Beyond is one of the most influential pop rock bands in Chinese history, and not just in cantopop. Many of their songs are still being heavily played today all over Chinese speaking nations. Vast ocean and sky's lyrics might sound a bit corny to the average listener and the lyrics seem to be a bit ambiguous, but knowing the background story explains everything. The song was written at a time when cantopop music is at its commercial peak, when the industry is flooded with pretty idols and newcomers with nothing more than a pretty face is popping up by the second, cantopop was becoming overly commercial and manufactured. Bands that were once relevant in the 80s have disappeared off the radar. The media at the early 90s was mainly focused on the 4 heavenly kings (which I will talk about later). Koma Wong at one point said "Hong Kong has no music industry, there is only an entertainment circle" . Beyond, feeling dishearted by the future prospects of the industry as well as their career, decided to focus on Japan, the lyrics describes their sentiments with reference to their situation at that time. I personally love Vast ocean and sky, the arrangement is perfect. The song started with a quiet piano verse, then comes beautiful string sections that builds up to an emotional soaring guitar solo. It's a beautiful rock ballad with a memorable melody and a raw heartfelt rendition. It's one of those songs that I cannot get tired of because it's so full of real emotion.
Althought Vast ocean and sky was only a modest hit at the time of release, it soon became a huge smash due to the death of its lead, Koma Wong, who fell off a stage on their Japanese promo tour and sustained a fatal head injury. Ironically, the song was released not long before his accident, which coincidentally contain lyrics about "falling". The song has become the song to commerate his passing and has since become the ultimate Beyond classic as well as one of the biggest classics in cantopop.
Beyond - 海闊天空 (Vast ocean and sky)
From album: Rock & Roll (樂與怒) 1993
Lyrics:
Today I saw snow drifting by in the cold night
with a heart turned cold, drifting off to faraway places
Hurrying in the storm,
unable to tell the shadows apart
Vast ocean and sky, you and I,
will we change? (Who wouldn’t change?)
Many times, facing cold shoulder and ridicule
Never gave up on the ideals in my heart
A moment of absentmindedness,
a feeling of loss
Unwittingly, it faded,
..the love in my heart (Who understands me?)
Forgive my whole life of indulgence and love of freedom
I'm also afraid that one day I might fall,
Abandoning your ideals, anyone can
Not afraid that someday there’s just you and me
Still free and independent. Forever chating my song, Traveling through thousands of miles
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