Origins: 'Once in China there lived a great man...

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:

Chikaraka che chi cho chikoloro
bongo loro pikiwikiwako
hoco poko hit him on the coco
cherryby, cherryby
che chi cho!

-It's great to hear of other people who know the song, or at least a few different versions of it!

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.