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 39^th 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 "沒有份, 但有緣."  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:

http://www.chlyrics.net/lcbyn/%E8%AD%9A%E8%A9%A0%E9%BA%9F:%E8%AA%B0%E5%8F%AF%E6%94%B9%E8%AE%8A

http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%AA%B0%E5%8F%AF%E6%94%B9%E8%AE%8A15%E9%80%B1%E5%B9%B4%E7%B4%80%E5%BF%B5%E9%9B%86

If you enjoyed this song, consider buying the album:

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

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:

http://mojim.com/twy100080x3x5.htm

http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%A6%AC%E6%B5%9A%E5%81%89

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Ma

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

"Good Doctor" Mini Reviews Exclusively on Dramafever

Wehaiyo! readers who have been reading my “Good Doctor” reviews may know that I also post weekly reviews on Dramafever. I have compiled all the links to my posts in this post for easy access to my mini reviews.

Thanks to those who have been following me and supporting me on Dramafever. Here are some shortcut links to the reviews that I have written.

Episodes 1-2 and Wrap-Up

Episodes 3-4 and Wrap-Up

Episodes 5-6 and Wrap-Up

Episodes 7-8 and Wrap-Up

Episodes 9-10 and Wrap-Up

Episodes 11-12 and Wrap-Up

Episodes 13-14 and Wrap-Up

Episodes 15-16 and Wrap-Up

Episodes 17-18 and Wrap-Up
Episode 19-20 and Q&A

If you want to read more "Good Doctor" reviews, check out more reviews from my Drama Club partners, Lore and Shai as well.

If you enjoyed my Dramafever Drama Club mini reviews, please look for my reviews for "Unemployed Romance" in the future exclusively for the Dramafever blog.

Dramafever Heirs Premiere Party Review: October 10th, 2013 in New York City

The stars of the Korean drama, Heirs: Park Shin Hye and Lee Min Ho

Dramafever had their second major event at 320 Studios in New York City. I'm glad that I was able to grab two tickets and Aileen from Dramafever invited me as well. This time, the Dramafever event was much more organized and bigger than the last. The Heirs premiere was announced a couple weeks prior to those who attended the first Dramafever meetup and then announced on the Dramafever News section of their website three hours later. Attendees must RSVP and be at least 18 years old to attend the event since there will be alcohol, but about three hours later after the event invitation was released to the public, a waiting list formed. My Dramafever friend from the last Dramafever meetup wasn't able to get tickets.

After I came in, I was given a "PRESS" pass by one of the Dramafever greeters. Let's talk about my outfit for a minute. I wanted to dress up, but in a way that matches Dramafever. I saw this dress at Target the week prior and I knew I had to wear it for the Heirs Dramafever Premiere. (Aileen even thought my dress was made out of silk, but sheepishly, I had to tell her it wasn't.) I didn't want to be too flashy though so I kept my make-up to a minimal and paired it with an awesome black celebrity jacket and black boots. I was afraid it would be a cold day and rainy so I brought my umbrella as well.

The first person I wanted to find was Aileen and I was told by the Dramafever greeter that Aileen was wearing a white dress, which gave me an image of a superstar in my mind. I walked around looking for Aileen, but I had no luck finding her.

 

Instead, I found Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye in their press conference outfits! If I could pose with Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye in real life, I would be so happy. Anyway, this is the closest I'll ever get to these K-drama heroes. I am also aware that Lee Min Ho is at least 6'1" tall so my head should ideally be up to his eyebrows. Park Shin Hye is 5' 5" tall so she should be up to my eyebrows.

#DFHeirs on Twitter

There were some light appetizers and a bar where guests helped themselves to some food and drinks. A guest I met at the party (sorry, I'm terrible at remembering names) told me that the bartender didn't even take tips. I don't drink beer so I ordered a soda and tried to find a seat in the crowd. I made sure to sit in a seat with a free Heirs poster on it. Overall, I'd say there were at least 150 people at this event. I noticed that I sat two rows behind Mister Popo who is also a vlogger for Dramafever. I don't know why I am such a fan of him or I feel like I know him. Yes, we met at the last party, so technically, I do know him-- a little! Unknown to me, Stephanie from Crazy For Kdrama was sitting two rows behind me.

I made some small talk with a Dramafever fan who sat in the row behind me and we had a short conversation until the event officially started. I still don't know how to answer questions like, "What's your favorite drama?" and "Who is your bias or favorite actor?" I simply don't have a favorite.

After David from Dramafever greeted the crowd, Dan from Dramafever started off the event by announcing that Dramafever will be giving away some prizes: T-shirts, bags, and a Google Chromecast. Coco (Kdramafighting) asked some trivia questions and the first guest to raise his or her hand who can answer it correctly will receive a prize. Aileen was in charge of handing out all the prizes. Since we are all Dramafever fans, the moments of excitement were pretty intense as fans went wild to try to answer the questions. I didn't bother answer them since I feel like the event should be for fans and not for the "press." I did drool over the Google Chomecast though. I urged my husband to answer them, but he was as clueless as ever when trying to answer these K-drama questions.

Some of the questions were:
Name five dramas that Lee Min Ho starred in.
Name five dramas that Park Shin Hye starred in.
Name two songs from the girl group Krystal is in.

We had another surprise before Heirs started. Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye made a surprise video message to Dramafever fans. I didn't get my camera out in time, but I'm sure I captured most of the message.

Finally, it was time to watch episode one of Heirs, exclusively on DramaFever.
Usually, I watch my dramas on my laptop with or without my husband, but watching a drama with a room full of people is such a different dynamic. I hear the crowd cheer when Lee Min Ho, Park Shin Hye, Kim Woo Bin, and Kang Min Hyuk was on the screen. Whenever that California surfer friend showed up on screen, the crowd laughed since that actor's acting was so exaggerated. We all laughed together when there were funny scenes. The major scene at the end of episode one where Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye look at each other gave the audience so much tension that there were hoots and screams in the crowd.

We then had a fifteen minute intermission because-- there's more!

Coco from Kdramafighting and I, Powerz (my internet handle)

It was during this intermission that I finally met up with Aileen, who promptly introduced me to Kdramafighting (Coco) and Stephanie from Crazy For Kdrama. I have been looking for Stephanie as well since I knew she was going to be at the party. Unfortunately, all the pictures we took together were mostly on other people's phones or cameras so I've been hoping to see whether other people have posted it on the internet so I can keep a copy. I don't even remember who took pictures of us. We even took pictures with the Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye cut-outs and with so many flashes aimed toward us, I felt like a celebrity. If you do have pictures, please send me a copy!

It was probably during this time that a Dramafever attendee recognized me, but didn't want to rudely interupt me in conversation with other people. I am flattered that somebody would recognize me outside of the internet. I hope to meet this person again so we can finally chat.

I gave away some Wehaiyo! business cards and I was happy about that. I honestly wanted to meet more people.

As the intermission ended, it was time for the second half of the party. First, Dramafever gave away another Google Chromecast. Afterwards, Dan from Dramafever announced that the next surprise is that we will watch a preview of episode two! The lights were turned off again as the audience eagerly sat still for episode two.

After getting focused into watching episode two, the drama ended abruptly after Lee Min Ho, who plays Kim Tan in Heirs, opened the door to the guest room of his house where Park Shin Hye, who plays Cha Eun Sang, was staying. I felt myself going crazy with the desire to finish the episode.

The Dramafever Staff

Most attendees got up and left the party, but Stephanie and I stayed behind. Aileen thanked us for coming and we hung out for a while more. The ones who stayed were mostly Dramafever staff. I honestly never met the Dramafever staff up close so I felt happy to see the people behind the scenes. We started taking pictures of them and I was asked by a Dramafever staff member to take a picture of them as well. Unfortunately, to my dismay, there was something wrong with the flash in the professional camera, so I don't think the picture came out well. Anyway, I have a picture of my own from my phone camera. Unfortunately, Aileen was suddenly camera shy.

When I see how happy the staff member are, I started fantasizing how great it would be to be one of them. I should definitely apply to see if I can join their team.

I spent the rest of the night chatting away with Stephanie. She's such a cool blogger and she's the first blogger I've ever chatted with in person besides Coco. We have to set up a NY Kdrama club to continue our chat because the next thing we know, the party ended. Time flies when we're passionate about something.

By the time I got home, it was probably after 12:00 A.M. I laid out all the cool stuff I brought home from Dramafever. I took a lot of stickers and chocolates. I wonder if I should give these away.

My Heirs poster was a bit creased in transit, but I'm still happy. If it wasn't so creased, I would have given another one away.

My husband and I couldn't handle the suspense, so we tuned into DramaFever and watched episode two. During this moment, I started thinking of ways to promote Dramafever. Above is one such picture.

I had so much fun at the event that I didn't want to leave. I wish I could stop time and continue living the moment. I was so naturally high by the end of the night.

Unfortunately, it might be a while before Dramafever organizes another party event for K-drama fans. Aileen says that it costs money to buy food, drinks, and rent a space for an event. Still, I hope to attend another Dramafever event and meet even more drama enthusiasts.

For more Dramafever Heirs Premiere thoughts, please read Stephanie's review on her blog, Crazy for Kdrama where you'll see some goofy pictures of me.

K-Pop Song Spotlight: 으르렁 / 咆哮 (Growl) by Exo

Credit: kavenyou.com

Exo finally released a song that is addictive. I admit, I wasn't crazy about songs such as “Mama” and “Wolf,” which were too musically extreme or intense for my taste (though their style is growing on me), but the song, “Growl,” is the game changer for me. Suddenly, I found myself countlessly looking at the music video over and over again. I am sucked into the Exo world.

Exo stands for the term, “exoplanet,” which is a planet that is outside our solar system. Each member supposedly has a super power and traveled to Earth to spread their music. Exo is comprised of twelve members, who are split into two sub-groups: Exo-K (Korean group) and Exo-M (Mandarin group). Being the newest group from S.M. Entertainment, a prominent entertainment agency, Exo managed to remain popular enough to be invited to various musical specials and year-end shows, which is amazing since they were considered rookies of the music industry. 

Credit: Fanpop.com

The Exo-K team consists of Suho, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun– all of whom are South Koreans. Suho is the leader of Exo-K as well as Exo as a whole.

The Exo-M team consists of Xiumin, Luhan, Kris, Lay, Chen, and Tao. Xiumin and Chen are South Koreans, Kris is Canadian, and the rest are Chinese. Even though he is not the oldest member of Exo-M, Kris is the leader of Exo-M due to his leadership capabilities.

Continuing their success from “Wolf,” Exo released their latest single, “Growl,” from their repackaged album, XOXO. Like “Wolf,” Exo promoted “Growl” with all twelve members instead of promoting each version of their song separately in their respective sub-groups. What was the result? They shot an awesome continuous music video that shows them dancing the whole way. I love their concept of spreading their wolf angle into the newest song as part of a subliminal campaign to draw attention to their new album. I haven’t seen a continuous action music video since Big Bang filmed their 2011 music video, “Love Song.”

Why is Growl such a good song? People who don’t know why surely did not see their music video yet. The choreography is clever and the music video is shot in continuous mode. To add to the fun, viewers, can switch between the Korean or Chinese version and watch it all over again. The singing line-up does not change too much and the lyrics have almost the same meaning. I honestly can’t decide whether I like the Korean or Chinese version better so I think I’ll analyze it in this post.

My favorite choreography moves are when the Exo members do a monkey-like dance during the second and third line of “나 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 대” (I do growl, growl, growl [Korean version]) or “我 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 你” (I growl-growl-growl [for] you [Chinese version]). At the same time, I love these lyrics the most.

Which version of Growl is better? I will have to break it down, explaining the parts that I deem worthy of comparison.

During the beginning rap part (SeHun vs Tao), the winner is: Korean version.

I love the way Sehun draws out the words, “하지마” (don’t do) with attitude.

During the Chorus part, the winner is: Chinese version.

I am more attracted to “我 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 你” (I growl-growl-growl [for] you) instead of “I do growl” in the Korean lyrics. I am more comfortable hearing “I growl you.”  It sounds so sexy and desirable versus doing the action of growling alone.

During the beginning rap part during the bridge section of the song (ChanYeol vs Tao): Chinese version.

I can tell Tao inserted a bit more rap vibe into it with this rap. I also think the lyrics sound better.

During the solo melody during the bridge of the song (LuHan vs D.O.): Korean version.

Both members are excellent singers, but LuHan wins because he has a more delicate-sounding voice, which accentuates his solo part really well.

In conclusion, both the Korean and Chinese version won two points from me. It’s a tie!

I would like to give an overall honorable mention to Chen. Every time he sings, I hear him so clearly and strongly.

 

Credit: En.Korea.com                                                        Credit: data.yule.sohu.com

By the way, D.O. looks like Hong Kong entertainer, 王祖藍 (Wong Cho Lam).

The meaning of the song title, “으르렁,” translates to the sound of growling in Korean. I notice that the Korean language has so many onomatopoeias, but I’ll probably cover that extensively in my “A Korean Destiny” blog in the future. The Chinese song title,  “咆哮”,  is the Chinese equivalent of growling and roaring. They could have used 咆哮 in the main chorus, but I guess 으르렁 sounds better and goes well with the music. I can imagine Exo singing, “我咆哮,咆哮,咆哮你.” It doesn’t sound too bad in my mind.

After my long introduction, I’m sure everyone is hyped up for the actual videos and lyrics. I tried to translate as close to the actual lyrics as possible so my translations may be different from other websites. You are welcome to visit any of the links in the sources section to read more standard lyrics and pronunciations.

We’ll start with the Korean version first!

으르렁 (Growl) by Exo

Korean Version (in the order of appearance):

Tao, Kai, XiuMin, SeHun, BaekHyun, Chen, D.O., SuHo, LuHan, Kris, ChanYeol, Lay

[Tao] Yo!
Ok

(Sexy)

나 혹시 몰라 경고하는데

[Kai] In case you don’t know, I’m warning you

[XiuMin] (Listen carefully)

지금 위험해
[Kai] You’re in danger right now

[XiuMin] (So dangerous)

자꾸 나를 자극하지마
[SeHun] Stop provoking me

(큰일나)

[XiuMin] (Stop)

나도 날 몰라
[SeHun] I don’t even know what I’ll do

[XiuMin] (Oh)

숨이 자꾸 멎는다 네가 날 향해 걸어온다

[BaekHyun] My breath keeps stopping
You are walking toward me

나를 보며 웃는다 너도 내게 끌리는지
[Chen] You are smiling at me
Are you attracted to me as well?

눈앞이 다 캄캄해
[BaekHyun and Kai] My eyes get cloudy
네가 뚫어져라 쳐다볼 땐

[BaekHyun] When you piercingly look at me

귓가에 가까워진 숨소리
[XiuMin] The sound of you breathing gets closer to my ears

날 미치게 만드는 너인걸
[Chen] You make me go crazy

아무도 널 못 보게

[BaekHyun] I want to hide you in my arms

(절대)

[Kai] (Never)

품에 감추고 싶어
[BaekHyun] So no one can see you

[Tao] (I’m so serious)

널 노리는 시선들 내 안에 일어난
[Xiumin] All of the eyes that want you arise within me

거센 소용돌이
[Chen] A rough and swirling wind

[CHORUS]

검은 그림자 내 안에 깨어나

A black shadow awakens in me

널 보는 두 눈에 불꽃이 튄다
Fireworks erupt in my eyes that see you

그녀 곁에서 모두 다 물러나
Everyone get away from her side

이젠 조금씩 사나워진다
Because I’m getting a bit more ferocious

나 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 대
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]

나 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 대
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]

나 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 대
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]

너 물러서지 않으면 다쳐도 몰라
[Tao] If you don’t get away, you might get hurt

[END CHORUS]

날이 선 눈빛과

[D.O.] The eyes get sharper

베일듯한 긴장감
The tension feels like it could cut someone

지금 탐색 중이야 너의 주위를 baby
I am hunting around your surroundings baby
넌 그냥 그대로 있어 나만을 바라보면서

[SuHo] Just stay as you are as you look at only me

절대 널 보내지 않아 두고 봐 babe
I won’t ever let you go, just watch, baby

흐린 공간속에서

[LuHan] In this misty place

(흐린 공간속에서)

[D.O.](In this misty place)

선명하게 빛나는
[LuHan] It clearly shines

(선명하게 빛나는)

[D.O.] (It clearly shines)

널 노리는 시선들
[LuHan] The eyes that want you

내 안에 울리는 경보 울림소리
[D.O.] It rings an warning alarm inside of me

[CHORUS]

검은 그림자 내 안에 깨어나

A black shadow awakens in me

널 보는 두 눈에 불꽃이 튄다
Fireworks erupt in my eyes that see you

그녀 곁에서 모두 다 물러나
Everyone get away from her side

이젠 조금씩 사나워진다
Because I’m getting a bit more ferocious

나 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 대
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]

나 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 대
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]

나 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 대
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]

너 물러서지 않으면 다쳐도 몰라
[Kris] If you don’t get away
You might get hurt

[END CHORUS]

[SeHun] E. X. O.

또 다른 늑대들이 볼세라

 [ChanYeol] Other wolves might see you

너무나 완벽한 내 여자라
Because you’re so perfect

품속엔 부드럽게 너를 안고
I will softly hold you in my arms

너만을 위해서 나는 난폭해지고
For you, I will get violent

결국엔 강한 자가 얻게 되는 미인
[Kai] In the end, the strong will earn the beauty

자리가 없으니까 그냥 돌아가 I win
There’s no room for you so just go back, I win

가능성 제로야 닳으니까 그만 봐
[Kris] Your chances are zero, so stop looking

그녀를 넘본다면 나를 먼저 넘어봐
[Lay] If you have your eyes on her, you need to get past me first

우리 말곤 하나둘씩 지워버리자

[LuHan] Let’s erase everything one by one except for us

너하고 나만 여기 남아멈춰진 듯이 워—
[BaekHyun, Chen, Suho] So that it’s only you and me remaining here

[BaekHyun] Wo~

[SuHo] Yeah~

[CHORUS]

검은 그림자 내 안에 깨어나

A black shadow awakens in me

널 보는 두 눈에 불꽃이 튄다
Fireworks erupt in my eyes that see you

그녀 곁에서 모두 다 물러나
Everyone get away from her side

이젠 조금씩 사나워진다
Because I’m getting a bit more ferocious

나 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 대
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]

나 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 대
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]

나 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 대
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]

너 물러서지 않으면 다쳐도 몰라

[Lay] If you don’t get away
You might get hurt

나 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 대
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]

나 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 대
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]

나 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 대
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]

너 물러서지 않으면 다쳐도 몰라

 [Kai] If you don’t get away
You might get hurt

Now, the Chinese version:

咆哮 - Chinese Version (in the order of appearance):

Tao, Kris, XiuMin, Chen, BaekHyun, Lay, D.O., SuHo, LuHan, ChanYeol, SeHun, Kai  

[Tao] Yo!
Ok

(Sexy)

现在很危险 正要警告你

[Kris] Now very dangerous, Now, want [to] warn you

(警告你)

[XiuMin] (Warn you)

怎么不知道
[Kris] How [could you] not know

(怎么不知道)

[XiuMin] (How [could you] not know)

拜託 别再 多给我刺激
[Tao] Please do not again a lot give me provoke [Please do not provoke me again]

(刺激）

 [XiuMin] (Provoke)

我慌了自己
[Tao] I flustered myself

[XiuMin] (Ah~ Oh~)

连呼吸都快暂停

[Chen] Including breathing, also quickly suspended

当你向我越走越靠近
When you face me, the more [you] move, the more [you] approach [me]

笑了一下 好奇怪
[BaekHyun] Laughed once, so odd
难道你也觉得怪异

Could it be [that] you also think [it’s] weird?

感到眼前一片黑
[XiuMin, Chen] [I] feel in front of my eyes, a slice of blackness

尤其你看着我 各种表情
[Chen] Epecially [when] you [are] looking [at] me [with] all kinds [of] expressions

你的呼吸声音慢慢清晰 (Oh wait)

[Xiumin] Your breath sound slowly [becomes] distinct (Oh wait)

快要我差点窒息 拜託,girl~

[BaekHyun] Almost, I nearly suffocate, please, girl~

Girl, 我真想藏着你

[Lay] Girl, I really think [of] hiding you

(藏着你)
[Kris] (Hiding you)
藏在我的怀里住

[Lay] Hiding in your embrace stay [Hiding and staying in your embrace]

[Kris] (I’m so serious)

那些视线 让我有一点不开心

[Lay] Those lines of sight make me have a bit of unhappiness

[Kris] (Yo!)
我真的快生气
[Chen] I’m really quickly angry

[CHORUS]

黑色的身影 醒在我心里

Black color of silhouette awake in my heart [A black-colored silhouette awakens my heart]

从我的眼睛里 擦出了激情
From my eyes within, [I] rub out

在她的范围里 全都该撤离
In her range within, all should withdraw/evacuate

不然我一定 慢慢发脾气
If not, I certainly [would] slowly lose my temper

我 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 你
I growl-growl-growl [for] you

我 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 你
I growl-growl-growl [for] you

我 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 你
I growl-growl-growl [for] you

如果再不离开 就会有危机
[Chen] If, again, not [don’t] leave, [will] have [a] crisis

[END CHORUS]

Woah~ 梦一样速度

[D.O.] Woah~ Dream the same speed

快着火的加速度
Quickly burns, accelerates

探索你的秘密
Explore your secrets

想要看仔细 baby

Want to look carefully, baby

你还是在这里baby

[SuHo] You still at here

看着我害羞没距离
Looking [at] me shyly, not to be apart

我不会轻易就放开你的 ah~ crazy

I will not easily move towards releasing you, Ah~ Crazy~

Girl 在黑白世界里
 [LuHan] In [the] black [and] white world within

那样鲜艳和美丽
[LuHan] That kind of bright color and beauty  

看着你的眼睛 现在警报响起
[LuHan] Looking at your eyes, presently, [the] alarm sounds started

[CHORUS]

黑色的身影 醒在我心里

Black color of silhouette awake in my heart [A black-colored silhouette awakens my heart]

从我的眼睛里 擦出了激情
From my eyes within, [I] rub out

在她的范围里 全都该撤离
In her range within, all should withdraw/evacuate

不然我一定 慢慢发脾气
If not, I certainly [would] slowly lose my temper

我 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 你
I growl-growl-growl [for] you

我 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 你
I growl-growl-growl [for] you

我 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 你
I growl-growl-growl [for] you

如果再不离开 就会有危机

[ChanYeol] If, again, not [don’t] leave, [will] have [a] crisis

[END CHORUS]

[SeHun] E. X. O.

另一个狼在看这个女人

[Tao] The other wolves looking [at] this woman

你就是这么完美的女人
You exactly so much [a] perfect woman

多想抱抱你
Many thoughts [of] embracing you

在怀里不放下
In [embrace], [I] not [don’t] let go

一分一秒过去

One minute one second pass by

我变得兄悍无常

I become [an] elder brother [who is] fierce and fickle

最后厉害的男人 得到女人香
[Kai] [The] last, awesome man obtains the woman sweet [sweet woman]
[Kris] (That’s right)

难道真不能再有转环的机会

[Kai] Could it be that [you] really cannot again have turning hoop of chance? [Is there really a chance again you cannot turn around?]

快回去结束了 你的结果是零了

[Kris] Quickly go back [to] finish it [meaning to end your feelings], your result is zero

如果想赢他的心

[SeHun] If [you] want to win her heart

先打败我再放电

[SeHun] First defeat me again [release the] electric charge [Defeat me first, release the electrical charge again]

除了我们 全部删去

[D.O.] Besides us, all [are] removed

就是这样爱了

[D.O.] Just like this kind of love

留下了爱情 和我和你
[XiuMin, LuHan, Suho] Leave behind romance together with I and you

全停止运行

Completely stop functioning

[Chen] Oh Yeah ~

[CHORUS]

黑色的身影 醒在我心里

Black color of silhouette awake in my heart [A black-colored silhouette awakens my heart]

从我的眼睛里 擦出了激情
From my eyes within, [I] rub out

在她的范围里 全都该撤离
In her range within, all should withdraw/evacuate

不然我一定 慢慢发脾气
If not, I certainly [would] slowly lose my temper

我 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 你
I growl-growl-growl [for] you

我 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 你
I growl-growl-growl [for] you

我 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 你
I growl-growl-growl [for] you

如果再不离开 就会有危机
[Chen] If, again, not [don’t] leave, [will] have [a] crisis

[END CHORUS]

我 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 你
I growl-growl-growl [for] you

我 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 你
I growl-growl-growl [for] you

我 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 你
I growl-growl-growl [for] you

如果再不离开 就会有危机

[LuHan] If, again, not [don’t] leave, [will] have [a] crisis

If you enjoyed the song, please consider buying the music!

Credits:

http://kpopcolorcodedlyrics.wordpress.com/exo-growl-korean-version/

http://colorcodedlyrics.com/2013/07/exo-growl-euleuleong

http://cheerpattern.wordpress.com/2013/07/31/exo-growl/

http://colorcodedlyrics.com/2013/07/exo-growl-chinese-version

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exo_%28band%29