This Song was written by pure motivation from Ry Cooder, research into the people of Chavez ravine. he was insprired by the book Chavez Ravine: A Los Angeles Story. this song was based on the interviews of the people whom lived in the ravine and remembered this man.
10 years ago
Matthew Smith West
A better question is, is it authentic of its time and place. It is certainly one of Cooder's finest pieces in my opinion. And yes little toddlers love this just like they its companion los Chucos Suaves.
10 years ago
Jose Amaral
¿Quien viene por Radiomental?
10 years ago
cwall9962
In the liner notes to the album it says, "Imagine waking up in the morning thinking, 'Today I will write a song about a pidgin-Spanish-speaking Chinese laundryman who rattles his change-box as he walks along, while being heckled by two loud-mouthed Chicanas...' Mexicans and Chinese had been living side-by-side downtown since the late 1800s... Just a comment, I should judge -- no race hatred, no gang war, no police crackdown." Now ask yourself, "Is that racism?"
10 years ago
Tomas Čonti
Cooder feat. latino ... :)
10 years ago
Stefan Heinrichs
Well, I don't think it is racist. O.K. it makes fun of the r that is pronounced as an l. But he's also called bonito (cute), finito (well educated). It is obvious that it talks about a chinese man. But consider that in America Latina "chino/china", also in diminutive, is used as a hug name for a lover. Like "(little) sweetheart".
10 years ago
wildgift2
yes, that is racist. what about the lyrics that make fun of the way the chinito speaks. that's racist too. also the whole laundry man angle too. this is totally racist. it's as racist as speedy gonzalez or the sleepy mexican in a sombrero.
10 years ago
salamattamalas
I got an 11 month old and a 2 year old who dance like crazy to this
11 years ago
planOrama
ayayayiii - bonito chinito - i named my Do Khyi " Chinito " , so what XD
11 years ago
Iñaki Herranz
It's not insulting. "Chinito" means "little chinese man", it's not despective, it's actually a loving/childish way to call a chinese man.
11 years ago
joaomendes88
heheh, catchy ''chinito chinito ''
11 years ago
Steve27775
I love the song, but it's insulting to the Chinese; like saying 'little chinky' or 'slitty eyes'.
11 years ago
Seriousernst
..means Ry, and all remembers to the lovliest on this planet!
11 years ago
Seriousernst
Ry,da duftet alles nach dem Liebsten auf der Welt!!