Bizarre Chinese Old-folks Choir Covers Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance”
Off to Cafe Society.
Plus… a bit of the Macarena thrown in there.
So weird.
That. Was. SPECTACULAR!!
My god - it really was awesome. I want the T-shirt.
Someone needs to translate that. I wonder if it’s the same (or close to) the same words.
The site mentioned in the description indicates that the song is about Parents going “gaga” over their kids’ irresponsibility. So, no, it’s not the same song, to say the least.
The site also attempts to translate the lyrics and investigate their cultural meaning.
I preferred their original take.
I’m sure it comes down to cultural differences, but it seems like every time I watch video off of Japanese or Chinese television I always end up feeling like I’ve just visited a whole other planet…
Has the translation changed on the site since you posted?
This is not irresponsibility. Sadness that they never are too busy to spend time with their parents.
Also keep in mind that families tend to be smaller in urban China.
I officially nominate this video to be the new Rickroll.
No. I’m sorry. Irresponsibility is the wrong word. But there definitely seems to be an undercurrent that these kids are doing something wrong by not going to see their parents, as if they have a responsibility to do so. At least, that’s how I read the commentary.
This is great! What’s great about it is that they do not look, to my American eyes, like people on television–they look like and dress like regular people. It’s as if a group of my co-workers decided to get together and put on a show.
This is because the Chinese has a concept of filial piety where you do have a responsibility towards your parents. The idea is that basically as your parents give you life and take care of you when you are young, you ‘owe’ them. In fact, starting a family and having many children is a safeguard for old age.
Hence in China, it is expected for children to take care of the parents in their old age. Not just financially, but in other aspects - such as respect. In fact, there’s a folklore tale where if you mistreat your parents, you will be struck by lightning.