Chapter 123 The Night Gave Me Black Eyes
Chapter 123 The Night Gave Me Black Eyes
Finally, all 14 trainees had finished their performances. It was Lin Fan's turn to take the stage. The production team first played a video clip, which was the same material Lin Fan had recorded earlier. The fans on set and the viewers watching the live stream were all speechless when they saw the two lines of text with different handwriting on Lin Fan's resume.
The image freezes:
"Become a better version of yourself."
You are the best version of yourself.
Then, soft music began, and Lin Fan's voice followed: "My new song, 'Glory,' is for everyone."
Listen to the distant sound of steam horns.
It sketches out the island from a dream.
……
The rhythmic R&B style immediately captivated everyone's ears. On the judges' panel, Ding Erxun's eyes flashed with surprise, and she couldn't help but turn to look at Luo Yu beside her. She saw that Luo Yu was also looking at her. The two exchanged a glance, nodded slowly, and then turned their attention back to the stage.
Zhang Xinlan revealed a satisfied smile, while the last mentor, Ke Xirui, showed a moment of surprise on his face, but he quickly concealed it.
However, Ke Xirui's heart was not at peace at this moment, because he could clearly hear that Lin Fan's opening line had already demonstrated his strength. His singing skills had improved a lot compared to the previous performance stage!
Ke Xirui had the most contact with the trainee among the four mentors, and almost personally witnessed Lin Fan's transformation from someone who knew nothing to the outstanding talent he is today. Perhaps Lin Fan's dancing is still somewhat lacking, but his singing skills have improved at a visible rate. Yes, Ke Xirui has to admit that Lin Fan has transcended the idol circle and become a truly talented singer.
Even though Lin Fan hasn't even debuted yet, his strength is enough to withstand any test!
In fact, this strength has surpassed his own.
Ke Xirui was quite discouraged: "We both came from talent shows, and I'm even your senior. I debuted as the center, so why am I not as good as a trainee who can't even debut?"
The fans in the audience didn't feel much yet, they just thought the opening was very rhythmic and seemed a bit different from the songs of their favorite idols.
"Fanfan's new song seems quite different from his previous two songs."
"As long as it sounds good, that's all that matters."
"Hmm, why do I feel like I'm hearing songs from my dad's playlist?"
"Now that you mention it, it does sound a bit like an old song!"
"Isn't the main point that her singing skills seem to have improved again?"
This guardian's words didn't resonate with many. Firstly, judging singing ability requires a certain level of professional knowledge, which most people lack. Secondly, the guardians present weren't just Lin Fan's fans; fans generally have a strong bias towards their idols.
You're a fan of Lin Fan, and you're praising his improved singing skills? Are you sure it's not just your fan bias? My idol's singing skills are amazing too!
However, those insiders sitting in the guest seats all showed a hint of surprise.
This style of music, this rhythm, this expression may be a little unfamiliar to today's young people, but it is very familiar to these older people in the industry!
This song is very similar to the pop music style they loved back then, with a touch of light rock. It is a distinct symbol of the last era and a shared memory of a generation. Lin Fan used his rich and textured voice to bring these people back to that era and let them relive the glory of rock and roll.
They listened to Lin Fan's singing and exchanged a few words in hushed tones.
"This young man is interesting."
"I heard that he wrote both the melody and lyrics for this song himself. If he makes a few more songs like this, he'll be incredibly famous."
"That's incredible! The song Zhang Xinlan released a few days ago was written by him, according to inside sources. He also wrote a song for Xia Yan, and I heard it's also of very high quality. You know, Xia Yan has a very discerning eye; if she thinks it's good, then it really is excellent!"
"Xia Yan, with Xia Yan protecting you..." The person didn't finish his sentence, but everyone understood the unspoken meaning behind it.
……
The waves that wash ashore at dawn
It is an echo from the end of the world.
Look, the grass grows tall and the orioles fly above the clouds.
The red stamens blooming for tomorrow
Growing up in a vast, foreign land
Looking back, I can still see the moon over my hometown.
……
With its light rock pop style, naturally flowing melody, and evocative lyrics, Lin Fan's voice carries a hint of vicissitude yet is full of magnetism. It's like someone who has experienced all of life's hardships, sitting alone in a field where grass grows and birds fly, gently strumming his guitar and slowly telling his story to the world.
The entire audience was immersed in the moving melody, and even couldn't help but sway their heads and arms gently to the beat, listening to the heartfelt words Lin Fan conveyed in the song, and following his lead, wandering in the ocean of music.
At this moment, Lin Fan unleashed his superb singing skills, nuanced emotions, and perfect pitch, completely surpassing the original singer in his performance! Even with a live, fully-voiced performance, there was absolutely no falsehood in his delivery!
Not only were they not bad, but they also delivered an extremely amazing performance!
Boom boom boom! The clear drumbeats gradually push the rhythm to its climax.
……
The night gave me black eyes.
But I use it to seek the light!
……
Whoosh! The moment those lyrics were uttered, everyone felt a chill run down from the top of their heads to their tailbone! Fine goosebumps spread from their arms all the way down their backs, and goosebumps rose all over their bodies, sending shivers down their spines!
Words cannot describe the amazing feeling this lyric brings to people!
I feel this shouldn't be lyrics, but a poem!
The people most moved by this were not the audience, but the mentors present! Especially Luo Yu and Ding Erxun, two musicians who experienced the most prosperous period of the music scene back then!
Ding Erxun stammered, "This...this, these lyrics..."
"..." Luo Yu simply fell silent.
Ke Xirui felt inexplicably withdrawn, finding the mentor's seat rather uncomfortable: How could he possibly be a mentor now? Lin Fan's level was high enough to be his mentor!
Only Zhang Xinlan, who had already been exposed by Lin Fan, was still able to sit calmly in her seat, casting an admiring gaze at the shining young man on the stage. A strange feeling of pride and honor welled up in her heart: she had personally watched Lin Fan write out the sheet music and lyrics, personally participated in the recording of the song's accompaniment, and personally heard Lin Fan perform the song in the recording studio!
What you're hearing is all stuff I've already heard before!
……
Sweat condenses into a time capsule.
Alone, I pioneered this destiny.
……
The lyrics offer no complaints or self-pity, but rather a message of courageously being oneself even in the face of a desolate fate, actively cultivating life's wilderness with sweat. As long as one shines with glory, one will surely encounter a better version of oneself.
Drinking alone with the world,
Despite hardships, we never forget our original aspirations!
Be your own glorious knight
The rising sun bravely pursues its dreams!
……
Every audience member felt their scalp tingling, yet also felt an irresistible urge to roar.
This is not a roar, yet it surpasses one; it is the conviction to stop waiting from today onward, to bravely pursue and strive, a most sincere and pure cry that springs forth naturally from the depths of one's heart! Even if one is alone, there will be no fear and no regrets!
……
The night gave me black eyes.
But I use it to seek the light!
……
Be your own glorious knight
The rising sun bravely pursues its dreams!
……
Everyone has a version of themselves they truly want to achieve, yet they fail to pursue it as time goes by. Every instance of perseverance, effort, change, and transcendence is a testament to your glory.
Under Lin Fan's delicate interpretation, the whole song is magnificent but not hysterical, struggling but not tragic. It contains a powerful force of courage and determination. It is a story, an inspiration, a narration, and a declaration, encouraging people to be brave and be themselves and pursue their own glory!
Stay true to your original aspiration, and you will achieve your goal!
PS: "Honor of Kings", by Wang Xiaotian
P.S.: I didn't do any reading comprehension exercises, and I didn't use song lyrics to pad the word count! Seriously, look, this chapter is over 2400 words long! I put in a lot of effort! Please don't criticize me!
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