【#拜登就職演說全文】★中英版本★
資料來源:美國白宮新聞稿
This is America’s day. This is democracy’s day.
A day of history and hope. Of renewal and resolve.
Through a crucible for the ages America has been tested anew and America has risen to the challenge.
Today, we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy.
The will of the people has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded.
We have learned again that democracy is precious.
Democracy is fragile.
And at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.
So now, on this hallowed ground where just days ago violence sought to shake this Capitol’s very foundation, we come together as one nation, under God, indivisible, to carry out the peaceful transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries.
We look ahead in our uniquely American way – restless, bold, optimistic – and set our sights on the nation we know we can be and we must be.
I thank my predecessors of both parties for their presence here.
I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
You know the resilience of our Constitution and the strength of our nation.
As does President Carter, who I spoke to last night but who cannot be with us today, but whom we salute for his lifetime of service.
I have just taken the sacred oath each of these patriots took — an oath first sworn by George Washington.
But the American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us.
On “We the People” who seek a more perfect Union.
This is a great nation and we are a good people.
Over the centuries through storm and strife, in peace and in war, we have come so far. But we still have far to go.
We will press forward with speed and urgency, for we have much to do in this winter of peril and possibility.
Much to repair.
Much to restore.
Much to heal.
Much to build.
And much to gain.
Few periods in our nation’s history have been more challenging or difficult than the one we’re in now.
A once-in-a-century virus silently stalks the country.
It’s taken as many lives in one year as America lost in all of World War II.
Millions of jobs have been lost.
Hundreds of thousands of businesses closed.
A cry for racial justice some 400 years in the making moves us. The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer.
A cry for survival comes from the planet itself. A cry that can’t be any more desperate or any more clear.
And now, a rise in political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism that we must confront and we will defeat.
To overcome these challenges – to restore the soul and to secure the future of America – requires more than words.
It requires that most elusive of things in a democracy:
Unity.
Unity.
In another January in Washington, on New Year’s Day 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
When he put pen to paper, the President said, “If my name ever goes down into history it will be for this act and my whole soul is in it.”
My whole soul is in it.
Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this:
Bringing America together.
Uniting our people.
And uniting our nation.
I ask every American to join me in this cause.
Uniting to fight the common foes we face:
Anger, resentment, hatred.
Extremism, lawlessness, violence.
Disease, joblessness, hopelessness.
With unity we can do great things. Important things.
We can right wrongs.
We can put people to work in good jobs.
We can teach our children in safe schools.
We can overcome this deadly virus.
We can reward work, rebuild the middle class, and make health care
secure for all.
We can deliver racial justice.
We can make America, once again, the leading force for good in the world.
I know speaking of unity can sound to some like a foolish fantasy.
I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real.
But I also know they are not new.
Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal that we are all created equal and the harsh, ugly reality that racism, nativism, fear, and demonization have long torn us apart.
The battle is perennial.
Victory is never assured.
Through the Civil War, the Great Depression, World War, 9/11, through struggle, sacrifice, and setbacks, our “better angels” have always prevailed.
In each of these moments, enough of us came together to carry all of us forward.
And, we can do so now.
History, faith, and reason show the way, the way of unity.
We can see each other not as adversaries but as neighbors.
We can treat each other with dignity and respect.
We can join forces, stop the shouting, and lower the temperature.
For without unity, there is no peace, only bitterness and fury.
No progress, only exhausting outrage.
No nation, only a state of chaos.
This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge, and unity is the path forward.
And, we must meet this moment as the United States of America.
If we do that, I guarantee you, we will not fail.
We have never, ever, ever failed in America when we have acted together.
And so today, at this time and in this place, let us start afresh.
All of us.
Let us listen to one another.
Hear one another.
See one another.
Show respect to one another.
Politics need not be a raging fire destroying everything in its path.
Every disagreement doesn’t have to be a cause for total war.
And, we must reject a culture in which facts themselves are manipulated and even manufactured.
My fellow Americans, we have to be different than this.
America has to be better than this.
And, I believe America is better than this.
Just look around.
Here we stand, in the shadow of a Capitol dome that was completed amid the Civil War, when the Union itself hung in the balance.
Yet we endured and we prevailed.
Here we stand looking out to the great Mall where Dr. King spoke of his dream.
Here we stand, where 108 years ago at another inaugural, thousands of protestors tried to block brave women from marching for the right to vote.
Today, we mark the swearing-in of the first woman in American history elected to national office – Vice President Kamala Harris.
Don’t tell me things can’t change.
Here we stand across the Potomac from Arlington National Cemetery, where heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion rest in eternal peace.
And here we stand, just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work of our democracy, and to drive us from this sacred ground.
That did not happen.
It will never happen.
Not today.
Not tomorrow.
Not ever.
To all those who supported our campaign I am humbled by the faith you have placed in us.
To all those who did not support us, let me say this: Hear me out as we move forward. Take a measure of me and my heart.
And if you still disagree, so be it.
That’s democracy. That’s America. The right to dissent peaceably, within the guardrails of our Republic, is perhaps our nation’s greatest strength.
Yet hear me clearly: Disagreement must not lead to disunion.
And I pledge this to you: I will be a President for all Americans.
I will fight as hard for those who did not support me as for those who did.
Many centuries ago, Saint Augustine, a saint of my church, wrote that a people was a multitude defined by the common objects of their love.
What are the common objects we love that define us as Americans?
I think I know.
Opportunity.
Security.
Liberty.
Dignity.
Respect.
Honor.
And, yes, the truth.
Recent weeks and months have taught us a painful lesson.
There is truth and there are lies.
Lies told for power and for profit.
And each of us has a duty and responsibility, as citizens, as Americans, and especially as leaders – leaders who have pledged to honor our Constitution and protect our nation — to defend the truth and to defeat the lies.
I understand that many Americans view the future with some fear and trepidation.
I understand they worry about their jobs, about taking care of their families, about what comes next.
I get it.
But the answer is not to turn inward, to retreat into competing factions, distrusting those who don’t look like you do, or worship the way you do, or don’t get their news from the same sources you do.
We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal.
We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts.
If we show a little tolerance and humility.
If we’re willing to stand in the other person’s shoes just for a moment.
Because here is the thing about life: There is no accounting for what fate will deal you.
There are some days when we need a hand.
There are other days when we’re called on to lend one.
That is how we must be with one another.
And, if we are this way, our country will be stronger, more prosperous, more ready for the future.
My fellow Americans, in the work ahead of us, we will need each other.
We will need all our strength to persevere through this dark winter.
We are entering what may well be the toughest and deadliest period of the virus.
We must set aside the politics and finally face this pandemic as one nation.
I promise you this: as the Bible says weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning.
We will get through this, together
The world is watching today.
So here is my message to those beyond our borders: America has been tested and we have come out stronger for it.
We will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again.
Not to meet yesterday’s challenges, but today’s and tomorrow’s.
We will lead not merely by the example of our power but by the power of our example.
We will be a strong and trusted partner for peace, progress, and security.
We have been through so much in this nation.
And, in my first act as President, I would like to ask you to join me in a moment of silent prayer to remember all those we lost this past year to the pandemic.
To those 400,000 fellow Americans – mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, sons and daughters, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.
We will honor them by becoming the people and nation we know we can and should be.
Let us say a silent prayer for those who lost their lives, for those they left behind, and for our country.
Amen.
This is a time of testing.
We face an attack on democracy and on truth.
A raging virus.
Growing inequity.
The sting of systemic racism.
A climate in crisis.
America’s role in the world.
Any one of these would be enough to challenge us in profound ways.
But the fact is we face them all at once, presenting this nation with the gravest of responsibilities.
Now we must step up.
All of us.
It is a time for boldness, for there is so much to do.
And, this is certain.
We will be judged, you and I, for how we resolve the cascading crises of our era.
Will we rise to the occasion?
Will we master this rare and difficult hour?
Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world for our children?
I believe we must and I believe we will.
And when we do, we will write the next chapter in the American story.
It’s a story that might sound something like a song that means a lot to me.
It’s called “American Anthem” and there is one verse stands out for me:
“The work and prayers
of centuries have brought us to this day
What shall be our legacy?
What will our children say?…
Let me know in my heart
When my days are through
America
America
I gave my best to you.”
Let us add our own work and prayers to the unfolding story of our nation.
If we do this then when our days are through our children and our children’s children will say of us they gave their best.
They did their duty.
They healed a broken land.
My fellow Americans, I close today where I began, with a sacred oath.
Before God and all of you I give you my word.
I will always level with you.
I will defend the Constitution.
I will defend our democracy.
I will defend America.
I will give my all in your service thinking not of power, but of possibilities.
Not of personal interest, but of the public good.
And together, we shall write an American story of hope, not fear.
Of unity, not division.
Of light, not darkness.
An American story of decency and dignity.
Of love and of healing.
Of greatness and of goodness.
May this be the story that guides us.
The story that inspires us.
The story that tells ages yet to come that we answered the call of history.
We met the moment.
That democracy and hope, truth and justice, did not die on our watch but thrived.
That our America secured liberty at home and stood once again as a beacon to the world.
That is what we owe our forebearers, one another, and generations to follow.
So, with purpose and resolve we turn to the tasks of our time.
Sustained by faith.
Driven by conviction.
And, devoted to one another and to this country we love with all our hearts.
May God bless America and may God protect our troops.
Thank you, America.
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★ 中文翻譯:資料來源中央社CNA
這是美國的一天,這是民主的一天,是歷史和希望的一天,是更新與決心的一天。美國幾個世代經過熔爐的考驗之後,如今再次遭到試煉,而且已再次奮起應付挑戰。今天,我們慶祝的不是一位候選人的勝利,而是一個奮鬥目標的勝利,是為民主的奮鬥。人民的意志被聽見了,人民的意志得到了關注。
我們再次學到,民主是珍貴的,民主是脆弱的,而在此刻,朋友們,民主已然勝利。短短幾天之前,還有暴力試圖撼動國會的根基,但今天我們齊聚這個莊嚴的所在,以一個在上帝之下不可分裂的國家,展開權力的和平轉移,一如我國200多年的傳統。
我們要用美國特有的方式,也就是不停歇、勇敢、樂觀的方式展望未來。放眼我們可以成為、也必須成為的國家。我謝謝今天蒞臨的兩黨前任總統,我衷心感謝,你們知道我國憲法的韌性,以及我們國家的力量。卡特總統(Jimmy Carter)也是,我昨晚與他通了電話,但他不克前來。我們為他畢生的奉獻向他致敬。
我剛才跟這幾位愛國者一樣鄭重宣誓,一篇最初由華盛頓宣讀的誓詞。然而,美國故事靠的不是我們任何一個人,或一部分人,而是我們全體。它靠的是「我們人民」,在尋求一個更好的合眾國的人民。這是個偉大的國家,我們是一群良善的人。
經歷過去幾個世紀的風雨和衝突、和平與戰爭,我們走過很長一段路,但前方還有很長一段路要走。我們將快速緊急前行,因為在這個危險與機會的冬天,我們有很多事要做。有很多需要修補、需要恢復、需要癒合。有許多需要建設,也可以有很多收穫。
在我國歷史上,很少人或很少時刻面臨著比我們目前更大的挑戰或困難。百年一見、無聲無息蔓延整個國家的病毒,在一年之內奪走的人命,跟美國在第二次世界大戰犧牲的總人數一樣多。數百萬工作機會流失,成千上萬企業關門。
400年來的種族正義的呼聲感動著我們,全民同享公義的夢想將不再拖後。地球生存的呼聲再急迫不過,也再清楚不過。如今政治極端主義、白人至上主義和本土恐怖主義的興起,讓我們有必要起來面對並將它們擊倒。
克服這些挑戰、恢復美國靈魂和鞏固未來需要的不只是話語,而是民主當中最難以捉摸的部分,那就是團結一心,團結一心。
另一個一月天,在1863年開年之時,林肯總統簽署解放奴隸宣言。讓我引述他在下筆時所說的話:「如果我留名青史,將會是因為這份宣言,以及我投注其中的全心全意。」
今天,同樣在一月裡,我全心全意投注於此:團結全體國人,團結整個國家。我請求所有美國人加入,和我一起努力,團結對抗我們共同的敵人:怨氣、不滿、仇恨、極端主義、目無法紀的行為、暴力、疾病、失業和無助。
團結一心,我們能夠成就偉大事業、重要的事情。我們可以糾正錯誤,可以讓民眾找到好的工作,可以在安全的校園教導孩子,可以克服這個致命的病毒。我們可以讓工作獲得報酬,重建中產階級,可以提供全民健保,可以兌現種族正義,讓美國再次成為世界主要的良善力量。
我明白,這個時候談論團結聽起來像愚昧的天方夜譚,我知道分裂我們的力量又深又真切,但我也知道這些力量不是現在才出現。美國向來在人人平等這個理想,和國家長期被種族主義、本土主義、恐懼和妖魔化分化的醜陋現實之間掙扎。這個征戰從未止息,勝利並無保證。
從南北戰爭、大蕭條、世界大戰到911恐攻,儘管歷經奮鬥、犧牲和挫折,良善的天使向來都會勝利。每當遇到這種時刻,我們都會有足夠的人團結一心,讓全國一起向前,我們現在也可以這麼做。
歷史、信仰和理性指向一條明路,一條團結之路。我們可以不把彼此當成敵人,而是鄰居。我們可以尊嚴和尊重彼此相待,可以同心協力,停止叫囂,讓溫度冷卻。因為沒有團結就沒有和平,只會留下苦毒與憤怒;不會有進步,只會有讓人厭倦的離譜言行;不會有國家,只會有混亂狀態。
這是我們危機和挑戰的歷史性一刻,而團結是前進的道路,我們必須以合眾國的姿態來面對這一刻,若能做到,我向諸位保證我們不會失敗。當我們團結起來,我們從來就不曾失敗,因此在這一天,在此時此刻,就在這裡,讓我們重新來過,全體一起來。讓我們開始再次彼此聆聽,讓對方說,相互探望,對彼表達尊重。
政治不必像這一團熊熊之火,燒毀一切,歧見不必成為全面戰爭的理由。我們必須摒棄操弄甚至捏造事實的文化,同胞們,我們不能這樣,美國必須不只是這個樣子,而且我相信美國不至淪落至此。
看看四周,我們站在國會大廈圓頂之下,這是南北戰爭時期完成的,當時美國的前途還在未定之天,但我們挺過來了,我們勝利了。我們現在站在此,看著偉大的國家廣場,金恩博士(Martin Luther King Jr.)曾對廣場上的群眾訴說他的夢想。也是在這裡,108年前的另一場就職典禮,數以千計的抗議人士試圖阻撓一群勇敢的婦女遊行爭取投票權。
今天我們見證副總統賀錦麗創造美國歷史,成為第一位擔任國家領導人的女性,別告訴我事情無法改變。
我們站在這裡,隔著波多馬克河(Potomac River)遠眺阿靈頓國家公墓(Arlington National Cemetery),也就是為國捐軀的英雄長眠之地。我們站在這裡,不過幾天前,暴動的群眾以為他們可用暴力箝制民眾的意志,阻撓民主運作,把我們驅逐出這塊聖地。但事情未如他們所願,今天不會,明天也不會,永遠都不會。
每位支持我們參選的民眾,我因你們給予我們的信心感到謙卑。對於沒有支持我們的人,讓我對你們說:未來請聽我說的話,評量我和我的心。如果你們還是不同意,也罷。這就是民主。這就是美國。以平和的方式在我們國家的規範之內表達異議的權利,可能是我國最大的優勢。
但請聽清楚:不同意見絕對不能變成不團結。而且我向各位保證,我要當全體國人的總統。不論你支持我或不支持我,我都將同樣為你們而努力。
好幾個世紀之前,我所屬教會的聖者聖奧古斯丁(Saint Augustine)曾經寫道,人民是個群體,由他們共同喜愛的東西所定義。身為美國人,我們共同喜愛而且能定義我們的東西是什麼?我想我們都知道:機會、安定、自由、尊嚴、尊重、榮譽,是的,還有真相。
最近的幾個星期、幾個月給了我們痛苦的教訓:有真相,也有謊言,為了權力和利益而說的謊言。我們每個人做為公民,做為美國人,特別是身為領導者的人,曾經承諾要遵守憲法、保護我們的國家的領導者,有職責、有責任要捍衛真相、打敗謊言。
我瞭解有許多同胞以害怕、惶恐的心情看待未來。我瞭解他們擔心工作問題。我瞭解他們像我父親那樣,夜裡躺在床上盯著天花板,想著得要有醫療保險、有貸款要付、想著他們的家庭,想著接下來會如何。我跟各位保證,我瞭解。但答案不是退縮,不是進入到彼此競爭的派系,不信任看起來跟你不一樣的人,跟你有不同信仰的人,或者新聞來源不同於你的人。
我們必須結束這場「無禮的戰爭」,它讓紅藍對立、鄉村與都市的民眾對立、保守派與自由派對立。我們可以做到,如果我們敞開心胸,而不是讓我們的心變硬,如果我們展現一些包容和謙虛,如果我們願意為別人設想,就像我母親說的:只要一下子就好,為別人設想。
因為人生就是這樣,你無法預知命運。有些時候,你會需要別人伸出援手,還有些時候,人家會請你伸出援手。就是要這樣,這就是我們為彼此做的事。如果我們這麼做,我們的國家就會更強大、更繁榮,更能為未來做好準備,而且我們還是可以有不同意見。
同胞們,我們在推動未來的工作時,會需要彼此。我們要集舉國之力,才能度過這個黑暗的冬天。我們可能在進入疫情最嚴重、最致命的階段。我們必須把政治擺在一邊,要終於能夠舉國對抗這個大流行,用舉國之力。我向各位保證,就如聖經所說:「一宿雖有哭泣,早晨便必歡呼。」我們將可一起度過,一起!
各位,我跟我在參眾兩院的同事們都瞭解,世人正在觀看,他們今天在看著我們,因此這是我要對國外傳達的訊息:美國受到試煉,而我們因此更為茁壯。我們將修補我們與盟國的關係,再次與世界往來,不是為了面對昨天的挑戰,而是今天和明天的挑戰。我們將不是藉著我們力量的典範來領導,而是憑藉我們典範的力量。我們將會是和平、進步與安定堅強而且可信賴的夥伴。
各位都知道,我們國家經歷了許多事情。我做為總統要做的第一件事,是要請你們跟我一起,為過去一年因疫情喪生的人們默禱,紀念那40萬個同胞,母親、父親、丈夫、妻子、兒子、女兒、朋友、鄰居和同事們。我們要成為我們自知可以成為、而且應該成為的人民和國家,以此榮耀他們。因此我請大家,一起為離世和失去親友的人們,還有我們的國家默禱,……阿們。
各位,這是試煉的時刻。我們面對對民主與真相的攻擊、正在肆虐的病毒、嚴重的不公、系統性的種族歧視、陷入危機的氣候,還有美國在全球的角色問題。其中任何一點都足以對我們構成嚴重的挑戰。但事實是,我們在同時面對這一切,這讓美國挑起我們最重大的責任之一。我們將受到試煉,我們能迎接挑戰嗎?這是大膽的時候,因為有好多事情要做。
而我向各位保證,這點是肯定的:你我將被評判,標準是我們如何解決這個時代一一發生的危機。我們將迎接挑戰。我們能否戰勝這個罕見而艱難的時刻?我們能否履行我們的義務,把一個新的、更好的世界傳給我們的下一代?我相信我們必須那麼做,而且我相信你們也這麼認為。我相信我們會,而且當我們做到,我們將寫下美國歷史偉大的新章節。美國的故事。
這個故事可能像一首對我來說深具意義的歌曲,它叫「美國頌」(American Anthem),它有一段歌詞至少對我來說很特別,它是這樣說的:「數百年的努力與祈禱讓我們來到今天,我們有什麼能傳承下去?我們的子孫會怎麼說?當我的日子結束,讓我內心知曉,美國,美國,我已為你付出最大努力。」
讓我們把我們自己的努力和祈禱,加到我們偉大的國家仍在發展的故事之中。如果我們做到,那麼當我們的日子結束,我們的子孫和他們的子孫會說:「他們付出了最大的努力,他們盡了他們的責任,他們修補了破碎的國家。」
同胞們,我的結語要跟開頭一樣,有個神聖的誓言。在上帝和各位面前,我向你們保證。我將始終開誠布公,我將捍衛憲法,我將捍衛我們的民主。我將捍衛美國,全心全力奉獻為你們服務,心中想的不是權力,而是可能性,不是私利,而是公眾的利益。我們將一起寫下美國希望的故事,而非恐懼的故事,是團結而非分歧,是光明而非黑暗。是禮貌與尊嚴、愛與療癒、偉大與善良的故事。
希望這是引導我們的故事、啟發我們的故事,是能告訴未來的世世代代我們回應歷史的召喚並且回應了時代挑戰的故事。民主與希望、真相與公義沒有在我們的時代衰亡,而是生生不息,美國固守了國內的自由,並且再次成為世界的明燈。這是我們對先人、對彼此和對未來世世代代的責任。
因此,我們要有目標、有決心,把注意力轉向這個時代的任務,靠信心來維持,靠信念來驅使,為彼此和我們全心熱愛的國家而奉獻。願上帝保佑美國,保守我們的三軍。謝謝美國!
「what if i told you that i love you中文歌詞」的推薦目錄:
what if i told you that i love you中文歌詞 在 Gregory 河國榮 Facebook 的最佳貼文
我是國榮。來自澳洲昆士蘭省,讀中學時成績非常好,分數已足夠在大學選讀任何一科。當時我希望成為一名醫生,因為可以幫助他人。我在新南威爾斯大學讀醫科,第一年是住在雪梨北區一個朋友家中,第二年入住大學國際宿舍,宿舍規定最少有半數是留學生,不是澳洲人。最先兩年結識了不少香港、新加玻、馬來西亞的朋友,與他們很合得來,不過最重要是入住宿舍後,便遇到了香港的流行歌曲。有一天我行經走廊時,聽到一些很悅耳的音樂,我便問同學這是甚麽歌曲及可否借給我欣賞,他便借了給我。我已忘記是Leslie還是Alan的歌,但肯定是其中一位。因為很喜歡這些歌曲,便到唐人街購買,後來一邊聽歌一邊看歌詞,因此慢慢地學識了很多中文字。
因為喜歡唱歌,所以在大學的同學活動,開始演唱中文歌,也曾參加香港學生會舉辦的歌唱比賽,參賽歌曲是「愛的根源」,結果獲得亞軍。我很清楚記得,國際宿舍為了文化交流,每年舉辦一次國際晚宴,希望不同種族的學生可以表演和分享文化。Leslie在一九八五年 唱Monica獲得獎項,那是一首我很喜歡的歌曲,所以在文化交流晚會我便選擇唱Monica。當時同學覺得很驚奇,我怎可能唱Monica。我是跟着錄影帶,學習他的舞步和唱歌技巧。我不停地在公眾地方練習,其他同學看到我很用心練習,也過來幫助我。在台上表演時有幾位同學為我伴舞,當晚演出非常成功。
一九八五年Leslie和幾位香港天皇巨星,來澳洲開演唱會。演唱會的主辦公司,需要義務司機,朋友問我能否當義務司機。我答應了,後來知道是當Leslie的司機。有一天他放假不用排練,我們便駕車往坎培拉,當日天氣多雲有微雨,甚麽也看不清楚,喝過咖啡後便離開,回程是Leslie駕駛,他的英語非常好,途中我們愉快地暢談,這次旅程對我來說是很重要的事情。
一九八六年Alan到來澳洲,我又當了他的司機。在他入住的酒店,介紹人在偶像面前,誤把我的名字說成河詠麟,當時在偶像面前我也不懂怎樣矯正。大約有兩年很多人以為我是河詠麟。他的四位女和音,知道我懂得唱他的歌,所以告訴了他,在排練那天他叫我上台一起唱。認識Leslie 和Alan兩位巨星,對我的影響很大,聽到他們的歌,和看到觀眾的反應,我開始對香港的歌唱發展很重視。
因為常常想着唐人街和唱歌,沒有用功讀書,因此醫科的第三年考試不合格,需要重讀,在一九八六年重讀了三個月便決定退學。
後來做了三份洗碗碟工作,還做了個多月砌磚的工作,我把工作一年多,所得工資儲起來,買了一張單程機票和帶了一千澳元,便到來香港發展。唯一的準備是問一個朋友能否到他的家中居住。他的父親很勉強地答應,但需要收租金。我甚麽準備也沒有,只是刻意買了一張單程機票,是因為不想遇到少許困難便放棄,返回澳洲。
初到香港時甚麼都不認識,沒有計劃,也沒有朋友。我最先是住在廣播道,但我的朋友不是在那裡居住,因為他還在讀書。初來時沒有事做,所以在外面逛了幾天,有一天意外地行到紅磡體育館,中門外有四名男士在吸煙,他們竟然叫我河詠麟。原來他們是Alan的樂隊成員,在一九八六年見過面,但相隔一年,竟然還可以記起我,這就是緣分。當時Alan正在為演唱會排練,他們帶我進去體育館,這樣便再見到Alan。一九八七年的演唱會是三十一場,我看了三十場。本來打算看足三十一場,但是有少許問題出現,因為我住的地方有規定,晚上十時半後便會關門,不會再讓人進出。但演唱會是不會這麽早便完場,每晚看完演唱會,我會行去尖沙嘴,然後再步行回廣播道,然後在公園外的石椅小睡,到五時公園開門便進去睡覺,但最終因捱不住,有一晚沒有去看演唱會。有一次Alan突然問我,今晚可否上台唱歌,我說當然可以,便成為他的嘉賓。我第一次表演Alan十分開心,但第二次他在台上介紹,有一個外國人,唱他的歌十分出色,當他呼喚河詠麟出場,因為我不在場,所以沒有出現。後來他問我為何沒有出現,我便向他解釋原因,他便安排我入住酒店,直到演唱會完結。所以便有第三次呼喚我上台,這是我第二次成為嘉賓跟他一起唱「朋友」,真是十分興奮。到八月他的生日會也有邀請我做嘉賓,其實每一件發生的事情都是有關係的。
後來我在北角僑冠大厦租了一間劏房居住,有一次從北角行到中環,看到一間職業介紹公司的招聘啟示,我便前往應徵。當時職員說我可以教英文,但我不是教師,他認為沒有問題,便介紹我到一間補習社工作。在補習社工作了幾個月,有一位同事看到一張電視台的海報,需要招聘 一個西方人,但要懂得說中文。我致電應徵,他是一位獨立經紀,我說沒有經驗和廣東話也不是很好,他說沒有問題。我便去見一位電視台女監製,她給我一段英文劇本,要我讀出來。因為很緊張,五分鐘都不能出聲,我跟自己說,不嘗試會後侮一生。那一段對白是警官責備下級,責備人一定是很大聲的,所以我便很大聲說出來。當時她正在做自己的事,沒有再理會我,但我的叫聲使她大吃一驚。因為沒有其他外國人給她選擇,她無奈地聘請了我,這套劇集需要兩個西方人,另外一位是當主角,從那時開始,便在電視台工作了二十年。
二零一四年九月我在N o w T V的一個音樂節目做嘉賓,在一間音樂室裡我和三位節目主持人,唱歌和談論音樂。到最近才知道,他們三位是100毛的老闆。到聖誕100毛找我拍攝雜誌封面,我不知為何找我拍攝封面,原來三位老闆是認識我的,只是我自己不知道。
二零一五年八月他們聯絡我,他們有一首歌,問我會否願意演唱,那首歌曲我很熟悉,歌詞十分口語化,應該可以學到的。但當時是星期五,表演是在星期日,只得兩天時間作準備,所以我很用心練習。舞台是有電視屏幕可以看到歌詞,但我盡量避免看電視屏幕,只是有需要時才看一看,便可以放心地唱。能夠上台非常開心,我可以扮了演一個角色,唱一首悅耳和有趣的歌,觀眾很熱鬧和興奮,真是十分難得。我知道這是一生一次,這不是自己可以做到,是他們給我機會。那首歌很受歡迎,而且登上了流行榜。聖誕節前他們聯絡我,表示將會舉辦總選,問我會否參加,我便欣然答應了。當天每位表演者,會有兩首歌曲,在十二月廿六日接到新歌,我從沒有聽過那首歌,是一首說唱歌曲,而且歌詞很陌生,對我來說十分困難,所以我不停地練習了四百多次。當晚表演由Now T V直播,有七十萬人觀看,想不到自己能夠獲得香港區最受歡迎男歌星獎,當宣佈我的名字時,極度開心,無人能想到,唱出真香港的歌曲,是由一個西方人唱出,可以感動到別人。這是天時地利人和,超乎現實,簡直是一個奇蹟。因為那首歌不是我揀選,是別人給我的,練習這首歌時眼睛常常都會充了滿淚水和很感動。
西方人在香港發展演藝事業是十分困難的,機會不多,只能扮演一些無關重要的角色,但我從來沒有想過放棄。五年前我計劃灌錄一張唱片,因為胃酸倒流,把聲帶灼傷,使我聲音變得沙啞,這件事使我非常懊惱,因為辛苦練習多年,卻發生了這個問題,後來我矯正了唱歌方法,問題得以改善,可以繼續唱歌,現在準備為唱片再進行錄音工作。
最近有很多關於少數族裔的事情出現在我身上 ,現在我為一個港台節目做旁白,是關於少數族裔在香港。他們在本地娛樂圈發展是十分困難,因為在一個有九成是同一種族的地方,看電視或電影,也是會看自己的種族,未必會看少數族裔。如果他們幾個人合作,做一個節目,然後在網上發放,是有機會成功。香港有很多少數族裔居住,有些人的中文比我好,他們也愛香港。
我心目中的香港人,是要做香港人做的事,吃香港人吃的食物,關心香港,不看膚色,希望他們也能說廣東話,最重要是覺得香港是自己的家,這便是真正的香港人。
I am Gregory. I hail from Queensland, Australia. During my high school years, my grades were excellent. They were good enough for me to enroll in any subject that I wanted to in university. At that time, I wanted to become a doctor because I could help others. I studied Medicine at the University of New South Wales. In my first year, I lived in my friend’s home located in North Sydney. During my second year, I lived in International House at the university. It was a rule for the school campus to have at least 50 percent overseas students. They cannot be Australians. I met a lot of Hong Kong, Singaporean and Malaysian friends in my first two years. I was able to get along with them very well. But what is most important was that after living in International House, I came across Hong Kong pop music. One day I was walking along the corridors and overheard beautifully melodic music. I asked my classmate what music he was listening to and if he could lend me the music to listen to. He leant it to me.
I have forgotten whether it was the music of Leslie or Alan. But I am sure it was one of them because I really liked that kind of music. I went to Chinatown to buy it. Eventually, I listened to the music as I read the lyrics. In turn, I slowly picked up a lot of Chinese characters.
I attended many different functions to perform Cantonese songs in university because I really liked to sing. I also attended a singing competition organized by the Hong Kong student association. The competition song was ‘Root of Love’. In the end I won second runner-up. I clearly remember International House wanted to organize cultural exchanges so they held international banquets each year. Their hope was for students from different ethnic backgrounds to perform and share their culture.
In 1985, Leslie won an award for singing ‘Monica’. It was a song that I really loved. During the international cultural exchange banquet, I chose to sing ‘Monica’. At that time my classmates were very surprised. How can I sing ‘Monica’? I followed the videos to learn the dance steps and singing techniques. I kept on practicing in public. Other students witnessed how hard I was practicing and came over to help me out. A few classmates became my accompanying dancers as I danced on stage. The performance that night was extremely successful.
Leslie and a group of Hong Kong superstars visited Australia to hold concerts in 1985. The concert organizer needed a voluntary driver. My friends asked me whether I wanted to be the voluntary driver. I accepted the offer. In the end I found out that I would become Leslie’s driver. There was one day when he was on break and did not need to rehearse. We drove to Canberra. It was cloudy and there was light rain on that day. We could not see clearly. After having a coffee, we left. Leslie was next to drive. His English was very good. During the journey back we chatted happily. The trip was very important to me.
In 1986, Alan came to Australia. I was also his driver. Our mutual friend misread my name as “Ho Wing Lun” in front of my idol during his stay at the hotel. I was not able to correct him at the time because Alan (“Wing Lun”) was my idol. Many people thought I was called “Ho Wing Lun” for around two years. His four back-up singers knew I was able to sing Alan’s songs. That was why they told him about it. During rehearsal day, he told me to sing with him on stage. Knowing superstars like Leslie and Alan had a great impact on me. To be able to listen to their songs and to witness the reactions from the audience led me to become interested in a singing career in Hong Kong.
I did not put in a lot of effort in my studies because I always thought of Chinatown and singing. Consequently, I failed my medical examinations in my third year. I had to re-take my subjects. In 1986, I re-took my studies for three months but then I decided to quit school.
In the end I juggled three dish washing jobs and also many months of brick laying work. I saved up a whole year of my salary and bought a one-way ticket to Hong Kong. I also carried $1000 Australian dollars on me. I then went to Hong Kong to develop my career. I only asked my friend whether I could stay at his place as preparation to living in my new homeland. His father reluctantly agreed but had to receive rent. I did not have anything equipped or prepared. I only purposely bought a one-way ticket because I did not want to easily give up when I encountered minor difficulties and return to Australia.
When I first arrived in Hong Kong, I did not know anything. I did not have any plans. I also did not have any friends. Initially, I lived in Broadcast Drive but my friend did not live there because he was still studying. I did not have anything to do at first. That was why I hung around Hong Kong for several days. One day, by coincidence, I came across Hung Hom Coliseum. At the entrance, there were four men smoking. They noticed me and surprisingly called out “Ho Wing Lun”. They were, in fact, members of Alan’s band. We have first met in 1986. Surprisingly, they remembered me after a whole year. That is called fate. At that time, Alan was preparing for his concert. The four men brought me inside the Coliseum. I saw Alan. There were 31 shows in his 1987 concert. I watched 30 of them. I intended to watch all 31 shows but there was a slight problem. There were rules at my guest house. After ten thirty each night, the door to the home will be locked. Nobody was allowed to enter or leave the house. But concerts do not end so early. So, after watching each concert in the evening, I would walk to Tsim Sha Tsui and then walk back to Broadcast Drive. I would sleep on the concreate seats outside the park. When the park opens at five in the morning, I will go in and sleep. Eventually, I was unable to handle it. One night I cannot watch a show. Once Alan asked me “Can you sing on stage tonight?” I told him “Of course I can.” I became his special guest. Alan was extremely happy when I first performed. By the second show, he announced that: “There is a westerner who can sing my songs very well.” He called out my name “Ho Wing Lun!” But because I was not at the scene, I did not show up. Eventually, he asked me why I did not show up. I explained my reason to him. He then arranged a hotel for me to stay at until the end of the concert. That was why he was able to call me out the third time! That was my second time as special guest singing “Friends” with him. It was exhilarating. In August, he introduced me as a special guest at his birthday party. Actually, everything happens for a reason and everything is interconnected.
Soon after, I rented a tiny flat at a building in North Point to live in. I walked from North Point to Central once. I came across a recruitment agency looking to hire. I went in to give it a shot. At that time, the staff said I could teach English but I was not a teacher. The staff said it was not a problem and introduced me to work at a learning center. After working there for a few months, a colleague saw a TV station’s poster. They were looking to recruit a westerner but that person needs to be able to speak Cantonese. I called to give it a try. The person who answered was an independent agent. I told that agent I had no experience and my Cantonese was not very good. The agent told me it was not a problem. I went to see the TV station’s female producer. She gave me an English script and wanted me to read it out. I was so nervous that I did not utter a word in five minutes. I told myself, if I do not try, I will regret it for life. The dialogue depicted a police telling off a subordinate. When you tell someone off, you must be very loud so, I read my lines out very loudly. At that time, the female producer was doing her own work and did not care about me but because I was so loud, I frightened her! As there were no other westerners for her to choose from, she had no choice but to hire me. The TV show required two westerners. The other westerner played the main character. From then onwards, I worked at the TV station for twenty years.
In September 2014, I appeared as a guest on a NowTV music program. I was in a band room with the three show hosts. We sang and discussed music. Only recently, I found out that they were the Founders of 100 Most. When it was Christmas, 100 Most invited me to appear on the cover of their magazine. I did not know why they wanted me to do it – only to find out that the Founders of the magazine already knew who I was! It was just me who did not know that.
In August 2015, 100 Most contacted me and asked me whether I wanted to sing this particular song. I was very familiar with the song lyrics. The lyrics were very colloquial. I should be able to learn it. It was Friday. The performance was on Sunday. I only had two days to prepare for it. That was why I practiced very hard. The stage showcased the lyrics. But I tried my best not to look at them. I would only glance at them when I needed to. I felt more confident and assured as I sang.
I was extremely elated to be able to perform on stage. I can play a role singing a wonderful and amusing song. The audience was super warm and excited. It was a moment to be treasured. I know this can only happen once in my life. It cannot be done by myself. It is because I was given a chance by 100 Most. The song was very popular and hit the charts. Before Christmas, 100 Most contacted me and expressed that there would be a final election of the songs. They asked me whether I would like to participate. I was more than happy to give it a try. On the day of the show, each contestant would have two songs.
On the 26th of December, I received the new song. I have never heard of the song before. It was a rap song. I was very unfamiliar with the lyrics. I found them very difficult. That was why I kept practicing it for more than four hundred times. The show was broadcasted live by NowTV. Around seven hundred thousand people watched the broadcast. I cannot imagine winning the Best Hong Kong Male Singer. When my name was announced, I was extremely delighted. Nobody can imagine that a westerner was able to sing a song about ‘real Hong Kong’. It can touch people. It was something that happened at the right place and at the right time. It was also surreal and a complete miracle. It is because the song was not selected by me. It was given to me by others. My eyes were often wet from practicing this song. I was very touched.
It is very difficult for westerners to develop their artistry in the entertainment industry. Chances are slim. They can only play roles that are irrelevant and unimportant. But I never thought of giving up. Five years ago I planned to record my own album. But because of stomach acid reflux, my vocal chords got damaged. My voice became hoarse and coarse. It brought me a lot of frustrations because I have worked hard for many years. Then this happened. I then amended my singing techniques and the issue improved significantly. I was able to sing again. I am now working on re-recording my new album.
A lot of ethnic minority issues materialized around me as of late. I am currently the voice over for a RTHK program about ethnic minorities in Hong Kong. It is very hard for them to develop their career in the local entertainment industry. It is because when 90 percent of the people share the same skin color comes together in a particular place, those watching TV or film will tend to watch people of their own skin color. They may not watch ethnic minorities. If a group of ethnic minorities work together to create a program for the web, it may work out. There are a lot of ethnic minorities residing in Hong Kong. Some of their Chinese is better than mine. They also love Hong Kong very much.
‘Hong Kongers’, to me, are people who need to do things ‘Hong Kongers’ do. Eat Hong Kong food. Care about Hong Kong. And do not look at skin color. I hope they can also speak Cantonese. Most importantly, they should regard Hong Kong as their home. Then, they are ‘real Hong Kongers’.