
半斤八兩 (1976)
Singer: 許冠傑 // Lyricist: 許冠傑 // Composer: 許冠傑
Indigenousness of Hong Kong in 70s
Sam Hui is an important person who establishes the Cantopop position in Hong Kong. He composed and wrote the lyrics by himself. Sometimes, he also collaborated with other lyricists. He usually uses exoteric language to duplicate the citizens life and satires the reality, therefore he can raise to resonance of Hong Kong citizens, especially to the lower and middle class. For example, his song “ 半斤八両” duplicates the image of Hong Kong working class vividly. 70s is the era when Hong Kong economy had been developing quickly. The Hong Kong working class always dreamt of an ideal life. People believed that they could make a better living through working hard. However, they might not be paid fairly.
Additionally, the economic downturn in 1973 led to economy declination, which had worsen the situation. “半斤八両” is relatively reasonable price. However, compared to the salary of working class in the 70s, this price is an ideal only.
Reading hte lyrics of the song, Sam has used “奀過鬼”, “濕滯”, etc. these kinds of vulgar language to express the life of working class in 70s which makes his songs easy to be remembered and accepted. Moreover, he tells the grievance of Hong Kong working class in 70s lively. For instance:
“(半斤八兩)雞碎咁多都要啄”
reflects that they were not well-paid.
“最弊波士郁D發威(癲過雞)
一味係處係唔係亂黎吠 嗡親加薪塊面拿起惡睇(扭下計)你就認真開胃”
reflects the working class grumbles about being exploited by their bosses, whom appropriated the workers with offering low salary.
Sam Hui's background is another factor which turns him into a sign of Hong Kong identity. He personally is a star text because he was a native who grown up in Hong Kong. His was recognized as a successful person in 70s Hong Kong people’s eyes as he studied in English Secondary School and later got into the top university in Hong Kong. His background reinforces the indigenousness in the mind of Hong Kong people and makes them easier to accept the messages in his songs.
FULL LYRICS
我地呢班打工仔 通街走糴直頭係壞腸胃
搵個些少到月底點夠洗(奀過鬼)
確係認真濕滯
最弊波士郁D發威(癲過雞)
一味係處係唔係亂黎吠
嗡親加薪塊面拿起惡睇(扭下計)
你就認真開胃
(半斤八兩)做到隻積咁既樣
(半斤八兩)濕水炮仗點會響
(半斤八兩)夠薑鎗走去搶
*出左半斤力 想話攞番足八兩
家陣惡搵食 邊有半斤八兩咁理想(吹漲)
我地呢班打工仔 一生一世為錢幣做奴隸
個種辛苦折墮講出嚇鬼(死俾你睇)
咪話冇乜所謂
(半斤八兩)就算有福都冇你享
(半斤八兩)仲慘過滾水淥豬腸
(半斤八兩)雞碎咁多都要啄