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