Since the early twentieth century, Hong Kong has always been an important venue for Cantonese opera development. After 1949, as a result of political turmoil in the Mainland, performers and troupes converged and resettled in the territory, leading to a tremendous prospering of Cantonese opera in the subsequent decade. This development is linked intimately with the rise of the electronic media.
Performers and troupes began to grasp the possibilities offered by film and radio to re-examine age-old performance practices with regard to acting, singing, script writing, instrumentation, and stage set-up. They brought in novel elements from the theatre and movie world, and participated in the production of films and records. With these acts, they are extending the movement to modernize Cantonese opera that began in the 1930s.
Wong Jum-sum was thoroughly immersed in the world of Cantonese opera from young. Through his close encounter with master performers like Hung Sin-nui, Ma Si-tsang, Yam Kim-fai, Pak Suet-sin and Tong Dik-sang, he witnessed first hand the modernization of Cantonese opera, and was mightily moved by the adventure and passion he saw.
Young Wong Jum-sum adored Mando pop master composer Yao Min, but did not get the chance to put lyrics to the latter’s compositions until the he passed away in the 1960s. Tears of Love was the first fruit of that ‘collaboration’.
The tune was Yao Min’s Lovers’ Tears, set to Wong Jim’s English lyrics. The performers were the Chopsticks, every inch the hybrid presence that symbolized Hong Kong popular culture's unique vitality.
Composer: Yau Mien (Yao Min) 姚敏
Lyricist: James Wong 黃霑
Vocalist: The Chopsticks 筷子姊妹花
Oh why do lonely tears have to fall
When sadly I recall my love for you
The moments that we’ve shared
Were so real so true
But now you’re gone
And I’m alone, alone and blue
Oh now my lonely tears have to fall
And sadly I recall my love for you
If I had never cared
And love we’d never shared
Oh then my tears will never fall
Will never fall
Though spring is here
And love so near
Your sweet words of love
I no longer hear
When you’re not here no love is near
I still remember oh so clear
our love so dear
Oh now my lonely tears have to fall
And sadly I recall my love for you
If I had never cared,
And love we’d never shared
Oh then my tears will never fall
Will never fall
