The renowned American composer-singer Bob Dylon was a prolific composer (“the Shakespeare of his generation.” He wrote more than 500 songs and set the standard for lyric writing. In 2016, he won the Nobel Prize for Literature and became the first musician to do so.
On this day, the first day of the Chinese New Year (CNY), but 60 years ago (10 February 1964), Bob Dylan released his composition, “The Times They are A-Changin’.” The lyrics (see below) resonated with the people and have become a timeless protest song anthem. The third stanza of the song is particularly relevant today:
It does not matter how the wars in Ukraine and Gaza started, but the decisions of the senators and members of Congress could determine whether the tragedies of war continue or stop. We in Singapore should appreciate the peace and prosperity we enjoy. Otherwise, we take our good fortune for granted 身在福中不知福.)
The air in Singapore is filled with traditional Chinese New Year celebration songs. Last year, we posted one of the most popular CNY songs (恭喜恭喜 Gōngxǐ gōngxi: A Ditty for a COVID CNY) in this blog. Most people do not know that Chen Gexin (陈歌辛) composed the song not to celebrate Chinese New Year but to end the suffering inflicted by the Imperial Japanese Army.
Chen Gexin, unlike Bob Dylan, had a tragic life. He was imprisoned and tortured by the Japanese for writing popular anti-Japanese songs to rouse the Chinese masses. Ironically, following the liberation of China, the Communist Party labelled him a rightist. He was sent to a labour camp farm (“reform through labour”) and died at the age of 47. He was buried in a mass grave near the farm where he was incarcerated.
Two different composers with two very different fates; two people (the Ukrainians and Palestinians) and Singaporeans have very different fates, too. Be grateful.
Happy Chinese New Year, and may peace be with you!
Vince
Dr Vincent Chong is a retired Professor of Radiology at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore.
