In a nostalgic blog post from September 24, 2006, Shirley from eBridge.cn shared a personal moment of singing a popular song for her piano teacher. While her vocal music teacher was away, Shirley took the opportunity to explore a different genre, stepping away from her usual Chinese art and folk songs. This lighthearted post offers a glimpse into personal music learning and appreciation, centered around a “popular song” choice. Let’s delve into why choosing a popular song in 2006 was a significant, albeit humorous, decision for Shirley and what the popular music landscape looked like that year.
Shirley mentions her apprehension about singing popular songs for her vocal teacher, who has a serious approach to classical Chinese music. Choosing a popular song was a playful act of musical exploration while her teacher was away, a gentle rebellion expressed through song. This highlights the distinction between formal music education and personal enjoyment of popular music. In 2006, popular music was a vibrant mix of genres dominating airwaves and personal playlists alike. Think back to the mid-2000s: pop-punk was still lingering, R&B and hip-hop were evolving, and pop music was as catchy and diverse as ever. While Shirley doesn’t explicitly name the popular song she chose in her 2006 post, the context suggests it was a deliberate departure from her formal training, a foray into more mainstream musical territory.
The song Shirley chose to sing is revealed to be “A Little Blade of Grass,” from the Chinese movie “A Fragrant Heart as A Blade of Grass.” Interestingly, she notes that the song’s popularity far exceeded that of the film itself. This speaks to the power of music to resonate independently and deeply with audiences. The lyrics, provided in both English translation and Chinese characters with Pinyin, reveal a theme of resilience, optimism, and finding joy in simple things.
A Little Blade of Grass
I have not the flower’s sweet smell, I am not as tall as a tree,
I am a blade of grass that people do not yet know…
I am never bored, I am never bothered,
There are so many friends from around the world.The soft spring breeze blows me green,
The warm sunshine shines on me,
The mountains and rivers feed me,
The mother earth hugs me…
The lyrics embody a positive outlook, mirroring Shirley’s own life philosophy, as she states. The simple yet profound message of finding contentment and connection resonated then, and continues to do so. Even without knowing the specific “popular” genre Shirley had in mind when choosing this song, “A Little Blade of Grass” itself achieved popularity, demonstrating how songs with meaningful lyrics and positive messages can capture hearts.
While Shirley’s post is a personal anecdote, it subtly touches upon the broader appeal of popular songs. In 2006, popular music charts were filled with songs that, like “A Little Blade of Grass,” offered connection, emotion, and messages that resonated with a wide audience. Whether it was pop anthems, heartfelt ballads, or upbeat R&B tracks, the popular songs of 2006 provided a soundtrack to the year, much like Shirley’s chosen song provided a personal soundtrack to her musical exploration. Her sharing of this song and her performance invites listeners to reflect on the music that resonates with them and the joy of singing, regardless of genre.
Shirley’s blog post from 2006 is a charming reminder of the personal connection we have with music and how even a simple “popular song” can hold deeper meaning. Her performance of “A Little Blade of Grass” is not just a song, but an expression of personal values and a moment of musical joy shared with her audience. You can listen to Shirley’s 2006 recording and experience the song for yourself, connecting with the positive message that resonated with her then and continues to inspire.
