林俊杰 - 光阴副本 (JJ Lin - Above The Fray)
The starry sky holds passersby, memories collide with the rings of time
gēn zì jǐ duì zhì guò le jiù bié nào le bié fù zhì wèn hào zhè shèng fù yǐ fēn
After confronting myself, don't fuss, don't duplicate doubts, the result is decided
děng guāng yīn de fù běn gū dān yòu ān jìng zài tiān shàng hū huàn èr cì rén shēng
Waiting for time's copy, lonely yet calm, calling for a second life in the heavens
děng chuān yuè le wú shēng de bīng chuān wú yán de dī gǔ lǜ yá bài zhōng qiú shèng
Waiting to traverse silent glaciers and wordless valleys, finding victory amidst defeat
ná nà guāng yīn de fù běn kàn kàn wǒ hái yǒu duō shǎo gè bù xiǔ huò shì yǒng héng
Take the copy of time, see how many things remain immortal or eternal
I am someone who, upon reaching the finish line, starts running again
Another time if, another time the result, another time suppose it were me
The exclamation marks of that time, those dreams haven't aged, wait for me to claim them
děng guāng yīn de fù běn hū rán shuō zàn tíng de rén shēng zhī hòu hái yǒu rén shēng
Waiting for time's copy to suddenly say, after the paused life, there is still life
děng jiāo huàn le suǒ yǒu kǔ mèn gěi cāng bái de shì jiè yòu néng dǎ jǐ fēn
Waiting to exchange all bitterness for the pale world, and score a few more points
děng tīng duō le wú shēng de shì jiè wú yán de shì jiān yǒu xiào yě yǒu yǐn hèn
After hearing much of the silent world, in the wordless world there is laughter and resentment
ná nà guāng yīn de fù běn kàn kàn wǒ nà xiē bù wàng de bù tuì huò shì bù kěn
Take the copy of time and look at those unforgettable, unyielding, or unwilling parts of me
Song Interpretation
Short Summary
The lyrics of "光阴副本" (Above The Fray) reflect themes of resilience, introspection, and the passage of time. The narrator embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting past pain, and finding strength in the face of adversity. With vivid imagery of time, loneliness, and renewal, the song portrays a relentless pursuit of meaning and connection, blending moments of vulnerability with an enduring hope for transformation and unity.
Detailed Insights
The song opens with celestial imagery, such as "starry sky" and "memories collide with the rings of time," emphasizing the interplay between individual lives and the vastness of existence. The metaphor of "time's copy" serves as a recurring motif, symbolizing the chance to reflect, rewrite, or relive one's experiences.
The lyrics delve into emotional struggles, with lines like "hurt deeply by the past" and "hearts kneel in darkness," expressing a confrontation with inner turmoil. Yet, this is balanced with a determination to endure, as seen in "not afraid of the furious thunder gods on the road ahead."
Ideas of rebirth and transformation appear throughout, with references to "traversing silent glaciers" and "finding victory amidst defeat." These lines suggest the ability to rise above challenges and embrace renewal, even when faced with loss or hardship.
Connections to others are a central theme, reflected in lines like "I add myself to us" and "I protect us," underscoring the importance of unity and shared resilience. The song also explores the passage of time, with the narrator seeking immortality in memories and actions, striving to leave behind a legacy that transcends ephemeral existence.
The closing lines encapsulate a defiant spirit, with "I have lost, it's true, but I haven't admitted defeat" capturing the refusal to give up. The narrator's love for "us" symbolizes a commitment to relationships and shared growth, leaving the listener with a message of hope and the enduring power of love and perseverance.