SAYONARA SENSEIS

Composed for Retirement of veteran missionaries

Charles and Eulalie Zimmerman, 1986

 (to the tune of Jingle Bells)

  

(sung rather regretfully, with motions)

“We really hate to go; we’d like to stay some more

We’d leave shoes at the door and sleep upon the floor

We’d ride on crowded trains, drive down left-hand lanes

But sayonara now we say, and head for Stateside planes.

 

(Chorus)

Many years, Nippon years, full of ojigi (BOW!)

Thank You Lord, for happy years with the Japanese

Many years, Nippon years, now we say goodbye

Thank you Lord, for blessings more we have yet to see.”

 

(Descant)

“Sayonara (bow) Senseis, as you go to America

Know that all our thoughts go with you

  And that we do love you so

Sayonara (bow) Senseis, may God bless, and may He keep you

Know that warmest thoughts go with you

  How we hate to say goodbye!

 

“Sayonara (bow) Senseis, as you go to America

Know that all our thoughts go with you

  And that we do love you so

Sayonara (bow)Senseis, may God bless, and may He keep you

Know that warmest thoughts go with you

 

(Together)

 Please Gambatte Kudasai!”