Week 2 Audio Assignment: Papa, Can You Hear Me Sing?

For this week's audio assignment, I want to share a beautiful songstory from a movie from 1980s, called” papa, can you hear me sing again.” This songstory does not fit into my personal focal theme, but I just have to blog about it as I felt strong connection with this song and the lyrics made me think maybe it is time to plan for the future of my parents' elder life.

The plot of movie is not particularly unusual. Uncle Mute, is a rag-and-bone man struggling and living almost day-to-day, hand-to-mouth life. One day, amongst the trash and empty wine bottles he collects to make a living with, Uncle Mute finds a two-month old baby girl, abandoned and crying out for warmth and a home. And from that moment, Uncle Mute’s life is forever changed: he now has something and someone to live for, to hope for…

Uncle Mute gives up his drinking, instead of wine he now buys milk powder for his new-found baby daughter; he worked harder than he had ever before to provide for the new center of his life.

As a mute, Uncle Mute cannot shout out to announce their presence and request:Any Empty Wine Bottles To Sell? Instead, Uncle Mute blows an old army bugle , so that anyone who hears his bugle sounds will know it is Uncle Mute coming round to collect empty wine bottles.

The girl ,Ah Mei, when she is a bit older, she tries her best to help her dad out. she always comes with him to collect wine bottles after she is back from school. the girl is born with nice an clear voice. she would shout out for the request for her father along with her dad’s bugle sound. it was made clear that they two love and care each other.

Ah Mei grows up into a bright and pretty young lady, she is blessed with a talent for singing. But soon, the young lady grows restless being stuck in the boondocks, and wishes for nothing more than to take the first train out of this small and poor village and live her dreams under the big bright city lights.

She is soon scouted and groomed to become the next big star and singing sensation. she felt shamed to let the public know the relationship between her and her poor father and the small village.

At the final stage of the movie; Ah Mei, now a famous singer and international star, opening her concert on the largest stage in the country. But midway through, an interruption and bad news: 哑叔-Uncle Mute had a car accident on the way to ah mei’s concert. after hearAh Mei dashes off the stage still in her concert costume and rushes to see 哑叔-Uncle Mute…but its too late. Broken heart, tears, regret, shame… Had Ah Mei really boarded the wrong train, and chosen the wayward path?

She returns to the stage, and sings a different song, one embedded with the familiar melody and refrain that once had given her life, given her hope, given her love…singing it with the utmost of thanksgiving, and the deepest of mournful regret. she finally accept who she was and where she comes from.

The lyrics from the song

Any Empty Wine Bottles To Sell

Do you have wine bottles to sell Do you have wine bottles to sell Do you have wine bottles to sell Do you have wine bottles to sell

What a familiar sound that is It’s been with me day in and day out I never needed to think about it It’s something I can never forget

Without heaven, where would earth be? Without earth, where would home be? Without home, where would you be? Without you, where would I be?

Without you to raise me To give me warmth and life Without you to protect me What would my fate be?

It was you who raised me Accompanied me when I said my first words It was you who gave me a home To share with you, together

Though you cannot open your mouth and speak a single word But you know the world and its black and white, real and fraudulent Though you cannot express how you feel Yet you have given of your precious life From afar comes your very familiar sound Reminding me of your very loving soul When will you return to my side And let us sing together again:

Do you have wine bottles to sell…

I am the only child of my family. Now I live in USA and my parents live in China. We usually video chat once a week. But I can't help thinking what if they get sick, who is going to take care of them? It is time to start a long due family discussion to figure out our future plan.

#ILT5340DigitalStorytelling