Showing posts with label HK POP Song Spotlights. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HK POP Song Spotlights. Show all posts

Monday, November 25, 2013

HK Song Spotlight: “誰可改變” (“Who Can Change?”) by 譚詠麟 Alan Tam


Credit: http://noelhk.blog124.fc2.com

Oddly enough, I don’t listen to the songs of legendary entertainer 譚詠麟 Alan Tam enough. Dominating the music scene in the 1980s with his pop songs, it would be impossible for a HK pop fan to not hear one of Alan’s songs. It is probably because I don’t own any Alan Tam albums that I did not listen to him that often.

Even though I don’t own any of his albums, there was no way I could escape his drama soundtracks. A drama theme song that I am particularly fond of is “誰可改變” (“Who Can Change?”) from the 1984 TVB drama, 天師執位 (The Fearless Duo). The theme song greatly accentuated the love between a pair of star-crossed lovers, 林楚燕 Lam Chor-Yin (翁美玲 Barbara Yung) and 司徒文武 Szeto Man-Mo (苗僑偉 Michael Miu). 

Credit: Yesasia.com

Honestly, I think Barbara Yung is one of the most beautiful Hong Kong actresses and Michael Miu is so handsome. They make a great pair, but too bad they didn’t fall in love in real life. They did so many dramas together. I always wondered what would have happened if they did fall in love in real life. Would Barbara Yung still be alive today? Barbara Yung tragically died young at the age of 26 in an apparent suicide. Many speculated that it was due to a failed relationship with supposed actor, 湯鎮業 Kent Tong. Anyway, Barbara and Michael’s love story in dramas will forever be memorable in my mind. If you enjoy this coupling, they also make an awesome couple in the 1984 TVB drama, 楚留香之蝙蝠傳奇 (The New Adventures of Chor Lau-Heung).

The theme song, “Who Can Change?” has a special meaning to me. Listening to Alan’s song reminds me of how romantic a song can be. The song isn’t especially about romance, but talks about the tragedy of a romance where one wishes that one can turn back time. Even so, I always get into a romantic mood when I hear this song. I think Alan Tam is the only person who can deliver this type of tragically romantic feeling to me.

I guess the 誰可改變("Who Can Change") title or song is really popular because Alan Tam released a 《誰可改變15週年紀念集》 “Who Can Change 15th Anniversary Collection”, which happens to be Alan Tam’s 39th published album. Each hit song is sung by a guest artist instead of Alan. The person who sings 誰可改變in this album is one of my favorite singers, 許志安 Andy Hui. 誰可改變 is originally included in Alan Tam's 1984 album, "愛的根源" (The Origin of Love).

When I searched around Youtube, I found that several singers have covered the song. I shall review those in the order of my favorites. Even though famous stars have covered the song, I still love the original version the best.


#1 – 李克勤 Hacken Lee
Bravo! Great job! I think he captures the feeling of the song beautifully. I have to feature a Hacken song some time on Wehaiyo!


#2 – 陳慧嫻 Priscilla Chan           
Priscilla’s version is sung sweetly in the all-familiar Priscilla style of yearning. I do love Priscilla’s voice, but I rather hear it sung poignantly.


#3 – 許志安 Andy Hui
Andy covered the Blues version of this song. While the Blues style is refreshing, the guiro instrument, at least that’s what I think it is, which makes a scrape-like sound, is highly annoying when used at every measure.


#4 –  張栢芝 Cecilia Cheng duets with 譚詠麟 Alan Tam
Coming from a film shoot, Cecilia made time to be a guest at an Alan Tam concert. Everything seemed nice except she mixed up the lyrics "但有份沒有緣"  with "有份有緣."  Cecilia was probably tired so I'll give her the benefit of the doubt.


#5 – 黎明 Leon Lai
Leon is a great singer, but his deep voice with a serious tone does not fit this song at all. 

Favorite Lines:

I really love the beginning part because typically, in dramas, that’s how the main characters meet. They somehow have a misunderstanding and will fight and bicker in the beginning just like Lam Chor-Yin (Barbara Yung) and  Szeto Man-Mo (Michael Miu) in The Fearless Duo. They meet, argue, and initially think that they are not meant to be together even though their respective families set up an arranged marriage between them.

曾經說出  ([I] Once, spoke out)
今生不愛你 ([In] This life, [I would] not love you)
我共你是 (I, together [with] you, are)
但有份, 沒有緣 (But, having destiny, not having fate)

I feel pain when I hear these lyrics. When somebody I love ignores me or doesn’t pay attention to me, I feel hurt. Once a lover realizes that he or she loves someone that he or she has sworn not to love, the person he or she loves no longer returns the feeling and has moved on. Thus, the love story takes a sad, unexpected turn.

輪到你 (Turn arrive you [When it’s your turn])
不瞅不睬 ([you] not see, not notice [you don’t see, don’t notice])

I feel like these two lines are the most romantic lines of the whole song due to Alan’s emotional, delicate singing technique. Who can take time and reverse it? Alan sings it so poignantly. I can feel that not only is he singing the words, but he is also crying inside as well out of desperation, pleading for somebody to turn back time.

誰可以將 (Who, by means of, [can] take)
將光陰倒轉 (Take light dark turn upside down turn [Take the time available and reverse it])


Now, it’s time to listen to the song. As usual, I translate more on the literal side so that you can understand the true meaning of the lyrics. Of course, I will put in editor comments in brackets.

As a bonus, I found a Youtube video with footage from The Fearless Duo so our Wehaiyo! readers can get a feel of the love story between Lam Chor-Yin and  Szeto Man-Mo.



誰可改變” (“Who Can Change?”) sung by  譚詠麟 Alan Tam

作曲/Composer: 顧嘉輝
編曲/Arranger: 顧嘉輝
填詞/Lyracist: 鄭國江

曾經說出  ([I] Once, spoke out)
今生不愛你 ([In] This life, [I would] not love you)
我共你是 (I, together [with] you, are)
但有份, 沒有緣 (But, having destiny, not having fate)

情切是你 (Feelings absolutely is  you [My feelings for you is absolute]) 
痴痴相戀 (Foolishly, foolishly loving each other)
將心中愛念 (To take [your] inner thoughts [of] love [and] yearning) 
為我捐 (For me, [you] contribute)

如今我竟 (Nowadays, I actually/daringly/surprisingly/unexpectedly)
竟將心意轉 (actually/daringly/surprisingly/unexpectedly take [your] intentions, shifting [it])
那份愛念 (That love and yearning)
沒有盡, 沒有完 (Has no limit, has no finish [end])

***

輪到你 (Turn arrive you [When it’s your turn])
不瞅不睬 ([you] not see, not notice [you don’t see, don’t notice])
心中的愛念 ([your] inner thoughts of love [and] yearning)
盡化煙 (Completely changes [into] smoke)

能否改變 (Can not [to] change? [Is it possible to change?])

CHORUS:

還想再等 (Still thinking again [to] wait)
沒法息愛念 (Not law [I cannot do anything to] stop loving [and] yearning [for you] [I can’t do anything to stop loving and yearning for you])
但偏偏你 (But, slanting, slanting [contrary to expectations], you)
回頭也倦 (Turn around [your] head, also weary [Turn your head, also weary])

煩惱是我 (Bothered, irritated is I [Distressed is I])
流淚更無言 (Flow tears, even more no words [Shedding tears, even more silent])
情逝去不再留半點 (Feelings pass away, not again [to] remain half a speck [Feelings elapse, no longer retaining the least bit])

誰可以將 (Who, by means of, [can] take)
將光陰倒轉 (Take light dark turn upside down turn [Take the time available and reverse it])
再讓往日 (Again, let former day[s] [To again, let former days]
復現眼前 (Return, appear, eyes front [Reappear before my eyes])

能再共你 (To be able to, again, together with you)
漫步田園 (Vast step [Strolling through] field[s] [and] garden[s])
心中的愛念 ([my] inner thoughts of love [and] yearning)
為你牽 (For you [to] control)

求可改變 (Request [to]  permit [this] change [I request this change])

Repeat from *** until the end~

Credits:


Alan Tam & Hacken Lee Live Concert 2003 Karaoke (4DVD) (DTS-ES Version) - $33.99

from: YesAsia

Sunday, November 3, 2013

HK Song Spotlight: 你是我的日與夜 (You Are My Day and Night) by 馬浚偉 (Steven Ma)

Credit: baike.soso.com

I usually associate Hong Kong entertainer Steven Ma 馬浚偉 with being a leading television actor in the Hong Kong entertainment industry so when I saw his 2002 greatest hits CD, titled, “Greatest Hits Steven(新曲+好精選)” ( Greatest Hits Steven - New Songs + Special Selection) , I was puzzled. Upon my quick research, Steven actually debut as a singer with a record deal in 1993 after winning first place in a singing contest. Shortly afterwards, he took on acting roles, which led to his stardom. Unfortunately, his record label mislabeled him with the label, “He’s not Leon Lai. He’s not Jacky Cheung.” and the public was offended by it. After the backlash, Steven was dropped from his label, but he has since moved on from that experience.

Another interesting fact about Steven: he was extremely depressed after his mother’s death in 1999 and remained in his bedroom to cope with the loss of his mother. Eventually, Steven learned how to heal his pain and set up a publishing company in 2002 where he published a few books about suicide, loss, and depression. Since I remember Steven by his cheerful and goofy roles, I never knew he had such a depressing side to him.

On a lighter note, I picked Steven’s best song off of his greatest hits album and the song is also originally part of his 1998 album, Day Night. The featured song, “你是我的日與夜 (You Are My Day and Night),” ranked up to #3 in the music charts: 903, RTHK, 997, and TVB. Since Steven released the song before his mother passed away, I wonder if he was thinking of his mother when he is singing this song even though this song is meant to be romantic. This song is especially romantic for those who believe in reincarnation since the lyrics mention it.

The music itself is soothing to listen to and I think it’s a stress reliever. I find Steven’s other songs to be bland since he has the same singing style and sound for every song. This song, however, is sung differently. I can hear his delicate singing style. I think he put a lot of effort into make this song sound wonderful.

My favorite lyrics from the song lie in the major chorus hook, which is:

你是我日,是我夜,是一生冀待 (You are my day, are my night, are [my] one lifetime[‘s] hope)
相關我人生的所有未來 (Related [to] my lifetime of all future [all of my future lifetime]

If the person means everything to me, then that person is my day and night. Ideally, I would be thinking of that person all day and all lifetime long.

I’m not going to lie. Translating this song was a bit difficult for me. I really hope the lyrics are accurate. I did my best. In the true Wehaiyo! style, I tried to translate the lyrics as close to the actual meaning as much as possible so that the actual meaning is translated into English, which is why the lyrics are not in smooth English. I also added put my editor notes in brackets. If I find another website that posts the English translations of the lyrics, I will post it here, but for now, enjoy my version.

If you are looking for simplified Chinese character lyrics, visit http://baike.baidu.com/view/6303197.htm.


Isn't it funny that actress Ada Choi  蔡少芬 is the lead in this video?
Because usually unknown actors are featured in music videos.

你是我的日與夜 (You Are My Night and Day)

Lyricist/作詞:林振強
Composer/作曲:柳重言
Arranger/編曲:Alex San

晨早當我醒來眼睜開 ([At] Dawn, while I wake up come [come to wake up],  [my] eyes open [up])
仍可感到如在好夢內 (Still can feel as if [I’m] in [a] good dream inside [inside a good dream])
差些不敢相信有你在旁 (Slightly less [I, to a lesser degree,] don’t dare to believe there is you alongside [me])
終於知今世因可來 (At least [I] know [in] this life, [the) reason [you] can come]

如果這個心靈打得開 (If this internal spirit strike allow open [can be opened up]
能邀請全人類進入內 (Can invite the whole [all of] mankind to enter inside)
參觀嘉賓必見過去未來 (touring guests will surely see the past [and] future)
年月內是你在 (Days of [my] life within is you [who is] present [Within the days of my life, you are present]

靈魂由前世已經相逢([Your] Soul from [the] last incarnation, [I] already met)
我彷彿相識你數千載 (I seemingly [got] acquainted [with] you [for a] count [of] thousand years)
即使我可能贏得每個比賽 (Even if I can win every competition)
我也空空 若你不曾來 (I also [feel] empty, Suppose you cannot come)

CHORUS:

你是我日是我夜是一生冀待 (You are my day, are my night, are [my] one lifetime[‘s] hope)
相關我人生的所有未來 (Related [to] my lifetime of all future [all of my future lifetime]
你是我日是我夜(You are my day, are my night)
在今生以內 (In this lifetime within [Within this lifetime])
不管如何更改 (No matter how [it’s] altered)
仍離不開oh... (Still inseparable, Oh…)

只想再說一聲 (Only want to speak one sound [say something])
任遇著幾多風幾多雨 (No matter encounter how much wind, how much rain [No matter how much wind, how much rain we encounter – how many hardships we encounter])
你我的雙臂內(You, I, [our] double arms within [within our arms]
並存著對方什麼狀況 (Co-existing counterparts, [in] what[ever] state)
清早到夜半都把你愛 (Daybreak to midnight, all, [I’ll] grasp you[r] love)

END CHORUS

黃昏當我歸來你好嗎 ([During] Nightfall, at the time I return come [come back]: How are you?
重歸二人營造天地內 (Furthermore [by] return[ing], two people construct [the] world within)
開心不開心 向彼此道來 (Happy [or] not happy: towards each other, [the] way [will] come)
一起把溫暖找回來 (Together [we’ll] contain [the] warmth to find return come [the way back])

誰可比你一人更精彩 (Who [is] comparable [to] you, [the] one person, [who is] even more brilliant)
誰肯把我融入生命內 (Who [is] willing to [allow me] to blend [into] life within)
高高低低 不理天陰或晴 (High-high, low-low, pay no attention to cloudy or clear [weather])
誰亦願共我在 (Someone [is] also willing together [with me] exist [Someone is also willing to exist together with me])

靈魂由前世已經相逢 ([Your] Soul from [the] last incarnation, [I] already met)
我彷彿相識你數千載 (I seemingly [got] acquainted [with] you [for a] count [of] thousand years)
即使我可能贏得每個比賽 (Even if I can win every competition)
我也空空 若你不曾來 (I [feel] also empty, Suppose you cannot come)

CHORUS




Credits:

I did not find a location online where you can buy Steven Ma's CD. If I find one, I will list it here!



Sunday, June 2, 2013

HK Song Spotlight: Embrace Love (擁抱愛) by Joyce Cheng (鄭欣宜)

Photo Credit: http://bulo.hujiang.com


Updated: 04-FEB-2024

I must admit, before watching a little bit of the TVB sitcom, "·回家 (Come Home Love)", I never paid attention to 鄭欣宜 Joyce Cheng, who sings the opening theme song for the show. I was surprised to find that a veteran singer did not sing this song. An all-around young entertainer, Joyce Cheng is the daughter of entertainers, the late Lydia Shum (沈殿霞) and Adam Cheng (鄭少秋). Joyce released the "Embrace Love" single in 2012. Since "Come Home Love" is extended to 500 episodes, Joyce received a lot more attention and interest from the public. She certainly has my interest. As another proof of her talent, Joyce also composed the music to "Embrace Love."

My favorite lines of the song:

在世間 遮風擋雨有一種愛 (In this world, [through] blocking wind, blocking rain, there exists one type of love)
從六歲到八十也不更改 ([It would] also not alter [be the same for those] from six years old reaching [all the way to] eighty

I like the fact that no matter what your age is, you still need shielding through love. Every person, young or old, needs love. It’s important to remember that without loving support, a human can break down easily.

越行越遠 困倦了總有家中這道門 為我開 ([The] more [I] walk, [The] more [I am] far [The farther I walk], [if I felt] sleepy, [I] always have within my own family, this door, [that] opens for me

I love this line because no matter where a person goes in life, there is always a place called home where a person’s family resides who will openly welcome that person inside to rest no matter what life brings. A truly loving family would do that.

And now, the lyrics! I wanted to translate the lyrics as close to the actual meaning as possible so the lyrics might look strange in English.

Here is a special music video of "Come Home Love":






Here is a fancam performance:



Embrace Love (擁抱愛)


作詞/ Lyricist by:張美賢
作曲/ Composed by:鄭欣宜 (Joyce Cheng)

在世間 遮風擋雨有一種愛 (In this world, [through] blocking wind, blocking rain, there exists one type of love)
從六歲到八十也不更改 ([It would] also not alter [be the same for those] from six years old reaching [all the way to] eighty
任我飛 天空海闊前望將來 (Allow me to fly, air, ocean-wide [boundless, unrestrained] forward hoping [for the] future)
寒或暖 有笑容可一可再 ([When] Chilly or warm, [to] have [a] smiling expression, can [smile] once, can [smile] again

遙遠 隻身參與漫長競賽 ([From a] Distance,  participating in [a] vast long race/competition alone)
回家這路線 快樂佈景四邊覆蓋 (This route to return home, happy setting,  four sides covered)
越行越遠 困倦了總有家中這道門 為我開 ([The] more [I] walk, [the] more [I am] far [The farther I walk], [if I feel] sleepy, [I] always have within my own family, this door, [that] opens for me)

在世間 不聲不語有一種愛 (In this world, [by having] no sounds, [having] no words, there exists one type of love)
柔韌到 叫鐵石種出花開 ([When anything] soft [or] hard arrives,  summon ironstone,  plant [it] out, [so] flowers bloom)
任我飛 不經不覺背包超載 (Allow me to fly, not enduring, not feeling [not realizing that my] backpack [is] overloading)
晴或雨 要記住相親相愛 ([On a] clear or rainy [day], [I] need to remember mutual intimacy, mutual love [to be kind and love one another])

遙遠  萬千心意亦能下載 ([From a] Distance,  ten-thousand, thousand [myriad] regards can also [be] downloaded)
回家卻讓我 處地設身抱緊所愛 (Returning home still allows me [to] put body in place [form another perspective in order to] enclasp that love)
越行越近 歲月裏一切衝擊與障礙 漸化開 ([The] more [I] walk, [the] more [I am] near [The closer I walk], within [the] years [of my life], all assaults and obstructions, gradually dissolve

在世間 遮風擋雨有一種愛 (In this world, [through] blocking wind, blocking rain, there exists one type of love)
從六歲到八十也不更改 ([It would] also not alter [be the same for those] from six years old reaching [all the way to] eighty
任我飛 天空海闊前望將來 (Allow me to fly, air, ocean-wide [boundless, unrestrained] forward hoping [for the] future)
如後盾 去獻奉各種慷慨  (As a back-up, present, with all respect, every kind of generosity)

在世間 不聲不語有一種愛 (In this world, [by having] no sounds, [having] no words, there exists one type of love)
柔韌到 叫鐵石種出花開 ([When anything] soft [or] hard arrives,  summon ironstone,  plant [it] out, [so] flowers bloom
任我飛 不經不覺背包超載 (Allow me to fly, not enduring, not feeling [not realizing that my] backpack [is] overloading)
停頓處 你撐住我的感慨 (Stop[ping] [at this] point, you sustain my laments)


無限暖 最美是這一種(Unlimited warmth, [the] most beautiful [sight is] this type [of] love)

I found a website that features English pronunciation, but the pronunciation method is not the standard Jyutping pronunciation, but the writer's own pronunciation.

I usually don't do this, but I wrote a smoother lyric translation in a document since I had to use it for a talent show performance. If you want a smoother English translation or if you want to print out a nice copy of the lyrics, please click on this link: Embrace Love by Joyce Cheng lyrics

My husband and I re-enacted the song lyrics for the 2013 ALESN talent show (video no longer available):
It wasn't perfect, but we did our best.


Sources:

Thursday, May 23, 2013

HK Song Spotlight: 緣定今生 (Fate Determined This Life) by Amy Chan (陳秀雯) and Eric Mak (麥子杰)





Hong Kong actress and singer, Amy Chan, starred in numerous television dramas and even participated in the soundtracks for her TV series. Known for her television roles as a pure, feminine, caring, and sacrificial female, Amy also has a semi-hidden singing talent and typically releases her soundtrack songs in her albums. I actually bought her memorable 1995 album, 女人背 Behind All Women, in cassette form back in the 90s. Because of my passion for Amy Chan, I decided to translate one of her songs. In this case, I choose a sweet duet called, “Fate Determined This Life” sung by 陳秀雯 Amy Chan and 麥子杰 Eric Mak. Those who have seen one of Amy Chan’s famous 1996 ATV channel series titled, 《再見艶陽天》 or “The Good Old Days” might remember this song as it was an “interlude” song for the TV series.

I don’t know much about Eric Mak and it was difficult to find a lot of info on him, but from what I see from one of Amy Chan’s concerts, they act like they are very good friends. I love Eric’s voice as well and I wish I knew more about him.

The song, 緣定今, is such an uplifting song with a beautiful and relaxing melody. I can easily listen to this song over and over again. My favorite lyrics are:

碎花紛飛 (Broken Flowers swirl in the air)

As soon as Amy starts off the song, my heart swells up in emotions. Combining her sweet voice with the image of broken flower petals swirling in the air gives me a powerful, sweet, and sad emotion. The lyric really sets the mood for the song.

My other favorite part is:

緣訂今生(Fate determined this life)

This lyric is really drilled in my head. Everything is determined by fate including your soul mate. The words are such a romantic idea that I can imagine what an exciting life to have your romantic fate destined. I start imagining the love story formula for almost every single TVB drama. Man and woman meet. Man and woman fight. Man and woman learn to appreciate each other. Man and woman fall in love. It’s a hate/love relationship, but destiny will always tie them together.

This lyric made me second-guess the whole song:
前望愛漸結果 (Looking forward, love's gradual result)
多麼([is] so pitifully beautiful)

There aren’t many indications that this song is sad except for the first lyric, which describes petals flying in the wind. I guess the lyricist wanted to go back to the original mood where even though a scene is sad, it is also sad in such a beautiful way. The lyricist didn’t have to say “pitifully beautiful” and that last line really makes me think about the possibilities that love is great, yet sad at the same time. For an extra dose of sadness, the second half of the chorus is repeated again with minimal music to reinforce the mood.

With all this in mind, enjoy the song!

Sorry for the long intro in the video. The song starts at 2:09.

緣定今

作詞/Composed by: 楊紹鴻 
作曲/Arranged by: 陳子鴻

F= FEMALE
M=MALE
T= TOGETHER

:碎花紛飛 (F: Broken Flowers swirl in the air)
如行隨影ㄧ切也為你 ([how it] moves, following traces, all [of it is] also for you)
盡訴心意再這地 (completely telling the heart’s thoughts [at] this place again)

幸運是我這豔陽來的細膩 (Lucky is I, [that] this beautiful, sun came exquisitely)
願快樂快些趕走痛悲 (Wish happiness [would] hurry up more [in order to] drive out pains and sorrows)

: 碎花紛飛 (M: Broken Flowers swirl in the air)
柔情如妳ㄧ切也是美 (Tender feelings like you-  all [of it is] also beautiful)
共你分享是趣味 (Sharing [it] together [with] you is interesting)

就讓俗世裡妳是唯ㄧ知己 (Let [us] assume within [the] secular world [that] you are [the] only intimate friend)
讓美麗記起心祇得你 (Allowing beautiful recollections, [in my] heart, [there’s] only you)

:緣訂今生(T: Fate determined this life)
真心不會分離 ([A] true heart will not separate)
命運給我  (Destiny for me)
好比ㄧ齣好戲 ([Is] very much compared [to a] good film)
緣份是我與你 (Fate is you and me)
同渡每日每天千億世紀 (Together passing through every day, every day, [a] thousand, [a] one-hundred million centuries)
……(Ahhh…)

在這ㄧ生 (In this life:)
精彩得太新奇 (Brilliantly too strange and odd)
大地給我 (Mother Earth gives me)
呼吸清新空氣 ([a] Breath [of] fresh and clean air)
留下讓愛永記 (Leaving behind love [that’s] always remembered)
前望愛漸結果 (Looking forward, love's gradual result)
多麼美 ([is] so pitifully beautiful)

*REPEAT ALL*

:在這ㄧ生 (F: In this life:)
精彩得太新奇 (Brilliantly too strange and odd)
大地給我 (Mother Earth gives me)
呼吸清新空氣 ([a] Breath [of] fresh and clean air)
:留下讓愛永記 (T: Leaving behind love [that’s] always remembered)
前望愛漸結果 (Looking forward, love's gradual result)
多麼美 ([is] so pitifully beautiful)


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