Accompanying a stranger, walking through gradually familiar streets
十年之后 我们是朋友 还可以问候 只是那种温柔
shí nián zhī hòu wǒ men shì péng yǒu hái kě yǐ wèn hòu zhǐ shì nà zhǒng wēn róu
Ten years later, we are friends, we can still greet each other, but that tenderness
再也找不到拥抱的理由 情人最后难免沦为朋友
zài yě zhǎo bù dào yōng bào de lǐ yóu qíng rén zuì hòu nán miǎn lún wéi péng yǒu
Can no longer find a reason to embrace, lovers ultimately become friends
直到和你做了多年朋友 才明白我的眼泪
zhí dào hé nǐ zuò le duō nián péng yǒu cái míng bái wǒ de yǎn lèi
Until I became friends with you for many years, did I realize my tears
不是为你而流 也为别人而流
bù shì wèi nǐ ér liú yě wèi bié rén ér liú
They're not shed for you, but for someone else
Song Interpretation
Short Summary
In "Ten Years" by Eason Chan, the song explores the passage of time and the evolution of relationships, from the intense feelings of love to the bittersweet transition into friendship. It reflects on the emotional journey of love, loss, and growth over a decade, with a poignant sense of nostalgia and longing.
Detailed Insights
The song begins with a sense of regret and pain, symbolized by the trembling of the words "I love you," revealing the hidden hurt in a relationship. The first verse speaks about the emotional realization that, without clear expectations for the future, holding hands may feel like a temporary escape, akin to a traveler's journey. The lyrics explore the idea of inevitable separation, with the realization that in every relationship, someone must leave first. The poignant line "Since embraces can't stay, why not enjoy while leaving, shedding tears as well" reflects the fleeting nature of emotions and connections.
As the song progresses, it delves into the passage of time—ten years later, the speaker reflects on how they and the other person have changed. From strangers to friends, the tenderness of their past love has turned into something more platonic. The line "lovers ultimately become friends" highlights the inevitability of relationships evolving over time. The final lines suggest that tears are not just for a lost love but are also for others in life, illustrating that the heartaches we endure are often not just about one person, but about the entire experience of love, loss, and growth.