Lyrics to Only In The Dark

Tonight, I saw a lot of my INTIan Friends all struggling to go through their revision and some even burst out of control due to the stress they are facing. I know this are some of the moments which are tough for you to go through at this point in time. I've been through and gone through them a lot but that's like more than 10 yrs ago now. Some have broken down their emotions, some even let out some rage & anger but realize their regrets and there's one who even told me she is gonna miss her revision days soon (Yeah, very LC la, you... got 1st class honors mah... Quote her tweet to me: "@dbching seriously, am enjoying the preparation of the very last paper...im afraid i might start missing all these very soon...hahahaha").

Most of them that I know are about to graduate and this is their last sem paper before their Final days in Uni. I will always be there to give all of you the moral support & ever ready jokes, smiles & nuisance to cheer your day(s).

I don't have very much words of wisdom & encouragement for all of you out there, but I can only share with some of you a very meaningful lyrics that meant a lot to me and helped me through such times in the past. YouTube has the song. =) Credits to my sis Juwita, of cos.

God Bless ya' all...

ONLY IN THE DARK

The raindrops fall incessantly
Each I think the sky's letting up
There seems to be another cloud
Bringing the dark
Coming right at me

So often I can't see the road ahead
The blinding headlights loom then go out again
But suddenly I find that I don't need to strife
'Cause I realize I am rising, I'm flying and....

CHORUS
Only in the dark when I can't seem to see
I learn to hear Your whisper that's been guiding me
Reach out for the hand that bears the light
So my step is right
Only in the dark

Now each day's a step that's lighted up
And the questions asked won't make me stop
'Cause I know no matter how I feel
That this is real
And I'm slowly getting to a place where it's not...

Only in the dark when I can't seem to see
I learn to hear Your whisper that's been guiding me
Reach out for the hand that bears the light
So my step is right
Only in the dark

BRIDGE
So let the shadows come
And let me run into Your arms where
I can feel the warmth of Your touch - unmistakable
Leading me on, loving me on, turning me on
Though now it seems to be that...

Only in the dark when I can't seem to see
I learn to hear Your whisper that's been guiding me
Reach out for the hand that bears the light
So my step is right
Only in the dark

(Only in the dark when I can't seem to see)
Only in the dark
I learn to hear Your whisper that's been guiding me
Reach out for the hand that bears the light
So my step is right, yeahhh
Only in the dark


(Only in the dark when I can't seem to see)
Only in the dark
I learn to hear Your whisper that's been guiding me
Reach out for the hand that bears the light
So my step is right
Only in the dark
Only in the dark haahhh...

Listening to Lee Hom by Heart (by a deaf person)

I just had time to interact with my good buddy & bro while he is preparing at Sydney, Australia now. Tonight's his first-time and great opening night. He shared me this article & post that he wrote and a life-changing experience for him. I must say, Lee Hom is always so talented & having a great heart. God Bless his soul & may he bring more great music into our lives.

I was moved by what he did and Yvonne's stories that I would like to spread this word of love & speciality. If this touched my heart, I believe others should be touched too. My prayers will always be with those who deserves them too. Thank you Lee Hom, Thank you Yvonne.


Quote from Lee Hom:

王力宏 Wang Leehom
I made an inspiring friend last week. Her name is Yvonne Foong, and she has neurofibromatosis, a genetic illness with no known cure, which has left her completely deaf. It's rare for a deaf person to come to one of my concerts, so I was fascinated to hear what she had to say after the show. She told me that eight years ago, when she had her hearing, she saw me perform live. Now, with no hearing at all, she could still "hear" the concert, but with all of her other senses. She excitedly described the show to me, in vivid detail. It was amazing for me to hear her go on and on, obviously moved by the music, having heard not a single note.

It made me think of Beethoven, one of the greatest musicians of all time, who wrote some of the most celebrated music in history, while completely deaf. It's incredible to think that his music, which millions know and love, was never even once heard by its composer. Yet there's no doubt Beethoven, like Yvonne, could still "hear" with all his other senses, and profoundly, at that.

When a tree falls in the woods and no one hears it, does it make a sound? People have debated this cliché question for centuries. Some say no, that sound must be perceived in order to exist. Some say yes, that sound doesn't have to be heard to exist. The argument is interesting because, either way, how can you prove it when no one heard it? But can music exist when the notes are inaudible? Is there something more to music than sound waves with varying amplitudes and frequencies?

One of my favorite musicians, Leonard Bernstein, would have us think so. Toward the end of his life, he wrote:

In the beginning was the note,
And the note was with God.
And whosoever can reach that note,
Reach high and bring it back to us on earth,
To our earthly ears…
Partakes of the divine.

I don't know if anyone can prove or disprove that Yvonne heard my concert, but when I met her that night backstage in Malaysia, looked into her eyes and saw her excitement, I had my answer. And I want to thank her for reminding me that music goes beyond sound waves, and is not a tree falling in the woods. Thank you for reminding me that Bernstein was right, music comes from the divine, and what a blessing it is to reach higher and higher, reaching to bring those notes down to earth.

Read Yvonne's blogpost here:

http://www.yvonnefoong.com/2013/04/01/music-man-ii-round-ii-listening-to-lee-hom-by-heart/ 

Support her foundation here: http://acelebrationoflife.my/How-can-you-help-.php

This is what Yvonne wrote:

Music Man II Round II – Listening to Lee Hom by heart

I had the privilege of attending Wang Lee Hom’s Music Man II Round II concert at the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands last Thursday. I was given a free ticket, so I gladly went to watch Lee Hom perform despite not being able to hear him. Attending the concert with me were several members of Homaniacs – the official Malaysian Lee Hom fan club – who provided me with physical and logistical support on top of a delightful companionship.

When my friend checked whether I would like to go, she asked if I could see well. If I could, then I could enjoy it by watching. Hence, I went there expecting to enjoy the show mostly visually. I even brought a monocular along.

I have not attended a live music concert since losing my hearing completely by the end of 2005. Because, I thought it would not be worth the money to attend a music concert when you can’t hear.

When I was invited, though, I was open to the idea, probably because I have made peace with myself and my deafness over the past eight years. I was open to the experience of discovering how I might enjoy a music concert in my present physical, mental, emotional and spiritual condition.

As soon as hall lights went out and stage lights came on at 8:30pm, something told me a memorable night was ahead. Indeed, I was impressed by the entire show’s choreography. It was a two-hour non-stop performance consisting many songs of different genre, each accompanied by elaborate and varying performances. The main dance performer was always Lee Hom himself, utilizing the entire stage. An energy-taxing concert no doubt. No wonder he is well built for endurance.

I did hear the songs. I heard them with all of my other senses. Hearing with our physical ear is only but one way of appreciating music. At Music Man II Round II, I heard Lee Hom by feeling the music beats – the beat of his ‘East-meets-West hip-hop’ music, and the flow of sound waves that vibrated in the air. The light displays and screen shows added to the experience by giving me a better idea of how the songs were. I also felt the emotion and energy with my heart. Seeing Lee Hom in person through my monocular was touching even from a distance. It was very different from seeing his picture or watching him in video. It felt like seeing an old friend at last.

That’s how Lee Hom is to me. Someone I enjoyed listening to when I could hear. I was a teenager – a lifetime ago. I have grown so much since then. But despite having grown and experienced much, my liking for Lee Hom’s music compositions remained unchanged. I will never hear the songs that he composed post-2005. But I am happy just playing the songs I have heard in my mind. I still sing his songs to myself and to whoever that doesn’t mind off-tune singing.

I took a special liking for Lee Hom not because he was good looking, although I like his looks too. Rather, it was his music’s originality. Not every pop singer is a musician. They might write their own lyrics now and then, but not compose their own music. Lee Hom is a musician first and foremost. He has proper and concrete music foundation, and a college degree to prove it, while his singing and popularity came later.

Lee Hom’s singing is naturally produced, not forced. Many singers stretch their vocal cords beyond limit to achieve a wider vocal range and complex sound vibrations. Lee Hom doesn’t bother too much. His focus is in the music composition’s dynamic. And I admire him for this reason. A true musician.

The concert was so comprehensive and elaborate, that I was filled with satisfaction to the brim by time stage fireworks exploded. Little did I know, that there was something more in store for me. I have yet to experience the best of this evening.

My friends and I slowly inched through the crowd of exiting audience. But instead of turning right towards the exit like everybody else, my friends led me to turn left, towards the stage below. When we reached the stage barricades, I thought we were just there to meet up with a friend so we may head home together. But one of my friends said something to the guards who let us through the barricades, more security personel, and finally, into a room at the side of the stage.

This was where, I met Lee Hom, face-to-face.

I told Lee Hom that the last time I attended his concert in Genting, I could still hear him. That was eight years ago. I can no longer hear him now. Yet I am amazed to see how much his performance has improved (evolved).

Lee Hom then calmly wrote to me by paper and pen. I could tell, though, that he was understandably tired.

Lee Hom, if you are reading this, know that I am supporting you in spirit.

How to handle Irritating Fellas humorously

This girl is a keeper!!!!

It happened at a New York Airport. This is hilarious. I

wish I had the guts of this girl. An award should go to the United

Airlines gate agent in New York for being smart and funny, while
making her point, when confronted with a passenger who probably
deserved to fly as cargo. For all of you out there who have had to
deal with an irate customer, this one is for you.

A crowded United Airlines flight was canceled. A
single agent was re-booking a long line of inconvenienced travelers.

Suddenly, an angry passenger pushed his way to the desk. He slapped his ticket on the counter and said, "I HAVE to be on this flight and it has to be FIRST CLASS."

The agent replied, "I'm sorry, sir. I'll be happy to try
to help you, but I've got to help these folks first; and then I'm
sure we'll be able to work something out."

The passenger was unimpressed. He asked loudly, so that
the passengers behind him could hear, "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM?"

Without hesitating, the agent smiled and grabbed her
public address microphone. "May I have your attention, please?", she began, her voice heard clearly throughout the terminal. "We have a passenger here at Gate 14 WHO DOES NOT KNOW WHO HE IS. If anyone can help him with his identity, please come to Gate 14".

With the folks behind him in line laughing hysterically,
the man glared at the United Airlines agent, gritted his teeth, and said, "F*** You!"

Without flinching, she smiled and said, "I'm sorry sir,
you'll have to get in line for that, too."

Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to
dance in the rain

The Idol 2013 - Fragments of Memories

I had to pen down this moment as it is still fresh. I've had a real awesome experience this year for The Idol, Season 2013. From Day 1 Auditions to the training ground & working on each and everyone, before the showcase, more intense private sessions to one-on-one crash courses & counselling and finally... The Finale. (Oh yeah, there's Freya Lim too... cool performance!)

The entire process has so much to offer. From Dreams to Love & ending off with Regrets. Such Fragments of Memories were merely just a footprint in my DNA bank & memory bank but later, I realized that my Genes that carry my passion & love for Music would rather need more...

It happened so quickly that I actually felt so emotionally attached to each and everyone of the contestants & organizing committee. Regardless, winner or loser, finalists or just a participant.

And this is because, seeing each and everyone of you grew and became much more matured than I expected. The transition of becoming someone else that is gifted in Music, Friendship, Teamwork & most importantly that special bond. The type of bond that is indescribable. Not even a painting could replace those Fragments of Memories.

For the past 72hours was rather sentimental to me. My proteges writing very touching paragraphs/essays of how they felt & what the entire competition had done to them. In fact, to all of them, especially the Finalists, they were all extremely incredible. The Transformation of them is more than just a growing up process but more like a Metamorphosis. I really saw everyone of them enjoying themselves on stage, while still being nervous (of cos! some of you were even sweating!).

I'm gonna go indepth for some of them... cause, each and every one of them is a foot print in my life now. In no particular order, just randomly from my head... here goes:

Mr. Alex & Mr. Song: you both boy wonders certainly RAWX... Judging with both of you every year always intrigue me with laughters and all sorta nonsense that brings so much tickling & entertainment. If only we could keep this going almost every once in awhile, then it would really be great. (P/s: stop being so gay & also go Ghost Hunting... if gal hunting, ok la...)

Benny Gan: You know your uniqueness... we have all sorts of fun in training and having you singing an Elvis piece really boils our blood to stand up and dance. Being eliminated shouldn't stop you from trying more challenging pieces. OH YES... and PLSSS... treat Wei May well... *ahem* (hint hint...)

Jian Hui: sad to hear that it's gonna be your last time to serve us with your skillful photography... but do come back every yr to make it like some sorta reunion gathering... may the best be in your future endeavors...

Johan Lee: You've a unique performance too. Don't think I forgotten about you. Just that you didn't make it to the finals doesn't mean you're left out. Keep it up. Cause the passion is there and sure, you can sing. Just the other co-judges didn't vote for you.

Kacau Yeo: This one ah.. memang kacau punya... Hahahaha... Well, Happy belated birthday to you. May all your years be filled with MUSIC~! Yeah.. u thought I was gonna say wishes huh? I'll keep it to myself. Take care, don't fall sick & forget about assignments la... FUN is more important... Oopsss... bad me.. anyway... stay cool~

Celist + Rainie: It's cool to judge with you, Rainie... Celist: I'm so proud of you and your achievements now. It will become a memory that will be an everlasting one. I hope to see that passion kick-off to greater heights. Perhaps one day, my songs will be sung by ya'all...

Li Fen: It's always great to have ya around. It's so much fun and you always cheer me up. Plus... it's cool to have you being my duet partner for just a song. You'll forever be a powerful lil' vocalist. And... YOU always make those fun & laughters come out of us. Stay cute as always.

Michelle Chee: Though it was just for a eenie mini tiny weee bit while of being involved with you at INTI's Got Talent Season 2, but nonetheless, your charming & shiny personality never ceased to amaze me & gave me fun & laughters too. Keep it up with whatever you're doing. Oh, take care of your health, babe. Cheers~!

Kenny Chok: hey.. superstar.. got to catch a glimpse of you for awhile. From previous Idols, I always got to hear that you never stop singing & performing. It's good! Keep it up and spread the joy to others too. Cheerios.

Yang Cheng: It was tough for you to juggle and pull-off with an event of such magnitude scale. Good job. It's really worth the appreciation. *cling*

CJ + Potato: It's always my happiest moments to see either or both of you. We have to go back for more vocal rehearsals and group singing more often. Those darn good times are just too few to mention. One of the best pairing I've ever seen & the most natural chemistry. Will never forget the both of you.

Thomas Tee: stop being so blur already. Every time see you also so steam-steam like that. But end of the day, it's a good job done still. Many thanks indeed.

Zag: Oh yeay... the talented music man. Plays almost every instrument that can be mastered.. :) keep it up coz it's not that easy to be so gifted. You just have to work on your vocal technique next and you're almost MAGNIFICO...

Lun Cheng: It's a gift to be able to sing Tenor & be doing such incredible music. You still do best in "The Prayer" but nonetheless, your uniqueness will always be respected, remembered & appreciated. Keep practising. 2nd Runner-up isn't enough for. The sky's the limit.

Ee Min: It's great to know that you're made the Most Promising Idol though I feel you should be getting a different award. Anyway, don't give up on singing. It's just that the odds are not aligned. You can do better. So, keep singing!

Shakira: Girl, you surprised me on stage with your transformation. Really a young Whitney Houston look-a-like. Your voice is the soft & subtle type, so you've got to look at a different range & style to make you more flexi.. I believe in you =)

Dynamic Duo: You both have a weird but interesting partnership. Don't worry, its not that you're not gifted. The both of you can sing but just differently. Perhaps you should consider solo for both and especially for Nurul, you'll definitely shine well.

How Ann: Good la you... when want to treat us to eat at Jogoya? Got sponsors already. With the 2nd place prize some more. You sapu all the prizes d. Anyway, you never stop believing and thus you made it. That's what I'm talking about.

Vera: Never before, have I seen or heard a voice like yours. You definitely got what it takes to go into the next level and compete or even move into the semi-pro level before being spotted & signed up by other labels. I've seen a little kid like you before and now, she's already furthering her career in Taiwan & Hong Kong. She was just like you with that raw talent and after I polished her and she found her way into the hearts of her fans. She is happily dueting with some of my other former proteges that turned celebrities. I see that path in you too. Keep it up. Don't stop believing/dreaming.

Eva Khoo: Don't think I forgotten you too... no worries, I didn't.. You also deserve to work on your emotions & feelings when you sing. You're almost there anyway. =) Play hard, play smart but sing with your heart, k? have fun

Chloe: You also have a good chance to bring out that specialty in you too. You have a one-of-a-kind style. It's like your trademark =D Happy singing.

Eva Loo: This is one caterpillar that really became a surprising butterfly. Your on-stage skill was really unexpected. I was trying so hard to teach you those stuff and didn't see you bust a move but when you took center stage, it really had me blown off. I believe in you. And I must most-definitely say, You're the true SuperStar & Most Promising Idol. Keep it up, cos your Ling Tang jie also believe you can do it and shine further.

Nicole: You ah, don't know what to say... really GENG... I've had some of the best memories cause of your funny character. So smart & yet so sentimental. Your recent post made me miss all of you Idols so damn much till it could almost shed a tear. Your words were not only encouraging but so matured. It's like seeing all of you growing up, graduating and moving on to the next level of life as part of evolution.

De Latte: You both will be the first 2 to be inducted into the Experimental Talent Development Program, Class of 2013. Congratulations~! But before that, it's also sad to hear it's also one of those last times you'll both partner and perform before parting ways. Though there's another chance for both of you to be in another event, it's just never the same. It's like separating a pair of chopsticks. I will NEVER forget the both of you.

3 Direction: I really don't know what else to say about you guys. It's really a pleasure for me to be entertained by all 3 of you. I must say you're anything but boring. I had the best laughters of my life in INTI/IDOL because I laughed so hard & my stress was totally lost. Great Job! Don't stop performing. I need that laughters =D

Yii Pin, Sin Yee & Shuen Shuen Shuen: 3 of the most awesome Personal Assistants I've ever had cum Program Masters. It's also sad to hear that Sin Yee & Shuen will be graduating soon too. A lot of emotional times & fun we've had in previous Seasons. It's really like the song: Seasons In The Sun. But I will never forget what we've gone through and best moments.

Emily Gan: Same for you too... good days were there. We shall also hang out again. Maybe in beach as well. Hahahaha

Jasmine Chin: Oh yes.. talking about leaving... another sad one is to hear that you're also gonna be packing the saddle soon. Awww... just when I was just enjoying with all of you guys. Anyway, one of the coolest emcees to grace my events. It suddenly ROCKS to have ya around. Keep in touch...

Pi R Square: Strangest but yet a fast up-coming group (Most Favorite/Popularly voted). Learn fast & improves quite tremendously. Its hard to improve all of you in 1 go as not enough time was given to tweak each and every of you but as a whole, at least things were so much better on stage. Ting Wei: its always the source & center of all the noise and fun. But good for you too. Keep it up and make more attention spotlights, k? *winks*

D'Coincidence: Wooowww... the most awesome group. I enjoyed myself in epic proportions when you guys rawk the stage. I feel so touched to see every single part of the training unfolding and just as I pictured it. A natural, all of u, really... WOW is all I can keep saying. *still in awe* Keep it up and I wanna see more of your shows in the near future.

I hope I didn't miss out anyone. Was writing this at midnight n was getting tired. Su Leen: I also wanna express my appreciation for your great hospitality n success. By the way, great transformation. Look so pretty suddenly when feminine :D

oh yes.. last but not least.. almost forgotten.. luckily she "popped" up in my FB private message... (yeah, I'm getting old and forgetful)

Yelena: after all the lengthy private talks & counselling, I've got to say... once again... no, you did not disappoint me & need not say sorry to me. You did WELL... And in case others have a wrong impression of things, I'll clarify it here. She wasn't a favored one or was I bias neither. Yelena is very talented actually but her abilities aren't unlocked yet. Her potential can surpass many but its just not seen yet. Thus the co-judges did not favor her. I did not give her special private lessons or sessions but merely used a different environment and technique to help her overcome her fear of stage fright, audience surroundings & her distractions. I also fully support her because where others did not, which includes her parents, siblings & friends, she was in this competition not to just win it but to prove to them and most importantly proof to herself that she could do it and it was inside of her all along.

On the night of the Finals, she was rather devastated that only her siblings were gonna attend and she couldn't prove to her mom or do it for her. To her unexpected surprise, (besides the fact that she missed a step & twisted her ankle slightly, which caused things to go spiraling down) she saw her mom at the 2nd song and made an emotional impact to her performance thus the mis-cued of forced errors.

But I am still proud of her because the improvement was still a lot better & the performance index is satisfactory. She was originally destined to be the Most Promising Idol as her talent can later surpass the Champions of past & present but would still need to go a long way before she can achieve it.

Enough said, it is with Idols like all of you that made my journey in life with a purpose & worth every single sweat, time & effort in making all of you the SuperStar Idols you all earned, yearned to be & has become. Welcome Legends, Welcome to Your Showcase of Immortals & Welcome to the Hall of Fame that is among those Heavenly Kings of Music. ~ The Idol, the best Fragments of my Memories ~

This just reminds me of the reason why I wrote songs.. and moments like this that also recalls the lyrics to songs like: You In Me & Stand.

Here's my favorite song: Stand

Stand

Today feels different somehow
Living on the edge of a breakthrough
Yesterday’s pain of people’s disdain
Didn’t hurt me as much as it used to
Maybe I’ve found my remedy

I’m gonna stand up and walk my life
Not afraid to stumble and not afraid to fall
I’m gonna speak up, I’m gonna say what’s on my mind
Never mind if they don’t hear me
I know the ones who love me
I know the ones who will hold me
Just the way I stand
Just the way I am

Standing here on my stage
Why do your stares look so empty?
Strangers and friends all around
Funny how it still seems so lonely
Maybe not such a tragedy

I’m gonna stand up and walk my life
Not afraid to stumble and not afraid to fall
I’m gonna speak up, I’m gonna say what’s on my mind
Never mind if they don’t hear me
I know the ones who love me
I know the ones who will hold me
Just the way I stand
Just the way I am

I don’t wanna have to make pretend
And say what I will not want to
Not just to please you
I won’t be forced to love all who say they love me
But never know what makes me content completely

I’m gonna stand up and walk my life
Not afraid to stumble and not afraid to fall
I’m gonna speak up, I’m gonna say what’s on my mind
Never mind if they don’t hear me
I know the ones who love me
I know the ones who will hold me
Just the way I stand
Just the way I am

To listen to the song dedicated to all of you, here's the link:

http://brandonching.blogspot.com/2010/07/lyrics-to-stand.html