Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, a late American rhythm and blues musician whose biggest hit was “I Put a Spell on You”, also released a lesser-known song called “Hong Kong”. It was apparently written about a girlfriend who was in Hong Kong, where he sings, it’s “bad to be alone”.
That’s about the entire extent of the song’s lyrical content.
The real draw of the song, however, is Hawkins’ attempt to make sounds that are meant to sound like Cantonese (we think).
Here’s our attempt at transcribing a few lines:
“Hong Kooooongg….. beemeeyayow buguyowyooow
It’s bad to be alone… bongy yow bongyyowyeeya
In Hong Konggggg….”
It shouldn’t be funny… but it’s kind of hilarious.
The good citizens at Metrolyrics.com actually did a decent job of accurately writing down the sounds that come out of his mouth.
The 50s were sure a different time. Though we’re not sure it’s only the decade that’s to blame: according to Biography.com, Hawkins sometimes performed wearing a loincloth and with a bone through his nose, which the National Association for Coloured People (NAACP) believed reflected badly on African-Americans.
Well, you know what they say. You’re not racist if you’re racist to everyone!
Just kidding.
Photo: Jean-Luc Ourlin via Wikimedia
