Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: opera
Song Meaning of “The Anecdotes of Tai Zhen” by Mei Lanfang
The Anecdotes of Tai Zhen is a sentimental tribute to the art form of Beijing opera, made popular by Mei Lanfang in the 1900’s. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of what life was like for Mei Lanfang and the old-fashioned singing style he used. The song speaks to the struggles that Tai Zhen and Mei Lanfang faced and how they kept their art alive despite the odds.
The first verse speaks of the nostalgia of Tai Zhen’s past, when his opera was performed at the old ancestral temple. He remembers the sights, sounds, and smells of his audience and the stirrings of his soul as he sang his songs in harmony with the strings of his zheng.
The second verse highlights the struggles of Tai Zhen and his perseverance throughout life. He faced countless trials and tribulations as he traveled and performed his opera, yet he never gave up or stopped believing in himself. This unwavering dedication to his craft is what kept Tai Zhen’s opera alive and thriving.
The chorus brings the story to a heartwarming climax. Even though Tai Zhen and the old opera had faded away, Mei Lanfang left a lasting legacy. He was an inspiration to future generations, a reminder that no matter how difficult the times may be, art and beauty can still prevail.
Tai Zhen and Mei Lanfang may be gone, but their stories will live on forever.