Something about the far east, the orient...can't deny the sheer beauty. Spent four years in Japan largely binge drinking, bad singing in karaoke and wasting undergraduate years. It was fun but when it came to learning about the culture itself, I doubt I willingly and out of geniuine interest tried too hard. When and where I could, I ofcourse took the opportunity to get into the history of things, learnt tea ceremony, tried wadaiko and took part in the seasonal festivals that abound in Japan. It was all great. However, it was only after leaving the east and trying to find solid ground in the west, I realized the true extent of all the beauty I'd left behind. In all fairness, europe or rather UK is a good place to be. Fun ...and thats about it. The landscape and countrysides are vast and beautiful in its own right. If I look at Scotland, the history, culture and ancient legends of this place no doubt has a charm of its own, a charm that infact must've been quite strong as it managed to pull me towards it. But none the less, if I had to choose, undiplomatically, which side of the world I prefer...I'd say ...handsdown...the east! I come from the east myself and I love & respect my culture( what to do..'east is east' only) heehee. Travelling makes you aware of different kinds of cultures while bringing you closer to your own in some ways. Incase anyone is wondering what the hells gotten into me and where am I going with all this talk of east n west... its coz I just watched a movie set in 928 AD, China, Tang Dynasty called 'The curse of the golden flower'. Good movie but it wasn't until the end as the credits rolled that got me thinking. The end credits had this chinese song...didnt't understand shit but real good on the ears. It had english subtitles as was with the entire film and the lyrics just seemingly cast a spell on me, if thats possible at all!! Makes you wonder what shallow shit we listen to normally with our ______ ( insert fav. singer/band here). OK ...They are not all shallow and shit coz I personally love a few songs myself but in comparision to these words which are typical of eastern poetry and song, how they linger and wrap around you, lap you up like waves on the shore...the "western" songs/lyrics seem like a mere poke on your crusty emotions. This kinda songs on the other hand...it evokes from deep within, the strangest emotions you thought you never had in you! Atleast it had this effect on me. Guess it comes down to what a person can relate to. Anyway without further adoooo, I present to youuuu... JU HUA TAI by Jay Chou.
Your tears glisten. laced with pain. (ni de lei guang. rou ruo zhong dai shang)
The crescent moon hangs in the past...pale with sickness.(chan bai de yue wan wan...gou zhu guo wang)
Cool Night, too long...turns to frost.(ye tai man chang ...ning jie cheng le shuang)
Who is on the Tower...frozen in despair? (shi shui zai ge lou shang bing leng de jue wang)
The rain drums lightly on a crimson pane.( yu qing qing tan)
My destiny is written on paper. fluttering in the wind.
Distant dreams...rise like incense
melting into night...is your image.
Chrysanthemums fall...weeping to the ground ( ju hua chan man di shang)
traces of your smile
your heart is empty now
my thought quietly rests...the north wind blows
Not yet dawn. your shadow clear and close.
Only companion of my soul...on the lake. a couple mirrored.
Blossoms of the evening air...beauty undimmed...scatter everywhere.
A fate hard to swallow
Sadness. Do not cross the river...your autumn heart will sink.
Drowning in longing...you will not reach the other shore.
Whose hills and rivers...echo with the clamor of hooves.
My armor is shredded...by the dividing hour.
The sky slowly brightens. Your sighs. Silk soft...
weave a night of sorrow. So fragile. so spare.
Crysanthamums fall...weeping to the ground
traces of you smile, your heart is empty now.
My thought quietly rests...the north wind blows.
Almost dawn..your shadow clear and close.
Only companion of my soul...on the lake a couple reflected.
Crysanthamums fall...in the cool night air
Traces of your smile, your heart is empty now.
My thought quietly rests...the north wind blows.
Almost dawn..your shadow so close
Only companion of my soul...on the lake...the two of us.
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4 comments:
would agree with you. this side of the world has a charm unmatched to the rest.
no doubt, we get caught up with a couple of issues.. nevertheless, they seem wholesome for some reason!
loved the song n clips :)
interesting you would rank east above the west! Scotland probably being the most beautiful in the West, i guess.
Where would u put New Zealand? East or West?
Wow. This song is so beautiful.
Music and lyrics alike.
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