Sometimes as foreign students, we get asked to do random things which, possibly because of the language barrier, we unwittingly agree to do. About two weeks ago, I got asked by our school administrators to learn to play and sing a song in Chinese to represent our school of international students. I agreed.
Later, I found out that the song needed to be recorded and shot on video, and that the video would be submitted to some national talent competition for schools with international students, showing off these students' embrace and learning of Chinese culture. Some show off their Chinese calligraphy. Others read Chinese poetry. Some perform classical Beijing opera.
But for me and one of my classmates here at the school... we decided we would cover a popular song by Jay Chou. Jay Chou, if you don't know, is super-popular in China. He recently also starred as Kato in The Green Hornet.
So here it is. 简单爱 ("Simple Love") by Jay Chou:
If you're interested in the lyrics translated, the Jay Chou Lyrics Blog has them. Personally, I think the lyrics seem a bit strange when translated into English. ("I want to watch baseball with you" and "I want to take you to my grandma's house" for some reason sound perfectly fine in Chinese, but sound kind of hokey in English)
Oh yeah, if our competition entry gets selected for the next round, we apparently get to perform live on some stage in Beijing. I'll keep you posted, but I think it's highly unlikely.
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8 comments:
Brian's favorite part.. when the random old person walks in front of the camera..
I have to comment. but all I have to say is: OMG.
"hou bonne" (very good). I hope you win the next round and get to go to Beijing to perform. Keep us posted.
"feichang hao"--we loved your performance--so cool--hope you make it to Beijing. You'll have to check your email to the boys' music video inspired by both of you
I LOVE this song!! I have no idea what the lyrics mean, but i used to listen to jay chou a lot during my undergrad. =) ah, the days of napster...
not looking like a foreigner probably hurts you in this contest. i hope you make it up to the next level, though. =)
Whoooooooo!!! (Fainting)
I love Jay Chou! But I think it would have been a lot more entertaining for you to do classical Beijing opera. So please make that your next project. :)
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