I previously wrote about my time in Borneo and I mentioned a song that I heard while eating breakfast at a hotel at the foot of Mt. Kinabalu. The tune was mesmerizing and beautiful. The traditional Gu Zheng (古箏)combined with violin and drums left an impression on me. I have seen few things as beautiful as the landscape that morning in the jungles of Borneo. The music, perhaps to a western ear, sounded like sweet, and yet stereotypical, Chinese music. But for an American travelling Asia, it fit the bill.
Fast forward two months later, in Rao He night market. I was with a Taiwanese friend and this song just happened to be playing at a music vendor we were walking by. I recognized the song instantly, although the instruments and tempo was different. My friend recognized it instantly as a classic Taiwanese song from the late 60's. So much for my thoughts that it was probably 2,000 years old. Apparently it is a very popular song amongst the older generation, but also a classic amongst today's youth as well.
I've decided that I'm going to learn this song. It will be my third song, but I think it will be my favorite. It's the kind of song that I could wip out at any restaurant with a karaoke machine and totally impress the locals. Of the other two songs I've already learned, one is a kids song, and the other, while a contemporary Taiwanese song, isn't exactly the kind of song I could see myself singing (Shero, by S.H.E.). Think Kelly Clarksonesque. I only learned it because the grammar and vocabulary is simple. Still, most younger Taiwanese are blown away if I even sing a few lines. I can't wait to see the look on the old timer's faces when I bust this one out.
A few links for various versions of the song
http://www.petalia.org/Songs/flash/hoamai.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6HpyAHXLco
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDJbBcskBsY
