In 1984, Xu Wei began learning to play the guitar at the age of sixteen, when he started high school. In April 1986, he attended the first guitar-singing competition in Xi'an, and won first prize. After writing his first song, Xu abandoned university entrance exams to pursue his love of music.
At the end of 1987, Xu Wei joined the People's Liberation Army, working in the arts troupe of Shaanxi military region. In 1988, he came into contact with rock music for the first time. The following year, he was offered entry into the Fourth Military Medical University but turned down the opportunity. During the three years in the army, Xu taught himself to compose music and write songs, producing several pop songs.
Xu Wei left the army in the winter of 1990. He became known among the avant-garde of Xi'an as an outstanding guitarist.
In 1993 he organised the band Fly (飞) which including the best musicians in Xi'an. As time passed, Xu Wei became a very dynamic individual artist, receiving accolades for his unique style. And has since started his very successful solo career.
See Xu Wei for samples.
road
许巍 Lyrics
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Trailers for sale
Trailers for sale)
I ain't got no cigarettes
It takes four hours of pushin' broom
To buy a four-by-twelve two-bit room
I'm a man of means, by no means
[Chorus:]
Trailers for sale or rent
Rooms to let, fifty cents
No cars, no pool, no pets
I ain't got no cigarettes
It takes four hours of pushin' broom
To buy a four-by-twelve two-bit room
I'm a man of means, by no means
King of the road
(Take slower)
It takes four hours of pushin' broom
To buy a four-by-twelve two-bit room
I'm a man of means, by no means
King of the road
(One more time)
[Chorus:]
The lyrics to the song "Road" by 许巍 paint a vivid picture of a man who is down on his luck and facing tough times. The opening line "Trailers for sale" is repeated three times, setting the tone for the entire song. The singer then reveals that he doesn't have any cigarettes, before going on to lament his financial situation. He sings about how it takes him four hours of pushing a broom just to be able to afford a small room, and despite being a man of means, he is no king of the road.
The chorus further emphasizes the singer's struggle, as he sings about trailers for sale or rent, rooms to let for only fifty cents, and the fact that he has no car, pool, or pets. The line "I ain't got no cigarettes" is repeated again, driving home just how difficult things are for him. The final verse repeats the same lyrics as the first, emphasizing the singer's desperation and inability to improve his situation.
Overall, the song is a poignant commentary on poverty and the harsh realities of life for those who are struggling to get by. The repetition of certain lines and phrases helps to underscore the singer's sense of hopelessness, while the simple melody and sparse instrumentation allow the lyrics to take center stage.
Line by Line Meaning
Trailers for sale
There are used mobile homes available for purchase
I ain't got no cigarettes
I don't have any cigarettes
It takes four hours of pushin' broom
I have to work hard and do a menial task for four hours
To buy a four-by-twelve two-bit room
In order to afford a small, cheap room, I need to work very hard and save up
I'm a man of means, by no means
Despite my financial situation, I have some pride and dignity
King of the road
I may be poor, but I am still in control of my own destiny and life
Rooms to let, fifty cents
There are rooms available for rent, but they are very cheap
No cars, no pool, no pets
There are no frills or luxuries available in the rooms for rent, just basic accommodations
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROGER MILLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind