Zhang Shicao, Where Exactly Did You Put My Keys Last Night?
April 9, 2023 8:22 AM Subscribe
An 8:09 minute recording of a performance by the Shanghai Rainbow Chamber Singers regarding a roommate's misdeed. English translation courtesy of Wawa (Tumblr for translations of Douyin comments and occasional cultural explanations; YouTube channel for English subtitled Douyin compilations). Douyin is a Chinese short form video social media app, the international version of which is TikTok.
A few more translations:
A few more translations:
I expected them to go hard, but they went even harder. This is amazing! (Also, I have lost my own keys. Should I ask Zhang Shicao to help me find them?)
posted by Mr. Excellent at 8:57 AM on April 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Mr. Excellent at 8:57 AM on April 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
My household's resident expert, as soon as the wind instrument (a suona?) starts:
"You know what that music is? It's funeral music!"
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 10:49 AM on April 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
"You know what that music is? It's funeral music!"
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 10:49 AM on April 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
Amazing! I coincidentally just learned the word 鑰匙 and now I definitely will not forget it. :D
posted by catcafe at 11:08 AM on April 9, 2023
posted by catcafe at 11:08 AM on April 9, 2023
This is delightful.
posted by Joey Michaels at 1:29 PM on April 9, 2023
posted by Joey Michaels at 1:29 PM on April 9, 2023
The Rainbow Chamber Singers are great! I first heard their "Spring Festival Survival Guide" (春节自救指南) a couple of years ago and instantly fell for their wonderful music. Don't know how well the translated lyrics convey the gist of the song -- big family gatherings during the Chinese New Year are highly stressful for young people who have to endure aggressive advice and intrusive questioning from their elders.
posted by of strange foe at 7:28 PM on April 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by of strange foe at 7:28 PM on April 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
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Long, long ago I taught at East China Normal, by the way. The campus was/is famous for its greenery and flowers, but for some reason they always photoshopped in more for the annual calendar.
Man, I miss being in Shanghai. It's obviously much fancier and richer now, but even then it was an exciting place.
posted by Frowner at 8:54 AM on April 9, 2023 [5 favorites]