Heart and Soul: Six pop songs that remind the writer of different phases of his life


Graphic: 123rf

Heart & Soul
Do you have any real-life, heart-warming stories to share with readers? We'd love to hear from you. Please keep your story within 900 words. Photos are optional and should be in JPEG format (file size about 1MB, captioned). There is no payment for stories, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. Email your story to: lifestyle@thestar.com.my with the subject "Heart and Soul".

In 1950s to 70s Malaysia, besides cinema-going, another staple was listening to music mostly through the radio.

The emotive impact of music is undeniable, stirring a multitude of feelings and memories. It possesses the remarkable ability to transport us to specific moments in time, where memories both sweet and bitter come flooding back.

Six songs hold a special place in my heart, each evoking a vivid memories whenever I listen to it:

1. Imagine, by John Lennon

This song played in the background when the credits were rolling at the end of the movie The Killing Fields. The 1984 British biographical drama about the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia is based on the experiences of two journalists – one a Cambodian and the other an American.Usually, at the end of a movie, patrons would make an exit as soon as the credits of the movie are shown. Not this time. No one was in a hurry to leave the cinema hall as everyone was mesmerised by the ending: The Cambodian journalist, who endured great pain and suffering at the hands of the Viet Cong, was finally rescued by his American friend who returned to Cambodia for him.

The movie was a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and suffering. As the credits rolled and the haunting strains of the song filled the cinema hall, we were transported to a world torn apart by conflict yet united by the hope of peace. Through the lyrics, we could envision a world free from division and strife, inspiring us to strive for a better tomorrow.

2. Mrs Robinson, by Simon and Garfunkel

The 1967 film The Graduate tells the story of a 21-year-old college graduate with no definite aim in life who is seduced by an older married woman (Mrs Robinson). By depicting a controversial affair between a young man and an older woman, the movie challenged societal norms and sparked conversations about age, consent and morality.

I was then in Form Six and waiting for my turn to join my brother to study at Universiti Malaya. I was so taken up by this movie and asked myself, “Is this what awaits me when I graduate from university?”

This song evokes memories of my youthful naivety, the complexities of adulthood, and the allure of forbidden desires.

3. To Sir With Love, by Lulu

This song was popular when I was still in school. A 1967 British drama film, with the same title, deals with social and racial issues in an inner-city school. It stars Sidney Poitier.

Lulu sings about her teacher, a black man, who “took them from crayons to perfume”, and taught them right from wrong. She wonders how they would repay him for all he has done for them.

In the 1950s and 60s, teachers in Malaysia were highly respected, even revered. Whenever the song was played on the radio, my mum would ask me to turn the volume up.

Two very hardworking and dedicated trainee teachers, named Iswary and Logeswary, boarded with us. My mum became teary-eyed whenever she heard the song and recalled her personal experience with these two teachers.

4. First Of May, by the Bee Gees

On May 11, 1969, I enrolled as a freshman at Universiti Malaya. I was 20. I had left my Air Leleh kampung house in Melaka for the first time in my life.

Two days later, on May 13, racial riots broke out in Kuala Lumpur. There were many casualties. I was sad and shocked and missed home. Scrawny as I was, I donated blood at the nearby University Hospital.

When peace was restored, I rushed home to see my parents and siblings.

This song plays in my mind throughout the month of May and beyond. Till today, I remember my first few days at the university whenever I hear this Bee Gees classic. It has a sad tune, making me feel the same way.

5. Against The Wind, by Bob Seger

From 1988 to 1992, I was pursuing my doctorate degree at the University of Alabama, the United States, at my own expense. I was given no-pay study leave by the Malaysian Government.

Those years were the most difficult ones of my life! I had not expected a PhD programme to be so demanding and tough.

I had to push myself to the limit, as failure (or returning home to Malaysia without a doctorate degree) was not an option. I had exhausted my life savings (and even sold my house) to pursue this PhD degree. I often cried silently when the going got tough; I had to make sacrifices.

The lyrics of this song resonate with me, for they echo my own struggles and triumphs. The song became a source of solace and inspiration.

6. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

This is one song that encapsulates the essence of childhood wonder and the magic of the holiday season. For a young child eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus, the song served as a delightful reminder of the joyous anticipation that filled the air during Christmas time. Despite my not being of the Christian faith, the festive spirit was shared with neighbours, creating a tapestry of memories woven with innocence and communal celebration.

Each of these songs is a reminder of a chapter in the story of my life, and a testament to the power of music.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Living

Dolphins flash friendly grins when they're ready to play, study finds
Heart and Soul: The stray who adopted my family
How Malaysian tree doctors take care of our natural heritage in cities
At work, aim to take a 15-minute break every two hours
4 amazing buildings by Malaysian pioneer of sustainable architecture
Consuming berries, tea and red wine ‘may reduce the risk of dementia’: research
US mother of autistic child sets up an online site to aid special needs families
President of established US design school curates 7,000sq ft neocolonial home
Champagne houses abuzz over English sparkling wine
Blind 77YO Malaysian tandem paraglides into Malaysia Book of Records

Others Also Read