I first heard this quite by chance last night and was instantly charmed by it. The King of China's Daughter, sung by Natalie Merchant. Towards the end of the video is some footage of the beautiful traditional Chinese instruments being played during the recording.
I believe the original text is an anonymous nursery rhyme or children's song. The imagery in the words too are lovely. They rather beg to be illustrated.
I believe the original text is an anonymous nursery rhyme or children's song. The imagery in the words too are lovely. They rather beg to be illustrated.
The king of China’s daughter
So beautiful to see
With her face like yellow water,
Left her nutmeg tree.
Her little rope for skipping
She kissed and gave it me
Made of painted notes of singing-birds
Among the fields of tea.
I skipped across the nutmeg grove
I skipped across the sea;
But neither sun nor moon, my dear,
Has yet caught me.