Chinese Paper Lantern (Chinese themed Children’s song inspired by Chinese New Year)

1st Verse:

There was a heron fisherman

who caught fish every day

but one day a heron got loose

and simply flew away.

 

But the man lured it back again

holding a great big fish.

Oh, herons can’t be greedy

if it’s freedom that they wish.

 

Chorus:

 

Chinese paper lantern

flying to the moon;

maybe you will reach it

if you don’t burn up too soon.

 

Chinese paper lantern;

if you do get there,

say “Hello” to the rabbit*

‘cause I know that he lives there.

 

2nd Verse:

 

There was a painted dragon kite

with a bright, green paper tail;

it would fly up to the highest heights

and on the winds would sail.

 

But it bit in two all its strings

‘cause it wanted to be free

and it burned up in the blazing sun

‘cause blinded it could not see.

 

Chorus:

 

Chinese paper lantern

flying to the moon;

maybe you will reach it

if you don’t burn up too soon.

 

Chinese paper lantern;

if you do get there,

say “Hello” to the rabbit

‘cause I know that he lives there.

 

 

*The Chinese don’t have a ‘Man in the moon’; they have a ‘Rabbit in the moon’.