I Like Chinese

Monty Python

About I Like Chinese

"I Like Chinese" is a comedic song written and performed by Eric Idle and arranged by John Du Prez. It features on Monty Python's Contractual Obligation Album from 1980, and was issued as a 7" single in the UK on 3 October 1980. It was later included on the CD Monty Python Sings. The song has four verses; the first discussing how the world has become a terrible place (due in part to "nuclear bombs that can blow us all sky high"). The song then segues into a jaunty melody in which the singer states that he "likes Chinese". Broadly outlining stereotypes about Chinese people (an example of this is the stereotype that Chinese people are short, in the line "They only come up to your knees"), it also outlines the achievements of China and its people, including Chinese food, maoism, taoism, I-Ching, chess, penjing ("I like their tiny little trees"), Zen, ping pong, Yin and Yang, and Confucius. Near the end of the song, an erhu starts playing to add more Chinese atmosphere. A high-pitched voice created by sped-up playback and meant to represent a Chinese stereotype joins the chorus as well. 


Year:
1989
3:40
164 
#2

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The world today is absolutely crackers.
With nuclear bombs to blow us all sky high.
There's fools and idiots sitting on the trigger.
It's depressing, and it's senseless, and that's why...

I like chinese,
I like chinese,
They only come up to you knees,
Yet they're always friendly and they're ready to to please.

I like chinese,
I like chinese,
There's nine hundred million of them in the world today,
You'd better learn to like them, that's what I say.

I like chinese,
I like chinese,
They come from a long way overseas,
But they're cute, and they're cuddly, and they're ready to please.

I like chinese food,
The waiters never are rude,
Think the many things they've done to impress,
There's maoism, taoism, I Ching and chess.

I like chinese,
I like chinese,
I like their tiny little trees,
Their zen, their ping-pong, their ying and yang-eze.

I like chinese thought,
The wisdom that Confusious taught,
If Darwin is anything to shout about,
The chinese will survive us all without any doubt.

So, I like chinese,
I like chinese,
They only come up to you knees,
Yet they're wise, and they're witty, and they're ready to please

Wo, I chumba run,
Wo, I chumba run,
Wo, I chumba run,
Ne hamma, Ne hamma, Ne hamma chi chen.

I like chinese,
I like chinese,
They're food is guaranteed to please,
A fourteen, a seven, a nine and lychees

I like chinese, 
I like chinese, 
I like their tiny little trees,
Their zen, their ping-pong, their yin and yang-eze

I like chinese,
I like chinese

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Monty Python

Monty Python (sometimes known as The Pythons) was a British surreal comedy group that created Monty Python's Flying Circus, a British television comedy sketch show that first aired on the BBC on 5 October 1969. Forty-five episodes were made over four series. The Python phenomenon developed from the television series into something larger in scope and impact, spawning touring stage shows, films, numerous albums, several books and a stage musical as well as launching the members to individual stardom. The group's influence on comedy has been compared to The Beatles' influence on music. more »

3 fans

Written by: Eric Idle

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Musical Genre
"I Like Chinese" is a comedic song, which is a classic style found throughout Monty Python's discography.
Album Appearance
The song appears on Monty Python's 1980 album "Monty Python's Contractual Obligation Album."
Songwriter
Eric Idle, a member of Monty Python, wrote the song.
Lyrics' Theme
The lyrics humorously discuss British perceptions and stereotypes about Chinese culture, history, and people.
Performance
It's regularly performed live by Eric Idle, during his one-man shows and the Monty Python's Live reunion shows.
Music Video
A music video for the song shows Eric Idle and four women performing a choreographed routine in a Chinese setting.
Languages
The song includes a spoken bridge in Chinese.
Animal Mention
In the song, Eric Idle humorously mentions that pandas and cats are the only animals they ever eat.
Controversy
Despite the song's humor, it has been criticized for perpetuating stereotypes about Chinese people and culture.
Popularity
Despite the controversy, the song enjoyed significant popularity and it continues to be a fan favorite among Monty Python's discography.
Television Airing
The song was first broadcast on the television show ‘Ripping Yarns’ in the 1970s.
Cultural Impact
The song can be seen as a satirical commentary on the preoccupation and fascination of Western world with Chinese culture during the times.

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