A 1917 popular song.
Words by Howard Johnson.
Music by Milton Ager.
( see and hear 1972 revised lyrics below )
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- When I woke up the other morn
I found a new Republic had been born
There was to be democracy in China
We congratulate her, but we know old China, too
Did an awful lot for me and you
Now her freedom’s won
Let’s thank her for what she’s done
Chorus
China, ‘way out near Asia Minor
No country could be finer beneath the sun
You gave us silk to dress our lovely women
‘Twas worth the price
And when we couldn’t get potatoes, you gave us rice
We mix chop suey with your chop sticks
You’ve taught us quite a few tricks we never knew
We take our hats off to one thing we’ve seen
Your laundries keep our country clean
China, we owe a lot to you
2. Now, China we all realize
The magic of your dreamy almond eyes
It’s plain to see our crockery is China
Ev’ry cup and saucer
All our Broadway Johns and Janes
Couldn’t do without your bamboo canes
Tho’ you’re weak in song
We all know your tea is strong
Sung here by Fred Feild:
Revised lyrics shortly after Nixon’s China visit in 1972:
When I woke up the other day,
Here’s what the morning papers had to say:
“The president was flying off to China”.
(Best of luck to him.)
We like China, old and new.
Americans are much obliged to you.
And for the things you’ve done,
May I say thank you for every one.
Chorus:
China, celestial land of China,
No country could be finer beneath the sun.
You gave us silk to dress our lovely women,
‘Twas worth the price.
And when we tired of potatoes, you gave us rice.
(Very nice of you.)
We mix chop suey with your chopsticks.
You taught us quite a few tricks we never knew.
We like the way you play ping pong;
Your fortune cookies, right or wrong.
China, we owe a lot to you.
Chorus 2:
China, celestial land of China,
No country could be finer beneath the sun.
You gave us chinaware and firecrackers and heav’nly tea.
And if it weren’t for Confucius, how dumb we’d be!
(Much obliged to you.)
We mix chop suey with your chopsticks.
You taught us quite a few tricks we never knew.
Your way of cooking keeps us nice ‘n’ lean.
Your little laundries, ah so clean!
China, we owe a lot to you.
sung by Laurence Rubenstein: