Respawn Entertainment: Days of Glory

Chapter 925 "Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies"

The Rolling Stones crew had a great time, and Chinese music fans were quite pleased. Only Liu Da and his ilk, with their many thoughts, could only manage a wry smile: "Whether these lyrics allude to reality or not, they're ultimately sensitive. Bian Lang and the film director are both clever; those of us in the foreign affairs department should be helping these people..."

While Ambassador Liu's actions might seem like a slap in the face to relevant domestic departments, it's also important not to discourage those who bring honor to the country and its people abroad. Therefore, they genuinely hope that the Rolling Stones and Bian Lang can win a Grammy.

Having such an award makes a big difference in many things.

Looking at the foreigners' reactions, which showed no signs of boredom, Ambassador Liu felt even more confident to give Rolling Stone another round of praise on the official account tomorrow!
The name of director Duan Yu has also officially entered the field of vision of some European filmmakers, including Sinston and Carole, who have already reached a cooperation agreement with Bianlang.

These two were also placed in the quarantine area. Based on Bian Lang's pre-performance remarks and the VJ's comments during the performance, Carol could basically judge the quality of the film: "It seems Wave prefers art films. If 'Pirate Radio' is a big success, I think there's a chance..."

“Carol, stop! I heard that the director only approached Wave after he finished filming the movie himself, and he even converted Wave’s songwriting fees into shares in the film. You shouldn’t be thinking about those unrealistic things…”

As the two were talking, they saw Evelyn appear in the quarantine area and chat with a Chinese man who looked very excited, seemingly offering some kind of congratulations...

"Could that person be the director of this movie?"

Sinston was quite perceptive; after he said that, Carol also felt there was some truth to it: "The Golden Bear isn't so easy to win, although his subject matter is indeed something those old fogies on the judging panel like..."

Carroll had also participated in the Golden Bear competition, but never won, so she was quite familiar with the process. Although her words contained a hint of bitterness, they were still quite fair.

However, as the music director, Sinston clearly had a better relationship with Bian Lang's side: "Carol, although we are friends, I still have to remind you again, if you continue with this attitude, the director position is not indispensable!"

Sinston knew about Cole's departure with Bianlang's work. He couldn't speak for other places, but Cole was better off staying in America and making a living there. If he wanted to return to Europe, he would definitely face DGM's relentless suppression and retaliation.

As for China, there's no need to even think about it! Even if Bian Lang doesn't show up, the foreign affairs departments that know the situation will absolutely not give this old black man any chance to go through the proper procedures!
Carroll was just saying it; he didn't actually dare to have any other thoughts. After all, if Bian Lang were replaced, he would be unemployed again. He didn't have Ang Lee's luck, with a wife who could always silently support him from behind.

"I know, I admit I'm a little jealous. Don't worry, I won't make enemies with this director."

Sinston's purpose was clearly not limited to that. Seeing that Carol was willing to listen, he continued, "I'm going to meet that Chinese director. Do you want to come along?"

Having already acquired some songs, Stone now only wants to rely on Bian Lang, feeling that his future career breakthroughs depend entirely on this super musician. Therefore, given Duan Yu's access to Bian Lang's songs and their shared compatriot status, Stone felt compelled to go and get to know him.

Calling Carol along was because Carol and Duan Yu might have more to talk about! Just then, the psychedelic and retro intro to "Fireworks Youth" began to play on stage.

By the time the two reached Duan Yu, Evelyn had already walked away. However, seeing that Duan Yu was listening attentively and even singing along, the two didn't immediately disturb him.

"You hate evil as if it were your enemy, you fight like a trapped beast, listen, the night wind is howling... You have never seen through it all, you only want to feel the trembling of going to your death generously..." Like most people's memories, Duan Yu, the director of art films, is also quite obsessed with this chorus.

It's fair to say that these two lines of lyrics were Bian Lang's favorite among all his works, before "Like a Jar" came along. So even though his voice was soft as he sang along, the surge of emotion within him was indescribable!

"Damn, that's awesome! It has to be Bian Lang!" After saying that, he inadvertently turned his head and saw Xinston and the other two, so he nodded and smiled sheepishly.

Sinston took the opportunity to strike up a conversation with him...

After a couple of songs, the band paused for a break, and Guo Sichu took the lead in singing "Fireworks" and "In the Rain." She sang a few more songs, and finally, the first half came to an end.

Bian Lang caught his breath before inviting Xie Xinyan and the other two to the stage. He then spoke about Rolling Stone's situation over the past year: "Back here again..."

At the same time, he also remembered the original singer of the next song, Beyond...

In 93, the last year of Ka-Kui's life, the legendary album "Rock and Roll" was released, which was the last sound he left to the world.

The album's minimalist title, profound creative concept, diverse musical genres, and rich emotional expression make it stand out from the crowd, while Ka-Kui's unfortunate fall adds a touch of mystery to it.

When the album was first released, the public's attitude towards "Music and Anger" was far from enthusiastic. Even "Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies," which would later move countless people, was not well-regarded at the time. If Ka-Kui had not passed away suddenly, the album's sales would most likely have been dismal.

It's incredibly ironic that some songs were once discarded like trash, but today they've become timeless classics known to everyone, with play counts and cover versions constantly breaking records.

Ka-Kui poured his tragic life story into "Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies," which is not only his most important song but also an outstanding representative work of the Beyond band at this special juncture in 1993.

This song truly reflects Beyond's state of mind during their time in Japan; the darkness of winter nights and the cold of snowy season seem to allude to something. The Hong Kong music scene's neglect of original works and excessive commercialization disheartened the four members, forcing them to leave for Japan.

His heart was cold, and he was exhausted. The swirling snow foreshadowed that Ka-Kui's development in Japan would also be bumpy. Fortunately, he saw snow in Japan that he couldn't see in Hong Kong. Ka-Kui used snow as a metaphor for himself, those pure snowflakes swaying back and forth, battered by various rules.

Looking back, the trials and tribulations of the past decade have left them battered and bruised, yet the four members have not lowered their stance on moving forward. The current situation of leaving their homeland leaves them feeling lost and confused. Was coming to the island nation the right or wrong decision? Were the compromises they made for their music truly worthwhile?

This song is a question posed to myself, and also to everyone else.

We've left Hong Kong. What's changed there compared to here? Will it change? After everything we've been through, if Beyond were to go back to being ourselves, to being our true selves, would our fans still support us? The phrase "who hasn't changed" is poignant; it accurately reflects the fact that everyone has changed and who hasn't. I've seen people's cold, disdainful expressions more than once, and I've grown accustomed to the sarcasm and ridicule of those around me, but I can only pretend not to see or hear it, because that ideal within me is always pulling me forward, even though I don't know where the destination is.

Lately, I've been experiencing inexplicable disorientation, and in these moments, I feel anxious and uncertain, even experiencing the pain of losing everything in a single second.

My heart gradually hardened, and I forced myself to forget the feeling of love and tried to diminish the various kinds of love in my heart. Beyond didn't want to repeat the mistakes of commercial success; they just wanted to make the music they loved.

I know there are many fans who love us deeply. They understand our compromises and concessions, and they understand Beyond's unwavering rock spirit. Who can understand my predicament? Only true friends.

Beyond's nature is unrestrained, and we yearn for freedom. I cannot tolerate others interfering with my work. Beyond's style may change drastically in the future. If some people cannot accept it, please forgive me; I just want to be myself! Even if it means falling down, I'm willing to accept it.

Many people give up their dreams, but Ka-Kui never did!
Even if Beyond loses fans because of a change in their musical style, Beyond will still persevere with tears in their eyes. Even if only one person is left listening to us sing, even if only one person truly understands us, it will still be worth it.

Beyond's works should be sung all over the world, Beyond's concerts should be held all over the world, Beyond's music must respect the heart. My songs, my heart, my freedom.

The song encapsulates the hardships Beyond endured over the years in the Hong Kong and Japanese music scenes, showcasing their heroic spirit of remaining free and true to themselves even in adversity.

The lyrics, which are like an inner monologue, the grand and majestic sound effects, the melody that starts low and rises high, the seamless arrangement, and Ka Kui's unique voice make "Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies" far transcend the meaning of music itself. It is more like painting a person, painting a person whose original intention and belief remain unchanged.

If you want to simply experience the powerful impact of the instruments, Chengxi recommends the instrumental version. From 3 minutes 7 seconds to 18 seconds, towering waves surge in one after another, but one person walks towards the waves without hesitation, without slowing down or wavering.

Every time I hear this, tears well up uncontrollably.

When Ka-Kui first wrote "Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies," he intended to name it "Piano Song" before adding lyrics, because it was a piece with the piano playing throughout, creating a majestic and tragic atmosphere. The title was finally settled on "Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies" just before the album's release.

Besides the melodious piano, the expansive electric guitar is also key to elevating emotions and resonating with the audience, with the 1996 and 2005 concert versions being the most discussed.

Three years after Ka-Kui's passing, the three members of Beyond underwent a transformation from hell to rebirth, becoming completely different from their past selves in both their thoughts and their works.

All the fans were eagerly anticipating a new look for the trio. What would they be like without Ka-Kui? As it turned out, they did not disappoint the fans, nor did they disappoint Ka-Kui.

When "Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies" played at the LIVE & BASIC concert, everyone knew that it would be interpreted in a completely new way.

The electric guitar riff that begins at 6 minutes and 41 seconds is a true classic, a tearless, heart-wrenching lament, conveying immense power through extreme sorrow. It seems to be recounting and reminiscing about Ka-Kui's life, as if the three sons are bidding farewell to him and expressing their determination.

Wong Ka Kui's guitar tone is like a lone goose separated from its flock, expressing its feelings in each mournful cry. The pain of losing a beloved person forever is unbearable. This is clearly a heartbroken cry and a blood-soaked memorial.

The entire solo unfolds based on the original "Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies" electric guitar melody, a cathartic and solaceful expression of the player and the instrument as one, a torrential downpour without tears.

Simple sorrow and despair are not Beyond; their notes are still full of stubbornness and strength. The ending gently says, "Go in peace, we will continue to be free and move forward." Ka Kui seemed to sense this determination as well, making a playful victory sign.

At this time, the three members were very close and supported each other, and no one outside believed that they would disband.

From 1983 to 2005, Beyond was 22 years old. Although people were reluctant to believe that this legendary band would come to an end, it truly did. Some people say, if Ka-Kui were still alive, would they have never disbanded? Nobody knows, there is no answer.

As one of the band's founders, Yip Sai Wing took the lead in performing. The fans in the audience knew that when this song was sung again in the future, the lineup would never be the same as it was today.

At 4 minutes and 24 seconds, the powerful and unrestrained electric guitar became the focus of the entire audience. Compared with the 1996 version, the 2005 farewell concert version has undergone a significant change, especially the stepped arrangement of notes, which has a very strong sense of rhythm.

Despite the sadness and reluctance, warmth is the main theme. This solo performance evokes many thoughts, and the tears reveal a spirit of perseverance.

It's time to say goodbye to Ka-Kui. This farewell is so resolute and so uncompromising. We've given it our all, we've been through everything, and this is the final chapter. Ka-Kui, Beyond's disbandment is just a formality; the spirit you personally cultivated will live on forever.

Compared to the tear-jerking live version, the electric guitar in the studio version of "Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies" is exceptionally hard, yet the rhythm is equally superb.

A person who had been lying dormant for a long time looked up at the sky and roared, rising up from the ground and breaking through the dark haze.

The solo's tone is sharp and incisive, full of power, bursting with a strong confidence that dares to compete with everything, including his past self. That unruly, unrestrained, and freedom-loving nature is interpreted to the fullest.

I want to break free from my past self and embrace a new one. To be myself, not to follow others. I am about to be at odds with everything, to shatter my past self and rebuild it.

I know what I'm about to face, you don't need to remind me, I will still insist on doing things my own way.

After processing these thoughts in his mind, Bian Lang took a short while. He also shared some of the challenges Rolling Stones was currently facing with everyone present: "...So, I hope to use this song to encourage everyone. Rolling Stones, as long as you are here, we will never give up!"

(End of this chapter)