天才白痴夢

By 許冠傑

Lyrics - Practice Pronunciation
人皆尋夢 夢裏不分西東

Everyone dreams, and they're not the same as the West.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

jan4
gaai1
cam4
mung6
mung6
leoi5
fau2
fan6
sai1
dung1
片刻春風得意

It was a lovely spring.

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pin3
hak1
ceon1
fung3
dak1
ji3
未知景物朦朧

Unknown landscape.

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mei6
zi3
jing2
mat6
mung4
lung4
人生如夢 夢裏輾轉吉凶

Life is like a dream, a dream that turns evil.

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jan4
sang1
jyu4
mung6
mung6
leoi5
zin2
zyun3
gat1
hung1
尋樂不堪苦困

It's hard to find happiness.

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cam4
ngok6
fau2
haam3
fu2
kwan3
未識苦與樂同

Not knowing pain and suffering.

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mei6
zi3
fu2
jyu6
ngok6
tung4
天造之材 皆有其用

And the sky is the limit.

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tin1
zou6
zi1
coi4
gaai1
jau6
kei4
jung6
振翅高飛 無須在夢中

Flying high, you don't have to be in a dream.

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zan3
ci3
gou1
fei1
mou4
seoi1
zoi6
mung6
zung1
南柯長夢 夢去不知所蹤

Nanking dreamed of being lost.

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naam4
ngo1
zoeng6
mung6
mung6
heoi3
fau2
zi3
so2
zung1
醉翁他朝醒覺

He woke up drunk.

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zeoi3
jung1
to1
zyu1
sing2
gok3
是否跨鳳乘龍

Is it a dragon?

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si6
pei5
kwaa3
fung6
sing6
lung4
天造之材 皆有其用

And the sky is the limit.

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tin1
zou6
zi1
coi4
gaai1
jau6
kei4
jung6
振翅高飛 無須在夢中

Flying high, you don't have to be in a dream.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

zan3
ci3
gou1
fei1
mou4
seoi1
zoi6
mung6
zung1
何必尋夢 夢裏甘苦皆空

What's the point of dreaming?

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ho6
bit1
cam4
mung6
mung6
leoi5
gam1
fu2
gaai1
hung3
勸君珍惜此際

I urge you to appreciate this.

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hyun3
gwan1
zan1
sik1
ci2
zai3
自當欣慰無窮

There is no end to self-indulgence.

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zi6
dong3
jan1
wai3
mou4
kung4
何必尋夢

What is the dream?

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

ho6
bit1
cam4
mung6
About This Song

The song "" by (Sam Hui) serves as a thoughtful exploration of the interplay between dreams and reality, encapsulating a philosophical perspective on life. At its core, the song addresses the universal human pursuit of dreamsan endeavor filled with both aspirations and confusions. The lyrics suggest that dreams are often indistinct and may lead to a myriad of possibilities, as encapsulated in the phrase " ", which reflects how everyone chases their dreams without truly knowing where they may lead. This theme resonates deeply, evoking feelings of both hope and uncertainty, which are intrinsic elements of the human experience.

The narrative of the song unfolds as it delves into the nature of existence, where the protagonist muses over the transient and often elusive quality of dreams. The singer articulates a sense of liberation in recognizing that one does not need to remain trapped within the confines of dreams. As expressed in the lines " ", the song conveys a message of self-empowerment and encourages listeners to embrace their reality instead of getting lost in dreams filled with every possible joy and sorrow. There is a call to appreciate the present moment and to find contentment, highlighting the duality of suffering and joy""as inherent parts of life.

Musically, the song blends a melodic, catchy tune with rich lyrical imagery, employing techniques such as repetition and rhyme, enhancing its emotional impact. The use of vivid metaphors, such as "" (crossing the phoenix and riding the dragon), illustrates the cultural richness of Chinese folklore, further adding depth to the message. The song's structure allows for a fluid emotional evolution, mirroring the thoughts and reflections of the narrator. This stylistic choice underlines the contemplative nature of the lyrical content, making it memorable and impactful.

Culturally, "" occupies a significant place in Hong Kong's music scene, particularly in the Cantopop genre during the 1970s. Sam Hui is often credited with revolutionizing this genre, intertwining music with social commentary and relatable themes. The song reflects a broader cultural disposition towards the exploration of personal dreams, societal expectations, and the pursuit of happiness in modern life, making it not just a personal anthem but a collective reflection on the struggle and beauty of navigating one's aspirations. This cultural resonance continues to endear the song to audiences today, marking it as a timeless piece in the richness of Cantopop history.

Song Details
Singer:
許冠傑
Total Lines:
17