-^-for posterity-^-

when my family was here my brother used to enjoy listening to vietnamese pop music. every song is about love and he picked one out that was his favorite. it’s called, “a lovely declaration of love two.” he likes it because it starts out in english and the singer is hilariously cocky.

we bought the cd before he left. the singer is standing on the front of the cover with his thumbs casually tucked into his belt. he’s standing in front of a teal background which doesn’t help. he’s wearing black jeans, a black belt with a large silver buckle, a denim, button-up shirt tucked in and provocatively opened (it’s torn in several places including the sleeves and the collar) and a large, silver and red chain around his neck. this is pop. he’s staring off into the distance with a large smirk on his face and a dopy haircut. he’s not incredibly handsome nor does he look sharp witted. he looks a little slow and is definitely not threatening. he’s either a paperboy or he bags groceries.

the song talks about love, but not love like we would understand it in american pop. he’s talking about the same love that children routinely discuss in playgrounds all across america.

here is my translation:

(english)
i’m number one!
i’m number one!

(vietnamese)
i swear that i’ll love you for a very long time,
love you passionately for all my life,
(english)
i’m number one!
(vietnamese)
handsome, lovely and with a heart that is steadfast and faithful.

meet each other at night,
it seems like such a long time,
our love already has been given to us.
honey, let’s love each other!
stop worrying anyways,
love me, love me now!

men love you darling
listen to my heart,
listen to the language of love resound,
reserve your love for me!

men love you darling,
a dream, a wish, anyways far away.
you know, right?

(english)
i love you!
i love you!