Start with a pop song

Chapter 63 Camel Bell
Zhuang Yun is a retired veteran. He is 37 years old this year and has been retired for more than ten years.

There are about twenty comrades in the city.

Usually everyone is busy with their own things.

Men of this age, with elderly parents and young children to take care of, are all working hard to climb the ladder.

But every year on Army Day, I must get together with my comrades!
A group of rough old men got drunk, and their standard repertoire was to sing military songs from various armies.

Often, they go from singing with great joy to crying their eyes out.

The military career of just a few years has a life-long impact on this group of people.

He also likes the Best Singer-Songwriter program.

The main thing is that the beauties, both big and small, are very pleasing to the eye, and the songs they create are also very nice to listen to.

Especially Song Dao, he really likes listening to those songs.

But I always feel that something is missing.

There's something missing to boost your energy.

We would also sing this kind of songs in the karaoke bar, but if we got drunk, we would definitely sing the songs we sang in the military camp.

That is the signature song for this group of people.

Today's episode was a bright spot for him.

I didn't expect that a comrade who was about to serve beyond his term would write such a letter to the program team.

But then he got a little worried.

How can a young man like Song who may have never even been to a military camp compose songs about our military service?
Although he didn't post any comments or post any barrage, Zhuang Yun subconsciously thought that this question was too difficult for Song Dao!

At the same time, I am also looking forward to it.

What if?
When Song Dao finished writing, the program team enlarged the image onto the big screen, and he, like many others, couldn't help but read along.

"Send off your comrades and embark on the journey."

Zhuang Yun was stunned for a moment and muttered, "Interesting!"

"Silently, with tears in my eyes."

"The sound of camel bells rang in my ears."

Zhuang Yun was a little confused for a moment and just stared blankly.

He joined the army that year and his unit was in the western part of Xia State.

There are endless yellow sands there, and the environment is extremely harsh.

There is no human habitation for hundreds of miles.

The conditions are much better now than in the past. We have satellite phones for communication, as well as modern products such as off-road vehicles and drones.

But off-road vehicles cannot enter everywhere, so patrols basically travel on camels.

Their troops always retain the habit of tying a bell on the camel's neck.

It is said that this was passed down from the ancient Silk Road thousands of years ago.

It was for communication at that time, but now it has become a kind of sentiment.

It can also add a touch of color to boring days.

So when Song wrote these two lines of lyrics, the expression on Zhuang Yun's face suddenly became serious.

My breathing became lighter.

His wife came out of the kitchen carrying some fruit, handed him an apple, sat down next to him and asked, "You haven't started singing yet?"

For many people, the main purpose of watching music variety shows is to listen to the songs.

The same is true for Zhuang Yun’s wife.

"Stop making noise." Zhuang Yun waved his hands without blinking.

"Hey, have you become more capable?" The woman glared at him.

If it were an ordinary day, my husband would definitely come over with a grin on his face.

But today, for some reason, I ignored her.

So I went over curiously and watched it with my husband.

“The road is long and foggy.”

“Revolutionary careers often break up.”

"Same separation, different feelings...Husband, what song is this?"

The woman was a little confused, and asked casually while reciting the lyrics.

"This is a song that Song Dao wrote for us soldiers!" Zhuang Yun answered with some pride.

There was some excitement in his voice.

The woman finally realized something and stopped talking. Instead, she took Zhuang Yun's arm and watched together.

The comments on the video also began to change as Song Dao wrote the lyrics one after another.

“No, can you really write?”

"Comrades, comrades, dear brothers, why are my eyes suddenly a little wet?"

"Is there anything you don't know how to do?"

"I've never been a soldier, but I can't help but feel sad when I see these lyrics!"

"I haven't heard the song yet, but just reading the lyrics gives me a lot of feelings."

"No, what is a camel bell? I've never heard of it!"

"Yeah, whose army still uses camels? We now have drones and robot dogs..."

"I should be able to hear the roar of the engine..."

"I can tell from the first glance that Song Dao is just writing nonsense!"

Zhuang Yun, who almost never posts comments, let alone barrages, couldn't help but pick up the tablet on the stand.

"Hey, what are you doing? I want to watch more..."

Zhuang Yun didn't say anything either.

I picked up the tablet and started typing in the comment section.

"I am a retired border guard. Our troops still retain the habit of using camels. Camel bells are bells tied to the necks of camels. If you don't understand, you can read it or look up information, but please don't speak without thinking. The Internet environment is ruined by people like you!"

After typing, I chose to send the message, still angry.

The wife beside him laughed: "Why get angry with those people? Isn't that how the Internet works? You see, after you post it, it's quickly scrolled away, no one reads it..."

Zhuang Yun said seriously: "You don't understand."

The woman rolled her eyes at him and said, "Okay, my husband understands best!"

The show continues.

When Song Dao finished writing the lyrics, the camera turned to the bottom.

Ma Shen's eyes were obviously a little excited, and his eyes were a little red.

As a veteran who was born in the grassland and had military experience, he really likes the lyrics written by Song Dao!

Although the music hasn't been composed yet, my heart is already beating fast.

【Mountains overlap and rivers flow】

【Ambition remains despite the wind and the current】

【Live up to the people’s love】

If anyone dares to say that Song Dao can't write military songs, he will not be able to help but criticize him in person.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Zhao Qi beside him looking bored and even a little disapproving, and suddenly he felt a little angry.

Look at Song Dao, then look at you, why is there such a big gap?
Old man Li Jun also looked serious and nodded repeatedly.

He glanced at Lin Fei with a smile: "I underestimated Xiao Song. He is really good. The lyrics are majestic, sad but firm, and they fit the farewell feeling of the letter. Great! Really great!"

Lin Fei had a smile on her face.

You can see she is very proud.

At this time, Li Jun said again: "Xiao Song is a really good kid, Xiao Lin..."

He didn't say anything else, but all the netizens who were watching the show burst into laughter on the spot.

"The old man is so funny!"

"Hahahaha, I'm urging the queen to find a boyfriend again."

"I found that the old man has a lot of jokes."

"Look at Lin Fei's expression, it's so funny!"

"Old man, you should go fishing instead of urging my sister Fei!"

Zhuang Yun and his wife also laughed out loud when they saw this.

Sending the children to their grandparents' house on weekends is a rare relaxing and leisure time for the couple.

This show provides them with so much emotional value.

There was no shot of Song Dao composing music next. As the program progressed, it was soon time for the students to go on stage to sing.

This time, Zhao Qi chose to be the first to go on stage and sing.

She sat in front of the piano affectionately, playing the music gracefully and singing softly.

Zhao Qi’s singing skills are pretty good. If he becomes an actor, he should be able to become one of the best singers in the industry.

This time, the topic he got was "Walking in a Crowd", so he wrote a song with the same name.

It tells the story of a man who has been heartbroken and still feels empty inside even when walking on the busiest street.

The overall style tends to be sentimental and nostalgic.

Maybe he himself didn't think there was anything wrong, but while he was singing, comments online kept pointing out the "truth".

"Brother Dog has done a lot of harm to people!"

"A song called Lilac can influence others till now."

"This is Zhao Qi's third song for a given composition, and all three songs are in this sentimental style..."

"Does he think he can win just by being sentimental?"

"This is my brother's area of expertise. What does it have to do with others?"

"Zhao Qi is still feeling this sad."

"Actually, I'm more looking forward to Brother Gou's military song!"

"I am also looking forward to the song that Dog Brother wrote for the cutest person. The lyrics are very touching!"

Zhong Yutong, who came on stage next, sang a very grand song.

Her voice is very penetrating, and composing songs of this grand style is also her comfort zone.

This is a fast song, a more passionate one.

It is quite consistent with the topic she got.

Xue Lin also returned to her comfort zone and composed a very sweet love song.

The assignment she received at that time was also a letter.

It was written by a college student and tells a story of secret love.

The songs are also very beautiful.

In fact, songs are like this. Most people will think they are pretty good when they first hear them.

But only those that can stand the test of time can truly become classics.

The fundamental reason why they cannot beat Song Dao is not that their creative ability is too poor.

I can only say that it can't be compared with the cheaters.

Because even the popular songs that Song Dao produced were the type that had a very wide audience and were very popular at the time, and you would still feel good listening to them 20 years later.

To the world, these "new songs" are obviously of higher quality than those created by the other three.

So even though the songs of these three people are all good, more netizens are still flooding their screens with anticipation for Song Dao's song written for the soldiers.

Finally, Song Dao came on stage.

Zhuang Yun and his wife were immediately excited.

His wife even joked, "Do you want me to prepare a pack of paper for you?"

"Are you kidding me?"

Zhuang Yun curled his lips and said, "I only sing until I cry when I'm drunk and in a bad mood at the annual gatherings. After all, I've been retired from the army for so many years, so I've matured a lot, right?"

While the couple was talking, Song Dao on the screen was already sitting on a stool with a guitar in his hand, facing the microphone.

The sound of a guitar came, accompanied by a low tambourine.

After nearly thirty seconds of prelude, Song Dao's voice rang out.

【Send to comrades】

【Start the Journey】

[Silently with tears in eyes]

[Camel bells ring in my ears]

Different from his previous mellow and gentle voice, when Song Dao sang the song "Camel Bell", he used the resonance cavities such as the chest, throat and mouth to make his voice fuller, rounder and more infectious!
The voice is also slightly hoarse.

Express that rich emotion instantly.

The deep emotions and sadness of parting were instantly conveyed to the ears of every listener.

The barrage and comment sections instantly began to flood the screen with comments.

"Fuck!"

"I'm in a big trough!"

"Surprised!"

"Is this Brother Dog?"

"This sound gives me a visual all of a sudden!"

Not to mention them, even those who were at the scene sat up straight at once.

Ma Shen, who was already very focused, looked particularly serious.

Old man Li Jun couldn't help but put his hands on his legs and clapped along with the rhythm.

Sun Meiqi, Xue Lin and Zhong Yutong all looked surprised and their eyes were shining when they looked at Song Dao.

Lin Fei was still dressed casually, her expression no longer cold, and she looked at Song Dao tenderly.

Zhao Qi's face was very serious, and he seemed to be similar to his teacher Ma Shen, but in fact there was a big difference.

Ma Shen had a serious expression, but his eyes were bright and focused.

Zhao Qi's seriousness was somewhat...unhappy and disdainful.

He couldn't find anything good about this slow-tempo song.

【The road ahead is long】

【Misty】

【Revolutionary life often breaks up】

[Same, Different Feelings]

This song has a relatively slow tempo in 4/4 beat, and with the slightly hoarse, low and magnetic voice performing it, it gives people a feeling of vicissitudes and tragedy.

When singing the chorus "Comrades, comrades, dear brothers, beware of the cold north wind at night, take care on your journey", that rough and bold feeling suddenly burst out!

Completely different from all his previous singing styles, the straightforward and intense emotional expression goes straight to the top of people's heads.

Then there was a low chorus of "come come come".

When he sang the second verse, the emotion of the song was further developed and sublimated. However, the really terrible thing was that along with his singing, the big screen in the background was playing the picture of veterans being stripped of their shoulder straps, armbands and the national emblem on their heads.

They are called veterans, but they are clearly young faces.

Seeing their distorted expressions as they tried hard to hold back their tears, everyone was instantly moved.

Many people who were watching the show couldn't hold back their excitement.

Zhuang Yun's wife stole a glance at her husband, who claimed that he had been retired for many years and would never cry unless he drank too much with his comrades.

I found him sitting motionless on the sofa, his eyes already blurred by tears.

She didn't hand me the paper or say anything.

I just watched quietly the handsome young man on the screen playing the guitar hard and pushing the sound higher and higher.

There was no widening of eyes or bulging of veins.

But that slightly hoarse high note seemed to pierce the sky!

This is no longer just going straight to the top of the head.

Instead, it makes people's scalp explode!

Although she had never been a soldier, she could no longer hold back her tears.

The barrage has gone crazy at this point.

"I can't stand it anymore, cry!"

“My hands are shaking!”

"Oh my god, is this Song Dao?"

"This horrible high pitch makes my whole body numb!"

"I cried, it was so painful!"

"If it was just this song, I could still bear it, but the scene was too tear-jerking."

"I can't hold it!"

Especially Song's last high note, accompanied by the noticeably heavier drum beats, the tragic and desolate feeling was displayed to the fullest!

"Oh my god, are they sending their comrades off to the battlefield? I feel like they are sending their comrades off to the battlefield. My heart is broken!"

"What kind of god-level scene was that before? This is it!"

"Brother Gou has gone crazy!"

"Seeing those young soldiers, who were called veterans, trying hard to hold back their tears, made my heart ache."

"I hate you, the production team. I've never been a soldier, but I was moved to tears by this scene!"

“They are the cutest people!”

"Song Dao can't write a military song?"

"I would like to ask a veteran: if you listen to this song when you are leaving the army, you will cry to death!"

When the song ended, Song took a deep breath.

This kind of song, this kind of scene, this kind of background picture, isn't it a huge baptism for his heart after singing it?

Put down your guitar and bow gently to the bottom.

There was no one sitting down there at this time.

The shock and appeal of the scene will be even stronger.

Ma Shen cried the most, his eyes were red, and when Song Dao bowed to the stage, he subconsciously stood at attention.

Gave a military salute.

This is the highest respect a veteran can receive.

He wanted to speak, but his churning heart and surging emotions made it impossible for him to utter a single word.

"Let Mr. Ma take his time. I'll talk first."

Lin Fei's eyes were moist, and she picked up the microphone and spoke softly.

Zhu Shao, who was also wiping the corners of his eyes with a tissue, took a deep breath and said, "Okay, Teacher Lin, please give your comments."

Lin Fei said: "This is the first time I've heard this song, and I'm also very surprised. I didn't expect Song Dao to be able to create such a desolate, heroic and majestic song, and I didn't expect..."

She looked at Song Dao on the stage with uncontrollable admiration and love in her eyes: "I didn't expect his high notes to be so outstanding. Many people say that I have a wide range and am good at many styles, but Song Dao, I think he is better than me!"

Song Dao on the stage smiled and bowed slightly.

Lin Fei: "I have never been a soldier, but I have performed in the army many times. I was deeply shocked every time I went. That feeling was like a baptism of the soul.

Going there, you can instantly wash away the hustle and bustle of the world.

What made me cry the most just now was not only the song composed by Song Dao, but also the scene on the screen behind.

I believe that when the audience sees this scene, they will feel like crying like I did.

Why do I say they are the cutest group of people? I don’t think I need to give examples, everyone knows it and there is no need for me to elaborate.

I think just the sight of leaving the barracks when I was discharged is enough.”

As she said this, she glanced at Ma Shen and said, "Now, please let Mr. Ma, who has actually served in the army, share his feelings."

Lin Fei, who rarely speaks so much on the show, said so much in one breath, and her face still showed a strong sense of emotion.

By this time, Ma Shen's emotions had calmed down.

He said to Song Dao on the stage: "I am a singer and also a veteran. I am here, on behalf of all soldiers, to thank you for composing this song!"

As he said this, he saluted Song Dao again.

Then he said with emotion: "It's hard to imagine, how can you write such a song if you have never been a soldier?"

Song Dao picked up the microphone and said: "I have admired soldiers since I was a child. Their noble spirit of defending the country and not fearing sacrifice has always inspired me.

I was deeply moved by this letter from the veteran. I will try to compose more songs about soldiers in the future."

Ma Shen nodded: "You are great!"

"From the beginning till now, along the way, you have impressed me greatly!"

"I think I am no longer qualified to evaluate your singing and songwriting abilities. I can only say..."

Ma Shen looked at Song Dao and said, "Come on! You're great!"

Song Dao bowed slightly.

Next came Sun Meiqi, a young lady who was actually one year younger than Song Dao, with a look of admiration on her face.

"Teacher Song, you are amazing!"

Sun Meiqi's eyes were filled with obvious excitement. She said: "I was born and raised in Hong Kong. My grandfather often told me that we are all Chinese and we must learn to love our country and people. When I grew up, I often watched videos about soldiers.

They are the ones who respond to earthquakes, block floods, and put out fires... In short, you will see them wherever there are difficulties.

But they are young people just like us!

Why must they be the ones?
Is this as it should be?

But they will say, yes, because they are soldiers!

I often think that compared to them, we stars and artists are nothing.

Everyone likes us because we can bring happiness and joy to everyone, but everyone should like them even more.

Because in times of crisis, they are always the ones protecting us!
Your song is really shocking.

From today on, I am your fan!"

Song Dao bowed slightly: "Thank you, Teacher Qiqi."

In fact, the commentary session for singer-songwriters is not fixed and is not mandatory.

Usually, only when you are deeply touched will you be unable to help but want to say something.

The old man was the last to pick up the microphone: "I am over 70 years old and have composed countless songs in my life, but I want to say that no song can compare to this one!"

Song Dao quickly clasped his hands together in greeting.

The old man went on to say: “I am ashamed that I, a creator who has been praised as a legendary figure, have never composed songs for our people’s soldiers.

But I am also very proud that our music scene is lucky to have young people of the new generation like you!
Teachers Lin, Ma, and Sun all said it very well. To sum it up, this group of the cutest people are the idols we should respect and admire the most! "

There was a round of warm applause.

……

That night, the eighth episode of singer-songwriters once again dominated all the headlines without any suspense.

The top ranked ones are almost all the same entries.

There are only two words - "Camel Bells".

Almost everything that follows is related to this.

[A song of camel bells touched countless people]

[Who says Song Dao can't compose military songs]

[A song that can break down the defenses of veterans]

[The best singer-songwriter's true god-level performance]

This song was uploaded to Penguin Music's Best Singer-Songwriter section, and the number of votes went crazy.

If "Lilac" moved countless people, then "Camel Bell" is a song of a higher level.

Netizens' comments on it are all positive.

“Grand, shocking, and magnificent!”

"I will be discharged from the army in just over a month. When I heard this song tonight, my entire class cried."

"I've been retired for many years, but I cried when I heard this song. This song is so sad!"

"I can't bear to see the soldiers crying after their shoulder straps and national emblems were removed."

"I didn't like Song Dao that much before, but this song made me really like this young man."

"I always feel that the young actors nowadays are all effeminate. Although Song Dao doesn't look effeminate, many of his previous songs give people a feeling that is hard to describe. This song makes me look at him in a new light!"

"It was so touching that even an old policeman like me, who retired from the army more than 20 years ago, couldn't help but cry!"

"The live drawing and live creation are so shocking that it makes my scalp tingle. Song Dao is also a talented young creator. I admire him!"

……

The next morning.

After a short rest at home, Song Dao practiced his voice in the park and ran three and a half laps around the track. He felt pretty good.

Recently, he has been increasing his exercise volume little by little.

My physical condition is also getting better and better.

While going to the breakfast shop to have breakfast, I looked at the comments on my phone.

I feel a little uneasy.

He knew that this song was great, but just like the song "Little Grass", he didn't expect it to have such a big impact.

The eighth episode aired yesterday was truly explosive.

Unanimous positive reviews on the internet.

If "Lilac" is just not easy to criticize, then this song cannot be criticized at all!

Even someone as stubborn as Cui Luo wouldn't dare to touch this kind of porcelain.

At this point, many people in the industry have come forward to comment on this song.

After the program was broadcast, Li Jun and Ma Shen both posted on the Water Expo as soon as possible.

Li Jun: The song "Camel Bells" is first-rate in terms of lyrics, composition and singing. I believe it will become a classic song that the soldiers love and hate the most.

I love the sincere comradeship contained in this song, but I hate the sad farewell taste in it.

I also believe and wish Song Dao can create more classic songs about the army in the future to sing praises to this group of the most lovely people!

Ma Shen: I had a deep misunderstanding of this young man, and I even arrogantly made a bet with netizens in the live broadcast room.

Facts have proved that when Song Dao is serious, he is really amazing and excellent.

He is not inferior to Shui Ji San Qian!

As a veteran, I feel ashamed that I haven't written many songs about military service.

In this regard, I need to learn from him.

Veteran salutes you again!

Hall of Fame singer Yin Hong: It was beyond my expectation. I also watched the show last night. The scene was really shocking!
Especially the song so songful combined with the picture on the big screen, I couldn't help but cry at that moment.

Salute to our most lovely people, and also to Song Dao, it’s really great that you created this song!

In addition, major media outlets also reprinted and highly praised the song.

In fact, the group that was most deeply touched was the military personnel.

Whether it is an ordinary veteran like Zhuang Yun or a famous veteran like Ma Shen.

Or the thousands of soldiers currently serving in the military.

Maybe many people don’t know this song for the time being, but as time goes by, and it ferments, it will definitely become a song that resounds throughout the military camp.

Of course, singing to veterans who are about to retire is likely to get you beaten...

The always lively "Tuanzi" account once again reposted and liked this song as soon as possible.

Quoting Yin Hong’s words: Salute to the most lovely people, salute to Song Dao.

In this day and age, even national official media no longer act as high and mighty as they did in the past.

For example, the major official media such as "Guangming Daily", "Renmin Daily", and "Huaxin News Agency".

Another example is Xia State’s official television station “Xia TV”.

We will also choose to reprint truly hot and positive grassroots news.

But it certainly won’t transfer everything.

Generally, the same news will not be forwarded at the same time.

But this time it's different.

First, Xia Shi’s official account on Shuibo reposted the blog post by “Tuanzi”.

Next was the China News Service and People's Daily, which quickly reposted the article and gave it a thumbs up.

The Guangming Daily, which was a bit more reserved, was also quick this time and reprinted the news right after.

People who often play water blogs know that in the Internet age, the actions of these official media are not exaggerated.

But it is rare to see folk news that can be reposted and liked by these several media outlets at the same time!
At the same time, it is also a great honor for one person!

So when Song Dao opened his Shuibo account, he found that he had so many private messages that he couldn't read them all.

I clicked on a few of the comments and found that almost all of them were congratulating him.

"Brother Gou is getting better!"

"Brother Gou is awesome!"

"I'm a veteran, I really like your song, but it's a little trashy... Don't get me wrong, I'm just wiping my tears."

"Brother Gou, Huaxin News Agency, Guangming Daily, Renmin Daily and Xiashi have all reposted and liked your song, you are awesome!"

Tuanzi: I don’t deserve it, right?

Even though he knew very well that being liked by official media was not a big deal in this era, Song Dao was still a little excited.

To the world, it was he who "created" this song that moved countless people, made veterans cry, and made them love and hate it.

To him, this is a cultural fusion and resonance between two worlds!

He was "forced" to accept this wave of praise and felt very honored.

But I am proud of it.

(End of this chapter)