BLOG – ‘Gweilo Moments’ Song by RTHK’s Steve James

Date: 2012.10.11 | Category: Blog, Possibly Racist | Tags: blog,possibly racist

A song about the SAR’s ex-patriots by RTHK Radio 3′s Steve James…

Gweilo moments, silly situations,
Gweilo moments, all those small frustrations.
You’re standing in line, the bus is on time and you started boarding,
Someone jumps the queue and that when you start throwing a wobbly.
Gweilo moments, a blood-boiling-type tantrum,
Gweilo moments, usually no good reason.

Can’t get in the lift, I can’t quite make it but the guy sees me running,
I don’t stand a chance, he’s avoiding my glance as the lift doors are closing.
Gweilo moments, self-induced frustration,
Gweilo moments, tsz seen reputation.
Time after time, I’m all on my own,
Gweilo moments, a pointless moan.

Chinese you try to speak, one word you repeat, you’re given a quizzed face,
Then they look at you and repeat back to you what you said in the first place.
Gweilo moments, every day frustrations,
Gweilo moments, maddening situations,
You don’t understand and neither do I,
Boy I’m having a gweilo moment, like a child.

How crazy you are, lei ho gau cha wah, dim guy lay ho ma fan,
I go into this thing, I end up mumbling and glaring at someone.
You’re walking down town, it’s busy and loud, you’re a TST regular,
The crowd is so huge but it’s only you whose attacked by the tailor.

Gweilo moments, crazy guy.

Steve James is also responsible for the famous MTR Song (not to be confused with Fat County’s MTR Song)…

Let’s start from the very beginning
Though there’s plenty of places to start
If you want to get around
You can get all over town
Just by stepping underground onto the M-T-R (M-T-R)
MTRKCR say… Just follow me:

Tsuen Wan, Tai Wo Hau, Kwai Hing, Kwai Fong,
Lai King, and Mei Foo, Lai Chi Kok,
Cheung Sha Wan, Sham Shui Po, and Tai Chi Doh
(change trains) Shek Kip Mei, Kowloon Tong,
Lok Fu, Wong Tai Sin, Diamond Hill,
Choi Hung, and onto Kowloon Bay,
Ngau Tau Kok, Kwun Tong and Lam Tin,
and then Yau Tong change for Quarry Bay

North Point, Fortress Hill, and Tin Hau,
Tung Lo Wan, in English Causeway Bay,
Wan Chai, next for me – Admiralty,
Central and then you have a choice
Sheung Wan but I like Tsim Sha Tsui
Jordan we’re off to Yau Ma Tei
Mong Kok and here we are again
we’ve returned to Prince Edward Road
so if you want to get around just get yourself down to the M-T-R

Finally, a Ghostbusters-style tribute to Hong Kong’s filibusters…

Follow Steve on Facebook or listen on RTHK Radio 3.