Is there any sort of significance behind the song Shanghai 1943?

[Pugwash]

I searched Shanghai in this forum and nothin' came up and I was in a state of curiousity so I had to ask this. So, is there any significance behind this song? Searching Google, Jay's song were among the first results and I didn't see anything major happen in Shanghai during the period of 1943 while scrolling through the results

From the lyrics, it seemed like he was conveying that Shanghai was modernizing and leaving behind old memories i.e. white walls, black tiles, white and black pictures - very vintage described items in only plain black and white.

I don't really understand the metaphors either probably because it was lost during the translation. "Inside the metal box that is filled with postcards, there lies a rose petal that’s hidden" - There lies a lot of potential in Shanghai, hidden = unseen/overlooked city?

Thanks!

[eimiie]

Actually, Shanghai 1943 is an oldie. My grandmother said it was very popular among her crowd when she was a teenager. The tune of Jay's version is different though. From what my grandmother told me, in 1943, China was invaded by Japan and the song was to commemorate the peace in the past.

Btw, Lin Jun Jie also has a song that talks about Shaghai 1943.

[petricia]

hmm... i never know that Shanghai 1943 is an oldie...
How i wish to listen to the older version..
but Jay's version is written by Vincent Fang right?
In my POV, i dun think that there is a huge significance behind the song.. but eimiie is probably right about commentrating the lost peace... [though i think she is refering to the oldie's lyrics]

[yuewawa]

Hmm....interesting topic you brought up here Pugwash...maybe I should investigate and see if there's any significant events took place in 1943 in Shanghai that the song might be making reference to. I love this song and I always love anything in relate to history (one of my fav subject). I will write back later with my interpreation/analysis from my search. First thing first, I should read the lyrics so I can understand the meaning to this song.

Wonder where I can get a hold of the older version of this song so I can compare the 2 versions.

Eimiie, does Lin Jun Jie's song talks about the same thing in Shanghai from 1943?

[eimiie]

I think Lin Jun Jie's song talks about the same thing. I haven't paid so much to the lyrics but some parts in the lyric say something about the war and wanting peace for family.

I want the old version too of Shanghai 1943. :bounce:

[gCjs84]

This is interesting. I never knew there was another version of Shanghai 1943. I feel that Jay's version of Shanghai 1943 does not carry any another meaning. Jay's version is about his parents and Shanghai changing because there is the mention of his parents and Shanghai and stuff. However, I maybe wrong also. Maybe there is more to the song than meets the eye. Hope you all can find out something interesting about the song.