By Holin
Almost everyone’s had a dream about flying. When it comes to writing a song about this interesting subject–flying–we may say something about a blue sky or a baby bird yearning to fly. However, such stories are too ordinary and lack creativity. If Ah-Kai (阿凱) , the vocalist for 1976, were to write about this subject, he might write about a person who wants to be a pilot but fails to accomplish his goal; instead, he grows a pair of wings on his back. Or, he might write about a monk who reaches the state of being a bird through meditation. Such stories are more imaginative and attractive. And this is one of the major reasons that make 1976 so amazing–their creative lyrics. 1976 is one of the most popular rock bands in Taiwan. With dazzling and psychodelic melodies, 1976’s performances always attract large audiences, and the unique lyrics of their songs enchant people even more. Vocalist Ah Kai reveals his thoughts through lyrics, which are sometimes warm and sometimes romantic. Even some whimsical notions may become his inspiration and turn out to be a fabulous song. I wanted to write an article about music, so I asked a friend of mine to arrange an interview with Ah-Kai. He is regarded as a legend in the field of rock music, but he was very friendly and amiable without any haughty manner. With a cup of latte we chatted like friends. He was glad to be interviewed and to share with us how he transforms his feelings into beautiful music. The song “Sense of Direction” can be taken as a good example of how Ah Kai uses metaphors to indicate his feelings. 失蹤很久的鑰匙 原來一直在妳口袋 金屬撞擊的時候 某些部份的我又醒起來 我並不想成為誰的指南針 妳該相信自己的方向感 The long lost keys turn out to be in your pocket, all along. When those metals collide, part of me awakes. I don’t want to be anyone’s compass. You ought to trust your own sense of direction. When Ah Kai wants to express his emotion, he does not write his inner feelings directly. He writes about the scene he sees just like making a film. Like the movement of a camera, his emotions are clearly conveyed. “Sense of Direction” depicts a scene of lovers breaking up. The first two lines describe a boy who thinks that he has something that he cannot find, until he realizes that it’s the girl who has held it all the time. The next two lines describe a man with no confidence in love and lacking a sense of responsibility, who cannot take the girl’s love. This is the common situation in most relationships: girls are often more serious and are more devoted than boys, while boys are sometimes too unreliable and bring girls happiness. The song “Shadows” is another good example. 要追著你跑要改變方向 要躲藏起來要忘記理想 燃起根煙 你有樣學樣 幼稚荒唐 跟我真像 如果能不追隨甚麼 一定會比較快樂 數到三 關上燈 我就走 I want to follow you and change my direction. I want to hide myself and forget my dream. Lighting up a cigarette, you imitate me. Childish and absurd, you are just like me. If only I can stop chasing, I’ll surely be happier. Count to three and turn off the light, I’ll just go away Kai just writes the action without mentioning emotions, but in fact the lyrics are about feelings of idolatry. Because where there is light, there is shadow. Most people admire idols even though it’s a little bit childish to do so. However, we have the right to turn on or to turn off the light. In other words, we can decide to admire idols or not. It’s making ourselves happy that really counts. Although audiences do not hear simple and plain terms about feelings in lyrics, they can get an image clearly. Sometimes it may be even more touching. Ah-Kai’s creative habit is to write lyrics first and then compose a melody that fits them. Maybe some people will wonder if there are difficulties in writing lyrics before the melody. For instance, lyrics can’t be placed as neatly into music because of obstacles in rhyme and the number of words. However, Ah-Kai believes that conveying a complete inner-tape, that is, the voices and emotions inside of the composer, is the most important purpose in writing music. And it is easier to convey ideas clearly by writing the lyrics first. Since expressing himself clearly is more important, adjustments in rhyme and the number of words are no longer serious problems. Lyrics created this way have won the hearts of music fans and have brought thunderous applause for this talented young musician. a
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May 2024
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