“Kung Fu Fighting” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a cultural phenomenon that exploded onto the music scene in the 1970s. These Kung Fu Fighting Song Lyrics, penned by Carl Douglas and quickly becoming a global sensation, capture the energy and excitement of the martial arts craze that swept the world. Released in 1974, this disco-funk track unexpectedly topped charts and remains instantly recognizable today.
The song’s infectious rhythm and playful lyrics paint a vivid picture of stylized kung fu action. Lines like “Everybody was Kung Fu fighting, those flips were fast as lightning,” immediately establish the energetic and somewhat exaggerated nature of the song. It evokes the visual spectacle of kung fu films popular at the time, translating that visual excitement into an auditory experience. The lyrics, while simple, are memorable and contribute to the song’s sing-along quality. Phrases like “funky China men from funky China town” and descriptions of “chopping them up, chopping them down” reflect a stereotypical, albeit lighthearted, portrayal of kung fu that was common in Western media during that era.
Despite its seemingly straightforward theme of kung fu fighting, the song’s lyrics also hint at a sense of playful exaggeration and theatricality. The lines “In fact it was a little bit frightening, but they fought with expert timing” and “A sudden motion made me skip, now we’re into a brand new trick” suggest a choreographed, almost dance-like quality to the fighting, moving away from realism and embracing entertainment. This theatrical element is further emphasized by the repeated “Oh-ho-ho-hoooo” vocalizations, adding to the song’s overall upbeat and slightly comedic tone.
Here are the full “Kung Fu Fighting” song lyrics that have resonated with audiences for decades:
Oh-ho-ho-hoooo (x4)
Everybody was Kung Fu fighting, those flips were fast as lightning,
In fact it was a little bit frightening, but they fought with expert timing
There were funky China men, from funky China town
They were chopping them up, they were chopping them down
It's an ancient Chinese art, and everybody knew their part
From a faint into a slip, and I'm kickin' from the hip
Everybody was Kung Fu fighting (huh), those kids were fast as lightning
In fact it was a little bit frightening (ha yeah), but they fought with expert timing
There was funky Billy Chin and little Sammy Chung
He said, here comes the big boss (where? where?), let's get it on
We took a bow and made a stand, started swaying with the hand
A sudden motion made me skip, now we're into a brand new trick
Everybody was Kung Fu fighting, (huh) those kids were fast as lightning (hah)
In fact it was a little bit frightening, (huh) but they did it with expert timing (hah)
oh,ho,ho,hoooo (hah)
oh,ho,ho,hoooo (hah)
oh,ho,ho,hoooo (huh)
oh,ho-ho-hoooo (hah)
Everybody was Kung Fu fighting, (huh) those filps were fast as lightning (hah)
In fact it was a little bit frightening, (huh) make sure you have expert timing (hah)
Kung Fu fighting, had to be fast as lightning.
(oh,ho-ho-hoooo (x7))
Keep on keep on keep on.. yeah yeah...
Everybody was Kung Fu fighting... (fade)...In conclusion, the “Kung Fu Fighting” song lyrics are a testament to the song’s enduring appeal. They are simple yet evocative, capturing the spirit of a cultural moment and providing a fun, energetic soundtrack that continues to be enjoyed by generations. The song’s legacy extends beyond just the lyrics, but these words are the foundation of a global hit that remains a beloved classic.
