George Harrison
Lyric guide

Shanghai Surprise

Read Shanghai Surprise lyrics by George Harrison on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.

George Harrison visibility1 visits
person Curated by Ethan Walker LyroVerse team
Reference snapshot

The page facts to cite before the commentary

Use this page for the lyric text, linked artist context, and any LyroVerse editor's note attached to the song. Listener comments remain user-generated and should not be treated as the primary source.

Page type: lyric reference Artist: George Harrison Canonical path: /george-harrison/shanghai-surprise Related lyric paths: 6
Lyrics

Shanghai Surprise

The lyric stays readable and compact here; the note and related paths sit nearby so you do not lose the song while looking for context.

I can't understand how i've gone astray,

I should be sailing away on a liner.

I was knocked on my back on a dock at yang-tse,

It's a hell of a way to see china.

But i'm ready.

You must be crazy...

And you got no money...

And you're a liar...

My straits are dire from the wok into the fire,

I'd like to trust you but i've broken my rickshaw.

Sometimes there's no hope in, in chasing opium,

I'd like to love you but i'm not sure what's in your eyes,

Mm, shanghai surprise.

Whatever you're saying, i want it anyway in

Been hanging 'round like a kid at your back door.

Oh, babe!

You could be kinder, and show me asia minor,

I'll let you love me, let you see what's here in my eyes,

Shanghai surprise.

You must be crazy... crazy...

And you got no money... money...

And it seems like madness...

Back streets so crowded that no room to swing a cat,

I'd like to know you but you're acting so coolie.

I'm finding out pursued by evil looking dudes,

It's getting hot for me like tofu when it deep fries,

Oh, shanghai surprise.

But, baby, you look like any common crook

That's hanging 'round in those real shady places.

Oh, baby!

While you assess me, why not try to impress me?

Step over here, let me see what's there in your eyes,

Oh, shanghai surprise.

I don't understand how i got delayed,

I should be sailing today on a liner.

Was kicked in the ass on a dock at yang-tse,

It's no way for a man to see china.

But i'm ready.

You must be crazy... crazy...

And you got no money... money...

But you're a tryer...

My straits are dire from the wok into the fire,

I'd like to meet you but i've broken my chopstick.

Sometimes there's no hope in, in chasing promises,

I wanna love you though it could prove to be unwise,

Shanghai surprise.

Whatever you're saying, i want it anyway in

In hanging 'round for a ride on your rickshaw.

Oh, babe!

You may correct me, now that you've inspected me,

Come over here, let me feel you cut down to size,

Oh, shanghai surprise.

My straits are dire from the wok into the fire,

I'd like to know you but i'm not really social.

Sometimes it's no joke, can't cope with opium,

I'd like to love you but i'm not sure what's in your eyes,

Shanghai surprise.

Shanghai surprise.

Shanghai surprise.

And you got no money...

But you're a tryer...

Quick answers

What this page can answer fast

Who performs "Shanghai Surprise"?

George Harrison performs "Shanghai Surprise", and this lyric page sits inside the George Harrison catalog on LyroVerse.

Are there related songs to explore after "Shanghai Surprise"?

Yes. The related section below points to I Got My Mind Set On You and If Not For You with a short reason for opening each page next.

Where can I find more songs by George Harrison?

Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through George Harrison's lyric pages.

Song Room

Interpretations, questions, and corrections for this song

Interpretations, questions, memories, and correction notes live together here. The room stays noindex while the best insights are reviewed.

Open Song Room
0 followers Selected insights only surface after moderation
Listener comments

What people are saying

0 comments
Add a short interpretation or memory

A strong comment here is specific: the phrase you keep hearing, the mood you come back for, or the reason this song stays in rotation.

Sign in to post the first listener note. Reporting stays open to everyone.

No listener comments on Shanghai Surprise yet.