胭脂扣

By 梅豔芳

Lyrics - Practice Pronunciation
誓言幻作煙雲字 費盡千般心思

The vows are like a cloud of smoke, and they're a thousand times more thought provoking.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

sai6
jin4
waan6
zok3
jin1
wan4
zi6
fai3
zeon6
cin1
pun4
sam1
soi1
情像火灼般熱 怎燒一生一世

It's like a burning fire burning for a lifetime.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

cing4
zoeng6
fo2
zoek3
pun4
jit6
fim2
siu1
jat1
sang1
jat1
sai3
延續不容易

It's not easy to keep going.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

jin4
zuk6
fau2
jung4
jik6
負情是你的名字 錯付千般相思

Negative is your name, and you're wrong.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

fu6
cing4
si6
nei5
dik1
ming4
zi6
laap6
fu6
cin1
pun4
soeng2
soi1
情像水向東逝去

The water is moving eastward.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

cing4
zoeng6
seoi2
hoeng3
dung1
sai6
heoi3
痴心枉傾注 願那天未曾遇

I wish that day had never happened.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

ci1
sam1
wong2
king1
zyu3
jyun6
no6
tin1
mei6
zang1
jyu6
只盼相依 哪管見盡遺憾世事

I just hope to see the world end.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

zi2
paan3
soeng2
ji1
naa5
gun2
jin6
zeon6
wai6
ham6
sai3
si6
漸老芳華 愛火未滅人面變異

The smell of fire is changing.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

zim6
lou5
fong1
waa6
oi3
fo2
mei6
mit6
jan4
min2
bin3
ji6
祈求在那天重遇 訴盡千般相思

Pray for a thousand times that day.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

kei4
kau4
zoi6
no6
tin1
zung6
jyu6
sou3
zeon6
cin1
pun4
soeng2
soi1
祈望不再辜負我

I never had any more hope.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

kei4
mong6
fau2
zoi3
gu1
fu6
ngo5
痴心的關注 人被愛留住

Obsessive attention is what keeps people in love.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

ci1
sam1
dik1
gwaan1
zyu3
jan4
pei5
oi3
lau4
zyu6
(祈望不再辜負我 痴心的關注)

(Hope doesn't seem to bother me anymore.)

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

kei4
mong6
fau2
zoi3
gu1
fu6
ngo5
ci1
sam1
dik1
gwaan1
zyu3
問那天會重遇

Ask if we'll meet again.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

man6
no6
tin1
wui6
zung6
jyu6
電影 胭脂扣 主題曲

The movie, the lip balm theme song.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

din6
jing2
zi1
kau3
zyu2
tai4
kuk1
About This Song

"" ("Rouge") is a poignant ballad performed by the legendary singer Anita Mui, and it serves as the theme song for the 1987 film of the same name. The main theme revolves around love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of unfulfilled romantic desires. The lyrics eloquently weave a narrative of longing and heartbreak, depicting a passionate love that is ultimately fraught with unreciprocated feelings. Mui's emotive delivery amplifies the songs emotional core, drawing listeners into a profound sense of nostalgia and sorrow.

The message conveyed through "" touches upon the complexities of love, highlighting the struggles of individuals who grapple with memories of an affection that cannot be rekindled. The speaker reflects on the transience of love likened to smoke dispersing in the air, hinting at the ephemeral nature of relationships and the heartache that accompanies them. The song captures the essence of loving deeply and the hearts relentless hope for reunion, despite the overwhelming odds against it. This narrative resonates with many, as it mirrors the universal experience of searching for connection in a world that often leads to disappointment.

Musically, the song is characterized by its haunting melody and orchestral arrangement, which creates a lush backdrop for Mui's haunting vocals. Lyrical techniques such as metaphor and vivid imagery are prevalent throughout, enhancing the emotional weight of the words. The comparisons of love to elements such as fire and water not only illustrate passion and elusiveness but also strengthen the song's thematic resonance. The simplicity and sincerity of the lyrics, combined with rich instrumental support, make this piece a timeless classic in the Mandopop repertoire.

Culturally, "" holds significant value as it reflects the lyrical depth and emotional storytelling typical of Hong Kong cinema during the late 20th century. The song's enduring relevance can be attributed to its association with themes of love and nostalgia that resonate within Chinese culture, where the complexities of relationships are a recurrent subject in both music and film. Anita Mui's performance has cemented this song as a staple in the landscape of Cantonese pop, making it not just an artistic expression, but a cultural touchstone for generations.

Song Details
Singer:
梅豔芳
Total Lines:
14