The Freedom Mix of Jui-chuan Chang’s track The Hope Is Here (off his Genesis album) is finally done. You can have a listen to it in the MoShang Radio player and it will soon be available on the Podsafe Radio Network for podcasters to play.

If I spent somewhat longer than usual brooding on this one, it was because I wanted to do justice to Jui-chuan’s powerful anthem. Here is Jui-chuan’s own translation of the lyrics:

THE HOPE IS HERE

They say there’s a gulf between us

’Cause we fight and badmouth each other

Born and grew up on the same land

Without you, I can’t fly

No more yelling, no more name-calling

Let’s sit together. Let’s sing and drink

Only when you’re here with me

Freedom will blossom like the spring

 

Feeling so good, standing here

It’s our voice that they will hear

On this land there’s no passer-by

’Cause as one we unite

 

(Chorus)

Come here

No longer separate

Truly free on this ocean with no shores to be seen

Come here

It’s a colorful world

Let me sing you this song ’cause the hope is here

 

They say we daydream too much

We’d surrender as soon as we get scared

Ancestors’ blood and sweat drop into soil

Protect democracy and let it soar

You worship the Buddha, I believe in Jesus

We’re actually on the same path

Only when you’re here with me

Mercy will be blowing in the wind

 

Feeling so good, standing here

It’s our voice that they will hear

On this island there’s no passer-by

’Cause as one we unite

 

(Chorus)

Come here

No longer separate

Truly free on this ocean with no shores to be seen

Come here

It’s a colorful world

Let me sing you this song ’cause the hope is here

I’m spending my first Chinese New Year in Taiwan and it feels a bit strange to be here without having to go to work. Strange in the best way possible. The ten day break gives me the opportunity to catch up on some stuff I’ve been meaning to do – like uploading a small clip from my performance with Jui-chuan Chang in Tainan on February 10th (see the link below). I’d love to do the Hey Kid remix with Juichuan in a club with people bopping, but I guess the bookshop was a good test. It was a great pleasure either way! I’m busy working on a second remix for Jui-chuan and it should be ready in a couple of days, so watch this space…

Just a couple of weeks to go before Em. and I are off to South Africa for three weeks for my brother’s wedding. We’re really excited, of course, but it seems the laws have changed since our last visit together two years ago and Taiwanese citizens now need a visa for the RSA. It means a trip through to Taipei tomorrow and we’re holding thumbs that there are no problems.

:^/

HEY KID – DISQUIET MIX – Live!