China Dreams

A popular song from 1917.
Words by Raymond Egan and Gus Kahn.
Music by Egbert Van Alstyne.


The sheet music:


Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:


Lyrics

  1. Down where the incense fills the dreamy night
    Down ‘neath the heathen Oriental light
    I love the smile of a fascinating China doll
    For she’ll light my dream-pipe
    And smile but that is all
    And then we meet it seems
    In smoky China dreams

Chorus
Dreaming, dreaming
Sweet China dreams
Where all my tears and fears depart
Eyes that shine so close to mine
My Lotus love down in my heart
I know I’m only dreaming, dreaming
Of Love’s delight
I hold you in my arms it seems
Then one sweet kiss
And the spell of smoke is broken
It’s just a China dream

  1. Down where we build our castles in the air
    Down where we’re drifting from a world of care
    I love the isle of my dreams
    But oh I grieve to leave
    Forsaken awaken’d from visions that deceive
    But night will come once more
    I’ll dream my sweet dreams o’er

Sung here by Vancha March: