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

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,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: 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,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,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,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,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,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
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,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: 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
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: 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: 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,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,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
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: 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 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: 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
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: 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 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: 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,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,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,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
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
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,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,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,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,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 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,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 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 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 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 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,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: 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 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,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 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,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,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 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 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 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: 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.