急流勇退

By 許冠傑

Lyrics - Practice Pronunciation
名成利就人人想擁有

Success is what people want.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

ming4
seng4
lei6
zau6
jan4
jan4
soeng2
ung2
jau6
誰料此刻只嚮往自由

Who would have thought that this was the moment of freedom?

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seoi4
liu6
ci2
hak1
zi2
hoeng3
wong5
zi6
jau4
留住這光輝

Keep that glow.

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lau4
zyu6
ze5
gwong1
fai1
今天不再等候

Today, we can't wait.

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gam1
tin1
fau2
zoi3
ting2
hau6
奮勇地退出這急流

And courageously, we have to step out of this rush.

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fan3
jung6
deng6
teoi3
ceot1
ze5
gap1
lau4
求名逐利時常多爭鬥

It's a lot of fighting for fame.

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kau4
ming4
zuk6
lei6
si4
soeng4
do1
zaang1
dau6
嚐盡圈中的歡笑淚流

And there were tears of joy in the circle.

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soeng2
zeon6
hyun1
zung1
dik1
fun1
siu3
leoi6
lau4
人在那高出峯

People are at that height.

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jan4
zoi6
no6
gou1
ceot1
fung1
始終都不免跌後

It's always going to fall.

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ci2
zung1
dou1
fau2
min5
daat3
hau6
長日擔憂心神倦透

I've been worried about God for days.

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zoeng6
mik6
daam3
jau1
sam1
san4
gyun6
tau3
不奢望天長地久

I don't want to live long.

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fau2
se1
mong6
tin1
zoeng6
deng6
gau2
只要是曾經擁有

If only they had.

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zi2
jiu3
si6
zang1
ging1
ung2
jau6
今天內心感足夠

I feel good about myself today.

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gam1
tin1
noi6
sam1
gam2
zuk1
gau3
應走時候決定放手

It's time to leave.

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jing3
zau2
si4
hau6
kyut3
ding6
fong3
sau2
至愛知音感謝你恩深厚

Thank you so much for the love of your voice.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

zi3
oi3
zi3
jam1
gam2
ze6
nei5
jan1
sam1
hau5
離別依依不忍再望轉頭

I can't stand to look back.

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lei4
bit6
ji1
ji1
fau2
jan5
zoi3
mong6
zyun3
tau4
期望你記住我

I expect you to remember me.

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kei4
mong6
nei5
gei3
zyu6
ngo5
今晚分手以後

After we broke up tonight,

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gam1
maan5
fan6
sau2
jyu5
hau6
從舊歌中心靈互扣

The spirit of the old song center is intertwined.

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zung6
gau6
go1
zung1
sam1
ling4
wu6
kau3
期望你記住我

I expect you to remember me.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

kei4
mong6
nei5
gei3
zyu6
ngo5
今晚分手以後

After we broke up tonight,

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

gam1
maan5
fan6
sau2
jyu5
hau6
從舊歌中心靈互扣

The spirit of the old song center is intertwined.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

zung6
gau6
go1
zung1
sam1
ling4
wu6
kau3
About This Song

The song "" (translated to "Retreating from the Rapids") by the iconic artist , encapsulates the profound journey of balancing ambition with the quest for freedom. The central theme revolves around the desire for personal liberation amidst the relentless chase for fame and success. Throughout the lyrics, the singer expresses a sense of weariness towards the competitive nature of life, highlighting the often-overlooked importance of cherishing precious moments rather than being entrapped by societal expectations. The emotional core lies in the acceptance of one's limits, as well as the recognition of the inevitable changes and the importance of letting go.

The narrative unfolds as the artist reflects on the struggles faced while pursuing recognition and wealth, implying the emotional turmoil often associated with such ambitions. He illustrates a poignant journey of self-realization, where he ultimately values heartfelt connections over materialistic achievements. The repeated sentiments of gratitude towards a kindred spirit signify a deep bond that transcends transient fame. Instead of clinging to what was once essential, the song champions the concept of gracefully stepping back when it is time to retreat, allowing the listener to grasp the bittersweet nature of life's transitions.

Musically, the song employs a mix of traditional Cantonese pop elements with a mellow yet powerful melodicism that enhances its contemplative tone. The lyrical techniques include vivid imagery and metaphorical expressions, with phrases that evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflection. The repetition of certain lines serves to reinforce the emotional weight, making the listener resonate with the core message of remembrance and appreciation for past experiences.

Culturally, "" resonates strongly within the Hong Kong context, reflecting the citys vibrant yet demanding nature. The song captures the essence of a generation that is constantly torn between aspirations and the quest for personal fulfillment. It serves as a reminder of the importance of valuing genuine relationships and the beauty of letting go, making it not only a personal anthem for many but also an enduring piece of cultural commentary that highlights the universal struggle with identity and existential choice.

Song Details
Singer:
許冠傑
Total Lines:
22