沉默是金 許冠傑 & 張國榮 Eng Sub. Silence is Golden. Sam HUI & Leslie CHEUNG [Chiki's QUALITY English Sub]

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Dear Friends,

Please accept my sincerest apologies. Something kept nagging me to RE-UPLOAD once again in order to deliver a clearer and more wholesome translation. I hope it finds your wholehearted acceptance. Please embrace, enjoy, cherish and share. My infinite thanks and appreciation. This is my third, and most likely, final upload of this song. {Wednesday, 14 July 2021}

I've decided to upload an improved translation of this song. The previous translation was merely passable, but appears clumsy and "unwholesome" upon closer scrutiny. I hope the latest improvement herein meets with everyone's critical, yet unbiased reception and kind acceptance. I am working hard on another Cantonese classic, but there are some obstacles. I am praying to God that it will be uploaded soon. In the meantime, embrace, enjoy, share and cherish this very painstakingly produced clip. This is my second upload of this song. My heartiest thanks! {Sunday, 6 June 2021. Australia}

I've been frozen in some form of lassitude precipitated by erratic health and a dizzying array of other factors. Well, I'm finally climbing out of it. Even with my head above such waters, my dear friend or two are often steeped in problems of their own, both professional and domestic. That was another discouraging and debilitating factor. I am still feeling so unspeakably saddened by their struggles amidst this horrible Covid pandemic. I lacked the essential assistance and motivation to produce clips. Yet, I did have some delicate moments in which to indulge in a number of painstaking translations. Several are tucked away, awaiting artwork and subsequent progression into watchable clips.

But I am back! At least for this little while. Please find herein one of the most requested and unforgettable Cantonese songs from 1980s Hong Kong: 沉默是金 Silence is Golden written and sung by 許冠傑 Sam HUI Koon-kit and 張國榮 Leslie CHEUNG Kwok-wing. They are indeed household names throughout all Cantonese Chinese and other regional Chinese communities. Well, what can one say about the quality of their composition? Excellent all the way! Exquisite in its elegant simplicity and clarity with flawless vocal arrangements! This song just grows and grows on you. I never tire of listening to it.

Is silence always "golden"? I think not. It all depends on the CONTEXT or particular situation. Silence may be a deep source of noble strength and endurance in not aggravating any volatile or intense situation, or in reducing someone's inner pain, but it can be totally disastrous in other cases. There are times when the truth must be most forcefully and unrelentingly articulated to save someone's integrity or even their lives. Yet, doing so may bring about instant irreversible damage in some circumstances. So, as always, it is context by context, case by case. Not all rumours should be ignored and graciously brushed aside. Not everything generously mends itself, given time, patience and integrity. Such is wishful philosophical over-kill! But...but...how do we gauge it all? That is the question. That constitutes the biggest headache of all!

As for the specific context in which "Silence is Golden" is used within this song, I think it is wisely advocating calmness or a mature, detached cool-headedness as opposed to reactionary emotionalism in the face of unjust and vicious rumours. So far so good. But easier said than done. Various concrete harsh lessons are undoubtedly a great teacher, although the cost can be much too high at times. So, are the Chinese Classics really able to generate enlightenment in this regard? I don't know. My Chinese is not up to standard to read such profound literature, let alone decipher or assess its meaning. So please do pardon my ignorance.

In spite of whatever pain and obstacles, I did PROMISE someone to deliver my very own conscientious English translation of this song. Although understandably tardy, I am nonetheless fulfilling my promise. I have NOT broken my promise. So sorry for being six or seven weeks overdue, but here it is. I believe I have done my best. It may well be far from "perfect". So please do go ahead in enlightening me. Spell out where I have gone wrong. Show me. This is my very own work involving blood, sweat and tears. It's been bloody difficult. Once again, my computer savvy friend had most generously given his expertise in clip-making and editing, despite being up to his neck with a multitude of challenging problems, tackling a never-ending list of demanding tasks. God bless him! I can't thank him enough. Friends, please embrace, enjoy, share and cherish! Thanking you for your kind attention once again.

Peace, Love & Liberty,
Yours Sincerely,
Chiki CHAN
Saturday, 10 April 2021
Australia
Wednesday, 14 July 2021