Those teammates from the beginning have long become puppets
得我 不甘 弃守
dak1 ngo5 bat1 gam1 hei3 sau2
Only I refuse to let go
大踏步 踏出 这世界
daai6 daap6 bou6 daap6 ceot1 ze5 sai3 gaai3
Big strides, stepping out into this world
难避开 最暗的街
naan4 bei6 hoi1 zeoi3 ngam3 dik1 gaai1
Hard to avoid the darkest street
急急跑 并不会变快
gap1 gap1 paau2 bing6 bat1 wui2 bin3 faai3
Rushing won't make it faster
磨炼够 才能长大
mo4 lin6 gau3 coi4 nang4 coeng4 daai6
Only through enough training can one grow up
Song Interpretation
Short Summary
The song "新牌仔" (P Plater) by Gin Lee reflects the struggles of growing up and the relentless pursuit of success despite setbacks and challenges. It speaks to the feeling of being a novice, even after years of effort and experience, and the emotional toll it takes.
Detailed Insights
The lyrics explore themes of self-doubt and perseverance. The protagonist, despite putting in hard work and learning, feels like they are still a beginner ("新牌仔" meaning rookie). They encounter difficulties such as societal pressures, personal insults, and isolation, but continue to press forward. This journey of trying to master life's challenges is metaphorically compared to martial arts training, emphasizing that mastering life’s hardships requires continuous effort and resilience.
The song also touches on the struggle of not meeting expectations, particularly the pressure to be successful and "perfect" after many years of hard work. There is a contrast between personal growth and the superficial success of others who have seemingly become "puppets" of society. The protagonist remains determined, though, refusing to give up and learning to keep moving forward despite the setbacks. "新牌仔" also highlights the difficulty of finding true companionship along the journey of self-improvement.