Seagull

Challenge proposed and challenge delivered! Well okay, it's not like he dared me but, rather it's a kind request from Jeff to butcher cover this classic number.

Dear Jeff,

(Maleficient tone) Well well... your request is finally delivered as promised. I was worried at first, that I might not be able to strum out the correct tune due to my limitation of guitar chords. Haiz... what to do? Self-taught ma. Instead, I was lucky they were fairly simple and even gave me room to improvise. 

Though I can't read nor write in Chinese to survive in China, but once I get what the words mean, they will forever be stuck in my head. The lyrics were truly inspiring and encouraging. I like the metaphor behind it and I am truly grateful to you for introducing this beautiful song.

Did you know the singer, Judy Ongg was actually from Taiwan who later changed her nationality to Japanese? After YouTube hopping on her other songs, I was impressed with her ability to sing in Mandarin, Cantonese and Japanese. She is stunningly beautiful!

Anyway and anyhow, here is my version of 海鷗. I hope it won't destroy the fond memories you have associated with this song.

Sincerely,
CP.

(海鷗 - 翁倩玉)

The Unbearable Weight Of Committing

(An overdue letter to an old old flame)
 
You were wrong to think that I was enthusiastic with moving on right after you. It took me more than a year to find courage. During the years we were together and finally being two continents apart, I waited in vain for an unattended relationship. I had too much time to prepare myself for our break-up. Even afterwards, I find it hard to move on but I knew I have to carry my own weight without you.

Everyone is idealistic in their own special way. I have lived to experience that perfection does not exist. There is only realistic contentment, a conditioned perfection that is set out for each of us out there. My idealism is truly simple, I only want to make everyone happy but ultimately, I want the one I truly love to be happy. When he is pleased, I will feel adequate.

I fear loneliness tremendously. Whenever I am aware of being alone, I almost immediately feel abandoned and forgotten. I've been living a life obligated to serving and providing to people's needs before mine. It has become instinctive, always in a hurry to fill up the void with individuals I hardly know only to break up prematurely.

So this is the fact of my life; I needed you more than you needed me. I needed Teacher more than he needed me. Finally, I see that it's not anyone's fault. And it's only right that we came to an end.

I sincerely wish that you will find your desired happiness someday.