Lyrics of “My Father Watches Over Me”

As the day for me to go back to my hometown come closer and closer. Sometimes the fear of returning comes strong and stronger as well. Especially when I recall what I was fleeing from 12 years when I begin my journey. Even though throughout the 12 years leaving overseas, God had shown me time and time that he is ahead of me and I should have nothing to fear. But sometimes looking at my situation now I cant help but ask God in prayer . “Since you are omniscient and you transcend time, please tell me how my life would be like when I return” .. I asked because I can only see the path ahead as one full of suffering with nothing much to look forward to.

Sometimes my friend ask me why I am so unwilling to move back. Sometimes I share with them all the horror stories I encountered during my 8 years of working in my home country. How I eventually found relieve and purpose living overseas. Some of them could emphasize and can understand what was happening. But yet even so , it doesn’t make moving back any easier. The only reason for me to move home is to provide a better education for my children. It was something I know that will happen when I first saw my wife pregnant 5 years ago. Right now its just like the entire nightmare scenario playing right before me.

But many many years ago in a prayer God already said that will happen to me. For he said the same thing as he told apostle Peter.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger,
you girded yourself and walked where you wished;
but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands,
and another will gird you and carry you where you do
not wish.”- Jesus (Jn 21:18-19)

While most in my family only started to lose sleep recently, I have lost sleep a long time ago because of this move. But some how today God keep moving me with the lyrics of this hymn. It keep coming to me as a reminder that he is going to watch over me

While Stanza 3 doesn’t appear in my church’s hymnbook. But I feel it is exactly what God wanted me to understand today.

Title: My Father Watches over me
Author: William Clark Martin 

Stanza 1:
I trust in God wherever I may be,
Upon the land, or on the rolling sea,
For come what may, from day to day,
My heav’nly Father watches over me.

Refrain:
I trust in God, I know He cares for me;
On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea;
Though billows roll, He keeps my soul;
My heav’nly Father watches over me

Stanza 2:
He makes the rose an object of His care,
He guides the eagle through the pathless air,
And surely He remembers me;
My heav’nly Father watches over me.

Stanza 3:
I trust in God, for, in the lion’s den,
On battlefield, or in the prison pen,
Through praise or blame, through flood or flame,
My heav’nly Father watches over me.

Stanza 4:
The valley may be dark, the shadows deep,
But, oh, the Shepherd guards His lonely sheep;
And through the gloom He’ll lead me home,
My heav’nly Father watches over me.

 

Lyrics of “Count Your Blessings”

As it was my custom since 2010, I would specially post a hymn on the 3rd may every year.  3rd may had always been a special day in my life.

So far I have shared the following hymns

What A Friend I have In Jesus” – May 3rd 2010
“Thanks to God” – May 3rd 2011
“Day By Day” – May 3rd 2012
“All The Way The Savior Leads Me” – May 3rd 2013
“Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer” – May 3rd 2014
”Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus” – May 3rd 2015
”Hold Thou My hand” – May 3rd 2016
”My Father Watches Over Me” – May 3rd 2017
“I will sing”  – May 3rd 2018
“It is Well WIth My Soul”  – May 3rd 2019
“Through The Night Of Doubt and Sorrow”  – May 3rd 2020

Interestingly, the very first hymn was shared by me in a hotel Room in Kota Kinabalu where I first left home sometime ago. And now this entry is written in Vietnam, perhaps just before I return back to Singapore. Indeed God had really watched over and be with me the entire journey. I remember when my journey started in a prayer I have with God, God told me the same thing as he told Peter at the seaside in John 21.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger,
  you girded yourself and walked where you wished;
  but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands,
  and another will gird you and carry you where you do
  not wish.”- Jesus (Jn 21:18-19)

Now it looks like what is spoken is indeed true. Of course I thank God that I am not being taken as a prisoner or killed like Apostle Peter. But indeed, after that first move I made, all the subsequent moves are places that I know I would not have chosen if I am given a choice to make. 

There are many problems that I encountered, but I also seen how in each of the places i lived in, God allowed me to encounter the same problem with a different magnitude. And in each of the problem encountered, I learn to wait on God and not be anxious. Although I know I’ll be lying if I said I am not at least worried or afraid.  But throughout the journey God had shown me time and time again that he was before me. He is already ahead of me and the problem that’s really hit me are just mere fragments of a worst scenario that would have happened.

Recently my children was asking me what is faith, and I explained, “It is believing that God will help even when nothing had happened yet” 

I think one of the most recent happenings that I thank God for was how he had provided a place that I can lived in that is affordable and within my financial power. It took only 3 days to house hunt and the deal was concluded just before the pandemic. Prior to that we have our own plan in securing a place to stay but we only discovered that it will not work out as planned and we are at a lost. That is when we are asked “How would you be able to handle this? Look where your “trust” in God had landed you to” . But God came through ,directed me to the right seller, and we concluded the house sales in 2 days flat. Of course even owning the property came with many challenges and the situation will have been regarded as far from ideal for many. But I must say that the problem are still manageable and within our ability to handle. God had indeed went ahead of me, destroyed my initial plan as they are not the best, and guided me to the best alternative that is within our ability to handle.

He brought to my mind the story of how God sent Ravens to feed Elijah. For those who understand Jewish dietary law m they will be well aware that Ravens are considered unclean animals as they were scavenger birds. Today if Gods were to send ravens to us to bring us food, will we have the courage to eat it? Yet we see Elijah did not challenge or questions God’s arrangement, but rather he followed and survived the drought that was in the land.

Sometimes the path God will choose to take us may be longer, and may not be the most straight forward path. Just like what I share in this article. The fact is that if the Israelites wanted to enter Canaan from Egypt quickly. God will have taken the Via Maris (AKA “The way of the Philistines” ) It is a known ancient trade route that connects to Canaan by the Mediterranean sea. However this trade route is heavily fortified by the Egyptians and the Israelites will need to go to war often and they may not be prepared for such battles.

Hence Moses recorded in the book of Exodus

 “Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go,
  that God did not lead them by way of the land of the
  Philistines, although that was near; for God said,
  “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when
   they see war, and return to Egypt.”
   So God led the people around by way of the wilderness
   of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in
  orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt.”- Moses (Ex 13:17-18)

As the result the children of Israel took 2 years to travel to the border of the land of Canaan, stopping for a few months in Mount Sinai to construct the tabernacle. As they journey they have to follow the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire. Interestingly the pillar of cloud covered and shaded the children of Israel from the heat and at night the pillar of fire kept the camp warm. In fact the years I spent moving from place to place kind of resembled the journey in many ways. Over time I learn that Gods plan may not be for us to take the fastest route or something that we think that is good.  God will consider all things and lead us using the route that he think is best. Sometimes the path that God intend for us to take may not be exactly what we wanted or wish for.

But, if we are willing to follow and trust the pillar of cloud and fire, God will keep us sheltered and protected as we move along the difficulties in life. Let us not be mistaken that the journey will be easy with Gods help. The fact of the matter is that the Israelites have  to overcome their difficulties as they move along. They have wars to fight, they have to trust God when they run out of food and water. They have to wake up early collect manna daily and they have their fair burden to bear as they followed the pillar of cloud and fire.

When I was younger I used to like the story of the foot prints and that God will carry us when we cannot handle our difficulties. But it will be unrealistic if we think that God is going to carry us with his arms all the way to heaven. For Jesus already said that we will have tribulations in the world and only those who endures to the end will be save.  

So what is the best way to handle all these difficulties? I believe this hymn that I would like to share will give us a very good answer.

Count Your Blessings (Lyrics)

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings; name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

(Chorus)
Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
Count your blessings;
See what God hath done.
Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings;
See what God hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings; ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

(Chorus)

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.
Count your many blessings; money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

(Chorus)

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged; God is over all.
Count your many blessings; angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

(Chorus)

 

Lyrics of “Those In His Image Shall Shine”

This is one of the original hymn created by the church. In its original Chinese lyrics. It is saying that God wanted us to be like Jesus. To be merciful, holy, to be meek and humble just like Jesus. It reminded us to rely on the Spirit of God to submit to it for God wanted us to be just like Jesus.

But as the church progressed to have an English speaking congregation, the Chinese hymns had to be translated into English, and those who did such translations understands the trade-off between preserving the content of the lyrics while preserving the same number of notes per line. As a result, some of the hymn were re-written. This is of the hymns that was affected by this.

When I was younger I often sing this in Chinese, but recently the English version seems to speak out to me much recently.

For I am now living in a place where it is difficult to share the gospel. The issue I am facing is mainly a language barrier. It is difficult to master a new language plus the luxury of time to study isn’t there ever since paternity kicked in. In the day time we struggle to make a living and at the night time is spent taking care of children.

So in a prayer I was telling God that this is a helpless situation and it seem impossible for us to share the gospel here. No matter how hard we try, there seem to be no one.  Most of the time we are seekers of the seekers. Where most of our friends had other priorities and eternal life isn’t the biggest issue compare to the challenge of daily survival.

Interestingly, God responded. For in my life there were a few friends that I deemed as impossible to reconnect. The reason for this is because we lost contact when we are really young and during those days the only way to reach a friend is to make a phone call through the land line. (mobile phones were a luxury then). The chances of running into my friend in person is impossible as I am working in another country.

But despite the odds, God allowed me to run into my childhood friend. The circumstances how it happened was even more miraculous. For my childhood friend had randomly boarded a Grab car belonging to another church brother of mine. My church brother had no idea that the man he picked up was my childhood friend. As they were travelling together, my friend noticed some church tracts in my church brother car. As he read it, they ended up speaking to each other about God. That is when my childhood friend told him that he visited my church and it was me who brought him there.

It was through this chance encounter I managed to reconnect to a long lost friend. Which is someone whom I deem as impossible to meet again.

While this event reminded me that with God all things are possible. There still lingers within me the thought that it is impossible to share the word of God because of the language barrier.

That is when the English version of the lyrics keep reaching out to me. It is reminding me that those in the image of God will just shine. Through it God is reminding me just to try my best to live out my life for him. The action by itself will shine for God without me saying a word.

I remember the many times I feel helpless here, for even the simplest work of buying groceries and ordering food becomes a challenge when the menu and aisles are written in a language you cannot understand. Even though with God help over the years I can understand some of the text . It is still quite a challenge to do things that used to be without effort in the past. But we should not back down from trying, and we have to continue to live and shine.

And through this hymn God reminded me once again that our labor in him is not in vain. Even though great empires and great work can crumble, but those who shined for the Lord will always be remembered.

This is the reason why I felt so compelled to share this hymn with everyone.

 

Title: Those in His image shall shine
Author : Unknown

<<Stanza 1>>

O list to the voice of
the Prophet of old,
Proclaiming in language divine,
The wonderful,
wonderful message of truth
That “Those in His image shall shine.”

(Chorus)
They shall shine as bright as stars
within Heaven jeweled with light;
And they that turn many
to His righteousness
As the stars eternally bright.

<<Stanza 2>>
Tho’ rugged the path
where our duty may lead,
Oh! Why should we ever repine?
When faithful and true
is the promise to all,
That “Those in His image shall shine.”
(Repeat Chorus)

<<Stanza 3>>
The grandeur of wealth,
and the temples of fame,
Where beauty and splendor combine,
Will perish, forgotten
and crumble to dust,
But “Those in His image shall shine.”
(Repeat Chorus)

<<Stanza 4>>
Then let us go forth
to the work yet to do,
With zeal that shall never decline,
Be strong in the Lord
and the promise believe
That “Those in His image shall shine.”

 

Lyrics of “I’ll Fly Away”

Today is the anniversary of my Grandma passing away. During this time last year I wrote 2 articles about her

The Unspoken Eulogy
Lyrics Of “The Homeland Shore”

Interestingly, her death anniversary is also very close to the birthday of her great grand child. IT had been a year and i miss her very much.  I know that Granny is with God and God had taken her back to him.

One day it will be my turn to fly away to God and I know i would have the chance to see her. So for this article, I would like to dedicate this piece of country hymn that her great grandchild will always react to when he heard it.

According to Wikipedia, this hymn was created in 1929 by  Albert E. Brumley and published in 1932 by the Hartford Music company in a collection titled Wonderful Message. The author is heavily influenced from secular ballads when he wrote the hymn.

But personally I love this hymn, simply because it reminded me that one day when my life is over, I will fly away too. A Christian funeral is not meant to be a sad affair, even though death means that we are parted from our loved ones, but we have a hope to reunite again.

Whenever my son hear this tune, i could feel him jumping to the tune as it was playing. So to mark the first year of granny passing. I would like to share this hymn. The version i have chosen is the version sang by the Late Joey Feek. It is the version that her great grandson loves to hear.

"I’ll Fly Away"

Some bright morning when this life is over, I’ll fly away
To that home on God’s celestial shore I’ll fly away,
I’ll fly away, oh glory, I’ll fly away
When I die hallelujah by and by, I’ll fly away

When the shadows of this life have gone, I’ll fly away
Like a bird from prison bars have flown, I’ll fly away
I’ll fly away, oh glory, I’ll fly away
When I die, hallelujah by and by, I’ll fly away
(Take it away)

Oh how glad and happy when we meet, I’ll fly away
No more cold iron shackles on my feet, I’ll fly away
I’ll fly away, oh glory, I’ll fly away
When I die, hallelujah by and by, I’ll fly away

Just a few more weary days and then, I’ll, I’ll fly away
To a land where joy will never end, I’ll fly away
(One more time)

I’ll fly away, oh glory, I’ll fly away
When I die, hallelujah by and by, I’ll fly away
When I die, hallelujah by and by, I’ll fly away

 

Lyrics Of My Father Watches Over Me

As it was my custom since 2010, I would specially post a hymn on the 3rd may of the year.  3rd may had always been a special day in my life.

So far I have shared the following hymns

What A Friend I have In Jesus” – May 3rd 2010
“Thanks to God” – May 3rd 2011
“Day By Day” – May 3rd 2012
“All The Way The Savior Leads Me” – May 3rd 2013
“Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer” – May 3rd 2014
”Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus” – May 3rd 2015
”Hold Thou My hand” – May 3rd 2016

Today, with only one hour left in May 3rd. I decided to thank God for all the help he had rendered to me for the past year. I managed to move safely to Vietnam and settle down. Though life is far from perfect, but I was able to see all the grace he had given and how he had protected me from one difficulty to another. He had also entrusted one of his little heritage to my wife and I. We have been caring for him for 8 months now.

So I decided to share this particular hymn, for I know that God had watches over me and will continue to do so.

For God once spoke through Prophet Isaiah

“Can a woman forget her nursing child,
  And not have compassion on the son of her womb?
  Surely they may forget,
  Yet I will not forget you. 
  See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;
  Your walls are continually before Me.” – YHWH (Is 49:15-16)

Therefore God will never forget, he will always be here watching me. Even though difficulties may abound and troubles will increase. God will continue to watch over me. He is ahead of me and he will see me through the difficulties.

My Father Watches Over Me

William C. Martin, pub.1910

1. I trust in God wherever I may be,
   Upon the land, or on the rolling sea,
   For come what may, from day to day,
   My heav’nly Father watches over me.
   • Refrain:
     I trust in God, I know He cares for me;
     On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea;
     Though billows roll, He keeps my soul;
     My heav’nly Father watches over me.
2. He makes the rose an object of His care,
   He guides the eagle through the pathless air,
   And surely He remembers me;
   My heav’nly Father watches over me.
3. I trust in God, for, in the lion’s den,
   On battlefield, or in the prison pen,
   Through praise or blame, through flood or flame,
   My heav’nly Father watches over me.
4. The valley may be dark, the shadows deep,
   But, oh, the Shepherd guards His lonely sheep;
   And through the gloom He’ll lead me home,
   My heav’nly Father watches over me.

 

Lyrics Of 爱的你呀何处寻

Recently a lot of my friends were talking about Indian references to Chinese music.  So I was looking for a few tunes in Chinese music. Among all the recent works there was a song that keep ringing to my mind.

That was because I only heard it as a kid and it kind of disappeared as I grew up.

So I decided to google the only few words of the Lyrics that I remembered. I stumbled across an old MTV. Apparently the singer is known as 張小英 . Apparently she was a Singaporean super star in the 1960s – 1970s.. That explains why her songs disappeared when I was  kid because I was born in the 80s.

After reading a bit more about her, apparently she could sing in Malay (Bahasa Indonesia) and Cantonese.  Singaporeans were known to be able to use multiple languages as Singapore is a melting pot of many cultures.

There are not a lot of resources about her. I came across 3 here that is nice to read

http://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2009/06/chang-xiao-ying-chinese-60s_29.html
http://changsiaoying.blogspot.co.uk/
http://chrisroughan.webs.com/zhangxiaoying.htm

She quietly left singing to focus on other priorities so she disappeared quietly from showbiz.

I remembered the song very well because it carried an Indian Tune and it sound unique.  It felt as if they have took the tune and fitted Chinese lyrics into it. The song is sung in a way traditional Indian tune would sound. The same song was also covered by the famous Teresa Teng. I google search lead me to many other remakes of the song which seem to come from Taiwan. Somehow I believed this song must have originally be written in Singapore. As there are many migrants from India who were working in Singapore in the past.

It was a love song of a lover searching for his lover. As today is my wedding anniversary, I will like to dedicate this to my wife.

爱的你呀何处寻
我爱的你呀我爱的你 你在哪里呀在哪里 我爱的你呀我爱的你 你在哪里呀在哪里	wǒ ài de nǐ ya wǒ ài de nǐ nǐ zài nǎ lǐ ya zài nǎ lǐ wǒ ài de nǐ ya wǒ ài de nǐ nǐ zài nǎ lǐ ya zài nǎ lǐ
往日的甜蜜化为一丝丝 滴滴重复在睡梦里 我爱的你呀我爱的你 你在哪里呀在哪里	wǎng ​rì​ de​ tián ​mì​ huà ​wéi yī​ sī​ sī​ dī​ dī​ chóng ​fù​ zài​ shuì​ mèng​ lǐ wǒ ài de nǐ ya wǒ ài de nǐ nǐ zài nǎ lǐ ya zài nǎ lǐ
我爱的你呀我爱的你 你在哪里呀在哪里	wǒ ài de nǐ ya wǒ ài de nǐ nǐ zài nǎ lǐ ya zài nǎ lǐ
(X) 我回想 啊 我叹息 啊 我盼望 啊 又着急 旧时的欢乐不再来 我爱的你呀在哪里	wǒ​ huí ​xiǎng​ ā wǒ​ tàn ​xī​ ā​ wǒ​ pàn ​wàng​ ā yòu​ zháo ​jí​ jiù ​shí​ de huān ​lè​ bù ​zài​ lái​ wǒ ài de nǐ ya zài nǎ lǐ
我爱的你呀我爱的你 你在哪里呀在哪里 我爱的你呀我爱的你 你在哪里呀在哪里 Repeat (X)	wǒ ài de nǐ ya wǒ ài de nǐ nǐ zài nǎ lǐ ya zài nǎ lǐ wǒ ài de nǐ ya wǒ ài de nǐ nǐ zài nǎ lǐ ya zài nǎ lǐ

Song Translation
The one I love. Oh the one I love .
Where are you now? Oh where are you?
The one I love. Oh the one I love .
Where are you now? Oh where are you?

The sweetness of the past became little streams
Trickles repeatedly in my dreams.
The one I love. Oh the one I love .
Where are you now ? Oh where are you?

The one I love. Oh the one I love .
Where are you now ? Oh where are you?

(X)
I recollect but yet I sigh  
Ah I hope for, yet I’m anxious
The joys from the past wont return again
Where are you now? oh my love!

The one I love. Oh the one I love .
Where are you now ? Oh where are you?
The one I love. Oh the one I love .
Where are you now ? Oh where are you?

I decided to put up the original sang by 張小英. For she managed to sing it in a way that reminds me of how Indian ballads are sung.  This is a quality lacking in most of the Taiwanese remake of the song. that is why I believe this song must have been written in Singapore
  

 

Lyrics Of “细水长流”

Today I was just thinking about this song as I was watching through some of the videos of the Singapore National Day 2015. One of the video post was done using the tune of the song as the background.

I am sure many of my friends would have sang that at some point of their school life. So I decided to find out more about it.

The song was the work of Dr Liang Wern Fock, he is a Singaporean writer, musician. He was one of the pioneering figure of the Xinyao movement during the 80s and 90s. 新谣(Xin Yao) is the term used for  Singaporean Chinese Folk Song. This song was voted one of the best xinyao song.

I find the lyrics really beautiful. The song often reminds me of my friends in school which i have not met for a long time. Today since it is the 50th year of my country. I would like to share the lyrics on my blog.

Apparently the pioneer generation had a higher standard of Mandarin compared to me. As the original lyrics is very poetic and expressive, it is difficult to translate that into English. But i would try my best in this case.

Title: 细水长流 (The Tiny Stream That Flows Forever AKA “Friendship Forever” )
Lyrics :梁文福

(#1) 年少时候谁没有梦 无意之中 你将心愿透露 就在你生日的时候 我将小小口琴送 最难忘记你的笑容	(#1) nian shao shi hou Shui mei you meng wu yi zhi zhong ni jiang xin yuan tou lou jiu zai ni sheng ri de shi hou wo qiang xiao xiao kou qin song zui nan wang ji ni de xiao rong
(Chorus 1) 友情的细水慢慢流 流进了你我的心中 曾在球场边为你欢呼 你跌伤我背负 夜里流星飞渡 想象着他日的路途 晚风听着我们壮志无数	(Chorus 1) you qing de xi shui man man liu liu jin le ni wo de xin zhong ceng zai qiu chang bian wei ni huan hu ni die shang wo bei fu ye li liu xing fei du xiang xiang Ta ri de lu tu wan feng ting wo men zhuang zhi wu shu
(#2) 年少时候谁没有愁 满腔愤慨唯有你能听得懂 每当我失意的时候 你将那首歌吹奏 琴声悠悠解我情愁	(#2) nian shao shi hou shui mei you chou man qiang fen gai wei you ni neng ting de dong mei dang wo shi yi de shi hou ni jiang na shou ge chui zou qin sheng you you jie wo ging you
(Chorus 2) 岁月的细水慢慢流 流到了别离的时候 轻拍你的肩 听我说朋友不要太惆怅 霓虹纵然再嚣张 我们的步履有方向 成败不论 切莫将昔日遗忘	(Chorus 2) sui yue de xi shui man man liu liu dao le bie li de shi hou qing pai ni de jian ting wo shuo peng you bu yao tai chou chang ni hong zong ran zai xiao zhang wo men de bu lu you fang xiang cheng bai bu lun qie mo xi ri yi wang
(#3) 多年以后又再相逢 我们都有了疲倦的笑容 问一声我的朋友 何时再为我吹奏 是否依旧 是否依旧	(#3) duo nian yi hou you zai xiang feng wo men dou you le pi juan de xiao rong wen yi sheng wo de peng you he shi zai wei wo chui zou shi fou yi jiu Shi fou yi jiu
After the music interlude (Repeat Chorus 2, #3)
(# 4) 人生的际遇千百种 但有知心长相重 人愿长久 水愿长流 年少时候	(# 4) ren sheng de ji yu qian bai zhong dan you zhi xin chang xiang zhong ren yuan chang jiu  shui yuan chang liu nian shao shi hou

Translation
(#1)
When in our youth, we had  our aspirations.
Once you divulge your aspiration to me unknowingly
So on your birthday, I presented you a little harmonica
And how can I not forget that smile on your face?

(Chorus 1)
As the streams of friendship tickles over time
It flows into the our hearts continuously
As I cheered for you at the stadium
When you fell I carried you on my back
As we watch the stars and thought of our future in life
As the night breezes heard our countless aspiration

(#2)
When in our youth, we had  our worries
Only you could understand my joys and my sadness
Whenever I am feeling disappointed
You would play that tune on that harmonica
That echoes through time, reliving my sadness

(Chorus 2)
As time tickles slowly like tiny streams ,
We reach the time to part our ways
I patted your shoulder
saying “Friend, lets not be sad”
For the rainbow will continue to be there
And we have our directions in life
No matter success or failure, lets not forget our time together

(#3)
After many years, we met once again
We all had that same smile of weariness
So let me ask you my friend
When will you play that tune once again
Will it sound the same as the past?
Will it sound the same as the past?

(#4)
There are thousands of up and down in life
Only the best confidantes meet forever
For their friendship is forever, like water flowing from its source
When we were young.

I found an video containing a lot of sights that will be familiar to any Singaporean who are born in the 80s

This is the MTV that i believe most of my peers will remember

 

Lyrics Of “口是心非” (DUPLICITY)

I was driving back home when the radio was playing this song, and the lyrics kind of caught my attention. Hence I got curious and I went to get the lyrics.

I must say it is a very difficult piece to translate due to the way it was written. None the less this is the first try, and I would hope to get your comments to improve the lyrics.

This song was sang by 张雨生, a Taiwanese singer who passed away from a car accident on 1997.

I have chosen to use the term “Duplicity” for i noticed many people translated the title this way, i seen the defination and i felt that it is a apt description.

According to Webster dictionary, Duplicity means  “contradictory doubleness of thought, speech, or action; especially: the belying of one’s true intentions by deceptive words or action.”

Somehow i feel that artist of that time are very expressive in their lyrics.

Title: 口是心非 Artist : 张雨生
口是心非 你深情的承诺 都随着西风 飘渺远走 痴人梦话 我钟情的倚托 就像 枯萎凋零的花朵 星火燎原 我热情的眼眸 曾点亮 最灿烂的天空 晴天霹雳 你绝情的放手 在我 最需要你的时候	Kǒu shì xīn fēi nǐ shēn qíng de chéng nuò dōu suí zhe xī fēng piāo miǎo yuàn zǒu chī rén mèng huà wǒ zhōng qíng de yǐ tuō jiù xiàng kū wěi diāo ling de huā duǒx īn huǒ liáo yuán wǒ rè qíng de yǎn móu zēng diǎn liàng zuì càn làn de tiān kōng qíng tiān pī lì nǐjué qíng de fàng shǒu zài wǒ zuì xū yào nǐ de shí hou
(Chorus X2 ) 于是爱恨交错,人消瘦 怕是怕这些苦没来由 于是悲欢起落人静默 等一等这些伤会自由	(Chorus X2 ) yú shì ài hèn jiāo cuò rén xiāo shòu pà shì pà zhè xiē kǔ méi lái yóu yú shì bēi huān qǐ luò rén jìng mò děng yī děng zhè xiē shāng huì zì yóu
口是心非 你矫情的面容 都烙印在 心灵的角落 无话可说 我纵情的结果 就像 残破光秃的山头 浑然天成 我纯情的悸动 曾奔放 最滚烫的节奏 不可收拾 你滥情的抛空 所有 晶莹剔透的感受 (Chorus X2 ) 会自由 会自由	kǒu shì xīn fēi nǐ jiǎo qíng de miàn róng dōu lào yìn zài xīn ling de jiǎo luò wú huà kě shuō wǒ zòng qíng de jié guǒ jiù xiàng cán pò guāng tū de shān tóu hún rán tiān chéng wǒ chún qíng de jì dòng zēng bēn fang zuì gǔn tang de jié zòu bù kě shōu shí nǐ làn qíng de pāo kōng suǒ yǒu jīng yíng tī tòu de gǎn shòu (Chorus X2 ) huì zì yóu huì zì yóu

The English Translation

Title: DUPLICITY
Artist: Tom Chang

Deceitfully,
your passionate promise
dissipated together with the west wind

Like foolish dream,
that mutual love held dear
wilted away like a withered flower

Like a distant spark
, my passion had once
illuminated that splendid sky above us.

Yet out of the blue,
you heartlessly choose to let go
at that time you are needed the most

(Chorus X2 )

So love and hatred intertwined, wasted away,
only fearing I am suffering without a clause.

So my emotions fluctuates as I mourned in silence,
waiting for the day, my pain will be released.

That deceptive expression
which concealed the truth ,
was arched deeply within my heart
Without a defence,
the result of love,
is like a broken and barren mountain top

The beating of my pure heart
that once untrammelled with
a passionate rhythm

Was destroyed, when
you passionately choose to
bankrupt my obvious feelings for you

(Chorus X2)

Will be freed
Will be freed

 

Lyrics Of 眼光

I heard this hymn once in a Chinese evangelistic meeting. Sang by the sisters octet.

In this hymn, it is telling the listeners to have spiritual foresight. This is extremely important in the end time, lately i was talking to a friend and he was sharing with me how difficult it is to minister to the word now. In our discussion, we noted that Satan had worked very hard to confuse the word, and have devised many ways to deceive all types of Christians in the world. To the once who love signs and miracle, he had twisted the word of God to deceive them to do many things which looks like great acts of love, he kept them busy doing unimportant stuff and thus making it very difficult for them to settle down and focus on the important parts of the words of God carefully.

At the same time, in the world of the Christians who prefer to reason out their faith, Satan had deceived them to say that having emphasis on the belief that sacraments and keeping of the pure faith is a form of Asceticism and is heresy on their own accord.

In fact, Apostle Paul has spoken to the churches in 2 of his Epistle

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith giving heed to deceiving spirits of demons, speaking of lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth” – Paul (1 Tim. 4:1-3).

“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness” – Paul (2 Thess. 2:9-12).

These verses for a while, reminded me that how difficult it is to minister to the word of God. How difficult it is for us to stand firm in the truth in the bible and defend it. Yet I believe that we must all have a spiritual foresight to know that S Jesus Christ is Lord and God. He overcomes Satan and the Word of God prevails over false teachings. We must have faith in the Word of truth written in the bible and dutifully made it known fully to the Christians of other churches, relying on the Holy Spirit not on persuasive words of human wisdom (Col.1:24-29; I Cor. 2:4-5). We should never twist the Word to suit the listeners, for those who do, do so to their own destruction (2 Pet.3:15-16). If in the ministry, we work with Him, then we share in His victory (I Cor. 3:9)

As I was praying and asking God for comfort and strength to continue my work, I am constantly reminded of the lyrics of this hymn, reminding us to have spiritual foresight, to see who would win in the very end.

Therefore, we must have foresight to see that it is indeed Jesus who would win in the end, and we must continue to minister to the truth of God, no matter how dark the night is, or how high the mountain is. We must learn to overcome difficulties and despair with faith and with the help of God, continue our work with love and perservance, only with such a heart we could see the victory that is to come.

So Let us enjoy together.

Title: 眼光
Lyrics and Performed by: 天韻詩歌

Stanza 1
不管天有多黑，星星还在夜里闪亮
bù guǎn tiān yǒu duō hēi , xīng xing hái zài yè lǐ shǎn liàng
不管夜有多长，黎明早已在那头盼望
bù guǎn yè yǒu duō cháng, lí míng zǎo yǐ zài nà tóu pàn wàng
不管山有多高，信心的歌把它踏在脚下
bù guǎn shān yǒu duō gāo, xìn xīn dì gē bǎ tā tà zài jiǎo xià
不管路有多远，心中有爱仍然可以走到云端
bù guǎn lù yǒu duō yuàn, xīn zhōng yǒu ài réng rán kě yǐ zǒu dào yún duān
(repeat 1 )

(Chorus)
(*)
谁能跨过艰难，谁能飞跃沮丧
shéi​ néng​ kuà ​guò​ jiān ​nán​, shéi néng fēi ​yuè jǔ​ sàng​
谁能看见前面，有梦可想
shéi néng​ kàn ​jiàn qián ​miàn, yǒu​ mèng kě xiǎng​
真神的心看见希望，你的心里要有眼光
zhēn ​shén dì xīn kàn ​jiàn xī ​wàng​, nǐ​dí​ xīn ​li yào yǒu​ yǎn ​guāng
(Repeat *)
噢，你的心里要有眼光
ō​, nǐ​ dí​ xīn ​li yào yǒu​ yǎn ​guāng​.

(The rest of the hymn is a variation using the same lyrics. It goes like this
stanza 1 (with no repeat) , chorus , conclude singing the last 2 lines)

Note: I have replaced the 上帝in the hymns with 真神because I feel that it is inappropriate to address God as Shang Di. Shang Di is a God worshipped by the ancient Chinese, though many thinks that there is a high chance that Shang Di may have indeed been Jehovah, but as long as it can never be proven, it is wiser not to just make such assumptions.

Translation
Title: Foresight
Perform by : Heavenly Melody

(Stanza 1)
No matter how dark the skies are , the stars are still shining in the night.
No matter how long the night are, the daybreak is already waiting at the other end,
No matter how high the mountains are, the songs of faith will trample them underfoot.
No matter how far the roads go, a loving heart will take you up into the clouds
(Repeat 1)
(Chorus)
Who could surmount difficulties, who could leap over despair,
who could foresee the good dreams that is to come?
The heart of the Lord is able to see that hope to come,
you must keep that foresight in your heart
Oh, you must keep that foresight in your heart 

 

Lyrics of “When God Ran”

I was thinnking about the blog entry about the Prodigal Son as well as this hymn shared by a friend to me.

I realised that the writer wrote this hymn inspired from the Parable the Prodigal Son.. It talks about the only time God ran is to recieve the prodigal son.

Well. I guess enough is said about the parable in my previous post, so lets enjoy this hymn together.

Title: When God Ran
Artist: Benny Hester

Almighty God,
The Great I Am
Immoveable Rock,
Omnipotent powerful

Awesome Lord,
Victorious Warrior
Commanding King of Kings
Mighty Conquerer,

And the only ti…me,
the only time I ever saw Him run
Was when

He ran to me,
Took me in His arms, held my head to His chest
And said “My son’s come home again”.
Looked in my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice
He said “Son, do you know I still love you?”

It caught me by surprise when God ran

The day I left Home,
I knew I’d broken His heart
I wondered if
Things could ever be the same,

Then one night,
I remembered His love for me
And down that dusty road, ahead I could see
It’s the only time,
the only time I ever saw Him run

Was when He ran to me,
Took me in His arms, held my head to His chest
And said “My son’s come home again”.
Looked in my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice
He said “Son, do you know I still love you?”

It caught me by surprise, He brought me to my knees
When God ran
I saw Him run to me
And then I ran to Him

Instrumental Bridge

Holy God, Righteous One
Who turned my way
Now I know, He’s been waiting
For this day

{Repeat Chorus}

And then He ran to me,
Took me in His arms, held my head to His chest
And said “My son’s come home again”.
Looked in my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice
I felt His love for me again

{Repeat Chorus}

He ran to me,
Took me in His arms, held my head to His chest
And said “My son’s come home again”.
Looked in my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice
He said Son, He said Son, My Son!
Do you know I still love you
oohhh…He ran to me
When God ran