-chakarony Alalbama fat man oh ko kony Incy wincy caterpillar eka-by eka-by oh ko kony |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 02 Dec 12 - 05:17 PM Once in China lived a great man. His name was Chikka rakka chee cho Chan. His legs were long and his feet were small the poor China man couldn't walk at all. Chikka rakka che cho Chucka lucka Laura Come down dora Hecka pecka why Olaa ola so so so Eddi kai eddi kai She yan ko |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 15 Dec 12 - 03:43 PM This is one of many strange songs that were passed down from my Fathers family and since then, sung by us at our Christmas night family gatherings for the past 50+ yeras. Once in China there was a little man His name was Chicoracka Rooka Kan His hair was long and his tail was short The China man couldn't walk or talk Chickoraka rookum, chickoraka rorum, condomflorum, Bulabulaway oko, oko, itchikiy, itchikiy Diddiby, diddiby Jingo He had so many servants, to carry him about Everywhere he went, the people would shout "Here he come and there he goes" "The china man with the monkeys nose" Chickoraka rookum, chickoraka rorum, condomflorum, Bulabulaway oko, oko, itchikiy, itchikiy Diddiby, diddiby Jingo |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Dday Date: 20 Apr 13 - 07:03 PM There lived in china a very old man and his name was Chicka Racka Ching Chong Chong. His legs were long and his feet were small this little man couldn't walk at all. Chicka Racka Ching Chong char chacka roni ella bella fat man oh ko koni itchy bitchy caterpillar icka by icka by oh ko koni. His servants carried him in an arm chair, funny little fellow with the squashed in nose. Here he comes and there he goes, funnily little fellow with the squashed in nose. Chicka Racka Ching Chong char chacka roni Ella Bella fat man oh ko koni itchy bitchy caterpillar icka by icka by oh ko koni. Hard to spell but that's what I remember about this song I learnt over 35 years ago. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 17 Oct 13 - 06:52 PM my version was different as well. My Welsh uncle used to sing this and play the ukulele Once in China, there lived a great man His name was Chikoraka Chee Chi Chan His legs were short and his feet were long The Chinese men, had to carry him along. (Chorus) Chickaraka Chee Chi I kauna roara I kauna roara Wiggy wiggy wang |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Kaz Date: 14 Nov 13 - 06:14 PM Whoa I was looking for the lyrics for my daughter, I learnt this song 40 years ago, when I lived in Zambia. It is amazing how many similar versions there are. In China once there lived a great man His name was Chikaraka Chikchor Chan His legs were long and his feet were short This poor man he could not walk Chikaraka Chikchor Chan Chikaloran Condialoran Icky Picky Back Oko Oko Ichy Kitchy Kotchy Ko Tittibhai Tittibhai Tianku His servants used to carry him about On their backs and they would shout Chikaraka Chikchor Chan Chikaloran Condialoran Icky Picky Back Oko Oko Ichy Kitchy Kotchy Ko Tittibhai Tittibhai Tianku We used to sing it slow at first then re-sing it over and over getting faster each time. I have taught it to my kids and now my grandkids. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,John from Kemsing Date: 15 Nov 13 - 06:53 AM Here`s my one. It`s called "Choo, Choo, Choo-Chin-Chow". |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,John from Kemsing Date: 15 Nov 13 - 06:58 AM I just haven`t mastered this "blue clicky" business. Any guidance on cut and paste is welcome. https://soundcloud.com/#john-hills/choo-choo-choo-chin-chow |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Scotty L Date: 28 Nov 13 - 05:23 PM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tiuwMxre-8 |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,John from Kemsing Date: 29 Nov 13 - 03:56 PM Let me try this "Blue Clicky" thing again. https:/soundcloud.com/#john-hills/choo-choo-choo-chin-chow |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 03 Dec 13 - 09:46 PM This is the way my father sang it: Once in China lived a man, his name was Chili Chalu Chalan. His legs were short and his arms were long, And this is the way he sang his song. Chili Chalu Chalee Chali, Chili Chalu Chali Chalee, Chili Chalu Chali Chali, Cholika Bolika Chinaman. When he died they buried him, in a coffin long and thin, For his legs were short and his arms were long, And this is the way he sang his song. (Chorus) |
Subject: Origins: Once in China there lived a little man.. From: GUEST,patchouliaison Date: 14 Jun 14 - 11:06 AM My great grandfather used to sing this song, and it's been handed down in the family. I find it entirely racist and have asked my parents to stop singing it to my baby. They, of course, we're horrified I would make this request. Basically, I'm trying to prove them wrong, that it is a quite offensive song. Any ideas on where it came from? The version we learned goes like this: Once in China there lived a little man. His name was Ching-a-ling-Ching-a-ling-Ching. His legs were short and his feet were small, And this little man couldn't walk at all. Ching-a-ling-Ching-a-ling-Ching-a-ling-Ching, Ride all day oh happy man. You no fishy-go, shorty-o. He wept and he wept in Chin-e-o. Thanks for any tips on its origin! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Fred McCormick Date: 18 Jul 14 - 06:06 AM patchouliaison. I quite agree. I find this song racist and offensive and I woder why anyone would want to bother singing it. Just for the record, there is a version on CD, but no, I'm not prepared to provide any details. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Bazza Date: 21 Mar 15 - 10:44 PM There lived in China a very funny man His name was chicker raka Ching Chong chan His legs were skinny and his feet were small This little man couldn't walk at all Chiker raka Ching Chong Cha chikeronie Ala bala fat man okeronie Itchy bitchy caterpillar Ikabie ikabie oh oh oh His servants carry him in sampan Funny little screwed up gentleman Chiker raka Ching Chong Cha chikeronie Ala bala fat man okeronie Itchy bitchy caterpillar Ikabie ikabie oh oh oh |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Kittymama Date: 01 May 15 - 06:07 PM It's racist and offensive (for those who are collecting support for that position, patchouliason). We sing it privately, because it makes us think of our late mother, but we know better than to sing it in front of people. Which makes it sound as though we have a private little racist club, but, sigh, it is what it is. At least we've protected succeeding generations. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Barbara Date: 08 Nov 15 - 12:07 PM |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 11 Feb 18 - 06:55 PM In China once there lived a great man his name was Chickarraka chee chi chang his legs were long and his feet were small hat poor man couldn't walk at all cheeee chikarraka chee chi cho chickalorum on my orum inny vidneys got to go ishy kishy co inny vi china man the servants used to carry him around on their backs while the folks used to shout here he comes and their he goes the China man with a monkey nose cheeee chikarraka chee chi cho chickalorum on my orum inny vidneys got to go ishy kishy co inny vi China man. (as I remember it being sung by my sister in the sixties) |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,MarieaGrace Date: 22 May 19 - 06:35 PM CHICKA LA CHE, CHILI CHILO,CHICKA LA WANAGO IN THE BANANA GO, WANNA GO WANNA GO CHANASEE, IN THE GOWANA GO NOTCHO |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Trevor R Date: 10 Jul 19 - 11:40 AM Hello all. It is neat to see so many variations of the same song. This was our version of the song growing up. Sung on May a car ride to the cottage. There was an old man and he lived in china his name was chickaracka chee chi cho His legs were long and his toes were short and he could neither walk nor talk. Chorus: Chickaracka chee chi chum chickalora bungalora piggy wiggy wag Cho cho cho hit him on the go go chitta-boy chitta-boy chee chi cho the chinaman, he grew so stout the servants couldn't carry him about They took him up to the top of a hill and rolled him down like a rolling pin (Chorus) the china man he had a wife he kept her in a miserable life Because her pigtail was so long he sold it for a Chinese song (Chorus) the china man, he will die in his coffin he will lie. Then they'll send him back to japan and that's the end of the china man. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Allyson Watson Date: 20 Jun 20 - 08:52 AM We were taught one when we were kids 50 years ago. THERE WAS AN OLD MAN HIS NAME WAS CHANG CHICKA RICKA CHOO CHIN CHANG HIS ARMS WERE LONG AND HIS FEET WERE SMALL THIS POOR MAN COULDN'T WALK AT ALL CHICKA RICKA CHOO CHIN CHANG. CONKA LORUM PUGGY WUGGY WEE EECHA PEACHA ETICA PETICA ETICA PETICA CHEETAH CHEETAH. NOW THIS OLD MAN HE WENT TO SEA TO SEE THE ISLE OF JUBILEE THE SHIP WAS SUNK AND SO YOU SEE THAT WAS THE END OF THE POOR CHINESE CHICKA RICKA CHOO CHIN CHANG. CONKA LORUM PUGGY WUGGY WEE EECHA PEACHA ETICA PETICA ETICA PETICA CHEETAH CHEETAH. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Steve Gardham Date: 20 Jun 20 - 09:40 AM Has anybody here looked closely at the lyrics before jumping on the usual bandwagons? I've just been looking through the original 5 verse version from c1836 and the full song is definitely about one person and in no way implies this person is in any way typical of any race, in fact quite the opposite. The song is vaguely 19th century comic and there's lots of nonsense employed particularly in the chorus. There is just one hint that it might be a proto-minstrel song. If there is any prejudice implied here might I suggest that it is one of mocking a disabled person? However, I do agree that one wouldn't want to offend by singing the song in public simply for the reactions and false perceptions it might invoke. In the early 19th century there were thousands of songs of a similar nature caricaturing the Irish or a fictional Irishman. Some of these stage songs eventually were adopted into the Irish traditional repertoire and are still sung today by the Irish. Is it fine for the Irish to sing them but nobody else? (A rhetorical question) |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Steve Gardham Date: 20 Jun 20 - 04:59 PM This thread is a testament to what can be achieved by a forum such as Mudcat. For a researching folklorist it is a goldmine. A plethora of variants. can I just make my usual plea, if you post a version sung in your family or community can you please tell us where and when at least? As for any racist allusions, it is worth reading Azizi's post somewhere in the middle. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST,Anonymous Date: 25 Mar 21 - 05:59 PM This is the version I remembered from the mid 60s.
Led her up to the top of a hill. Let her roll like a rolling mill. Chicka lie chee chi cho chicka lora Bunga lora piggy wiggy wack wack. Hoka poka hit him in the coca. Chatterby chatterby chee chi choka. Chinaman had a daughter, let her play on the teeter tauter. Led her up to the top of a hill, let her roll like a rolling mill. Repeat Chicka.... |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: GUEST Date: 15 Aug 21 - 05:51 PM Nan from Liverpool UK sang us this version Once there was a very great man, his name was Chicaraca Chee Chi Chi, His face was merry and his sins were small, He went to the Cross and he lost them all With a Chicaraca chee chi, chi chicalora. Concalora, many pee cat. Cat go, too go, aticatti catti go, Hush a bye, china buy, Chinese go. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Once in China there lived a great man... From: Joe Offer Date: 15 Aug 21 - 11:09 PM This is one of our earliest threads on "Chinaman" songs. And yes, it is still a fucking racist song. And if you are more disturbed by the word "fucking" than by the racism of this song, then maybe your head isn't screwed on right. I included the word "fucking" as a test. Mudcat is often criticized for allowing the posting of songs that are considered racist. But yet, Mudcat is a Website that studies folk songs, warts and all. It is not a site for cleaning up songs - "euphemization" is more-or-less anathema here. We post songs as they were originally sung, although we may clean them up a bit when we sing them. But a song like this is pure racism, and can't be cleaned up like "The Cat Came Back" and "I've Been Working on the Railroad" or "Shortnin' Bread." This song is racist to the core. Sometimes, people will sing songs like this to illustrate the racism of the "Good Old Days," but songs like this should never be sung for enjoyment or entertainment. Songs like this may sound cute to some, but they're not. They're fucking racist. If you don't like the word "fucking," get over it. If you're a racist, get over that, too. Take a look at the Racist Songs threads. We do not support racism in any way, but we do our best to report it accurately. There's a difference, although it may take a certain level of intelligence to understand that. Joe Offer, Mudcat Music Editor |
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