From the recording China Camp
Larry was initially inspired with the theme for China Camp about the California gold rush days from the Discovery Channel's series "Gold Rush." He and Rob collaborated on the lyrics. The visual imagery comes through magnificently. Joe sings the lead and played the lead guitar. Rob wrote the rhythm parts and played keyboards on it.
Lyrics
Headed west just to stake my claim, wild country waitin’ to be tamed,Downriver from the Klamath mine, gold fever spread in ’49.Made camp at the county line, boots, blanket and some bad moonshine,Took some comfort at the ‘ol saloon, dark shadows ‘neath a silver moon.China Camp, where the dreamers meet, pretty women and gamblers cheat.China Camp, where I call home, feelin’ lonely but I ain’t alone,Woo-oo-who, woo-oo-who, China Camp it be my home,Woo-oo-who, woo-oo-who, China Camp’s where I call home. Ooooh, wonder what’ll happen tonight,Ooooh, lotsa gold shinin’ bright,Ooooh, been too many gunfights,Ooooh, I’d rather see the morning light.Gunslinger came a lookin’ for me, Smith & Wesson drinkin’ whisky tea,Said I was jumpin’ on his gold claim, one shot changed everything.China Camp, where the dreamers meet, pretty women and gamblers cheat.China Camp, where I call home, feelin’ lonely but I ain’t alone,Woo-oo-who, woo-oo-who, China Camp it be my home,Woo-oo-who, woo-oo-who, China Camp’s where I call home.