许冠杰 - 半斤八两 (Sam Hui - Half a Catty, Eight Taels)
wan2 go3 se1 siu2 dou3 jyut6 dai2 dim2 gau3 sai2 (waai1 gwo3 gwai2) kok3 hai6 jing6 zan1 sap1 zai6
Scrape together enough to make it to the end of the month (crooked ghosts) it's really seriously damp
The most powerful ones are those who are slightly mad [mad over chicken]
ai3 can1 gaa1 san1 faai3 min6 naa4 hei2 ngok3 tai2 (nau2 haak3 gai3) nei5 zau6 jing6 zan1 hoi1 wai6
But as soon as there's a raise, the tension disappears (twist the calculation) and you start to feel good
(Six of one, half dozen of the other) How would a wet firecracker go off?
(Six of one, half dozen of the other) Boldly go and snatch the chestnuts
gaa1 zan6 ngok3 wan2 sik6 bin1 jau5 bun3 gan1 baat3 loeng5 gam1 lei5 soeng2 (ceoi1 zoeng3)
Now trying to make a living, where is there such an ideal of six of one, half dozen of the other (blowing up)
go3 zung2 san1 fu2 zit3 do6 gong2 ceot1 haak3 gwai2 (sei2 bei2 nei5 tai2) mai1 waa6 mou4 mat1 so2 wai6
All this hard work and sacrifice, speaking of ghosts (showing it to you in death), it doesn't matter much
(Six of one, half dozen of the other) Even if there's fortune, you won't enjoy it
(Six of one, half dozen of the other) Heavier than a pig's intestines in boiling water
(Six of one, half dozen of the other) So many broken chickens, you still have to peck
gaa1 zan6 ngok3 wan2 sik6 bin1 jau5 bun3 gan1 baat3 loeng5 gam1 lei5 soeng2 (ceoi1 zoeng3)
Now trying to make a living, where is there such an ideal of six of one, half dozen of the other (blowing up)
go3 zung2 san1 fu2 zit3 do6 gong2 ceot1 haak3 gwai2 (sei2 bei2 nei5 tai2) mai1 waa6 mou4 mat1 so2 wai6
All this hard work and sacrifice, speaking of ghosts (showing it to you in death), it doesn't matter much
Song Interpretation
Short Summary
"半斤八两" (Half a Catty, Eight Taels) by Sam Hui is a satirical commentary on the struggles of the working class, the challenges of life, and the futility of striving for unrealistic ideals in a world dominated by money and inequality.
Detailed Insights
The song portrays the life of workers, focusing on their daily struggles and frustrations. The repeated phrase "半斤八两" (Six of one, half dozen of the other) emphasizes the futility of trying to differentiate between similar, unchangeable situations. This reflects the repetitive, monotonous nature of life, where efforts often feel unrewarded, and the cycle of striving for more is never truly satisfying.
Throughout the lyrics, Sam Hui highlights the exploitation of workers, the false promises of upward mobility, and the harsh reality of being a "slave to money." The song critiques the societal expectation to work endlessly for a reward that is often elusive, symbolized by phrases such as "Exerting half the effort, wanting to get back the full reward." The lyrics also suggest a sense of resignation to this fate, as the workers continue to push forward despite the overwhelming odds stacked against them.