When I first learned it i was told it was a World War I song soldiers could sing with other troops of a differing languages. I learned it Ging gong gooley gooley gooley gooley rush rush, ging gong goo, ging gong goo....etc. After singing it through twice (each side taking the lead once) you then oompa numerous times fading. It is a great dining hall song that I have shared with many students over the years.