This is what you give me to work with?
Well, honey, I've seen worse.
We're gonna turn this sow's ear
Into a silk purse.

We'll have you washed and dried
Primped and polished till you glow with pride
Trust my recipe for instant bride
You'll bring honor to us all.

Wait and see, when we're through
Boys will gladly go to war for you.
With good fortune (and a great hair-do)
You'll bring honor to us all.

A girl can bring her family
Great honor in one way.
By striking a good match
And this could be the day.

Men want girls with good taste, calm, obedient.
Who work fast-paced.
With good breeding and a tiny waste,
You'll bring honor to us all.

We all must serve our emperor
Who gaurds us from the huns.
The men by bearing arms,
A girl by bearing sons.

When we're through, you can't fail
Like a lotus blossom soft and pale
How could any fellow say no sale?
You'll bring honor to us all.

[grandma]
An apple for serenity, a pendant for balance.
Beads of jade for beauty,
You must proudly show it.
Now, add a cricket just for luck
And even you can't blow it!

[mulan]
Ancestors, hear my plea
Help me not to make a fool of me
And to not uproot my family tree
Keep my father standing tall.
Scarier than the undertaker
We are meeting our matchmaker!

[townspeople]
Destiny, guard our girls
And our future as it fast unfurls
Please look kindly on these cultured pearls
Each a perfect porcelian doll.

[girls]
Please bring honor to us,
Please bring honor to us,
Please bring honor to us,
Please bring honor to us,
Please bring honor to us all!