From the heart of a loafer

I was randomly playing songs in my Apple Music when out of the thousand over songs I have, this was played and I had a nostalgic moment

This is a song by Sam Hui and to me it really showcases the beauty of the Cantonese language. Notice the wealth of meaning with the economy of words.

I like the song except for the part where he says life destines you, which of course I don't agree. I make my decisions in life and in Christ I decide and have life.

And the part on clear conscience and living a just life deserving greatest joy would make a good discussion because it doesn't happen. Who is to say your conscience is clear and your life is just to begin with.

For those who don't know the language, I found the translation here which I've added to the lyrics below.

浪子心聲

Long ji sam seng

From the Heart of a Loafer

難分真與假

Nan fan zhan yu ga

It's hard to tell the true from the false

人面多險詐

Yan min do him za

People's appearances are deceitful

幾許有共享榮華

Gei hui yau gung heong wing wa

Who will share in your glory

簷畔水滴不分差 

Sim bun sui dik bat fan ca 

Water droplets from the eaves is in one stream (meaning not willing to share success and wealth with others and only enjoy it alone)

無知井裡蛙

Mou zi zheng lui wa 

I was as ignorant as a frog in a well

徙望添聲價

Tou mong tim sing ga

Hoping to find fame and fortune

空得意目光如麻

Hoong dak yi muk gwong yu ma

Overeager and short-sighted

誰料金屋變敗瓦 

Sui liu gham nguk bin bai nga

Who knew my golden palace would become a wreck of failure

命裡有時終須有

Ming lui yau si zhong sui yau

If life destines something for you, you will have it in the end

命裡無時莫強求 

Ming lui mou si mok kheong khau

If life destines you never to have it, there is no point forcing it

雷聲風雨打

Lui sing fung yu da

When lightning strikes, and thunder roars, and wind howls, and rain patters

何用多驚怕

Ho yung do ging pa

There is no need to be afraid

心公正白璧無瑕

Sam gung jing bak bik mou ha

So long as your conscience is clear and your heart is just

行善積德最樂也 

Hang sin jik dak zui lok ya

The person who does good deserves the greatest joy

命裡有時終須有

Ming lui yau si zhong sui yau

If life destines something for you, you will receive it in the end

命裡無時莫強求 

Ming lui mou si mok kheong khau

If life destines you never to have it, there is no point forcing it

人比海裡沙

Yan bei hoi lui sa

People are as the sand of the sea

毋用多牽掛

Mou yung do hin gwa

There is no point worrying too much

君可見漫天落霞

Gwan ho gin man tin lok ha

You see the sunset in the sky

名利息間似霧化

Ming lei sik gan ci mou fa 

Fame and fortune disappear like that mist

君可見漫天落霞

Gwan ho gin man tin lok ha

You see the sunset in the sky

名利息間似霧化

Ming lei sik gan ci mou fa 

Fame and fortune disappear like that mist

pearlie