Hong Kong artist remembers David Bowie’s ‘gift for our city’

Condolences from Hong Kong’s culture sector poured in after the unexpected death of David Bowie, who was remembered for not only his inspiration for the city’s artists but also the only Chinese song he sang dedicated the city shortly before the handover.

In 1997, Bowie released his first and only Chinese song Cha Na Tian Di, a Mandarin version of his song Seven Years In Tibet from album Earthling.

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Hong Kong lyricist Lin Xi wrote the Chinese lyrics for the song, and the man who made the project happen was music critic Wong Chi-chung.

“In an interview with Bowie, I asked him if he would try singing in Chinese language and dedicate the song to Hong Kong,” a tearful Wong recalled.

He said he never expected the question led to a collaboration opportunity. “His secretary called me from New York afterwards and asked me to co-ordinate the project,” he said.

Then Lin was brought in to write the lyrics. Wong said the song’s chorus “You have my blessing, the world is merely a glimpse of time” gave room for imagination amid Hong Kong people’s fear of the handover back then. “It was a gift for Hong Kong,” he said.

Outspoken musician Anthony Wong Yiu-ming, who has been heavily influenced by Bowie’s music and performances, called the artist’s recent release Lazarus “the most beautiful exit”.