Lin Xi
Lin Xi is one of the most significant figures in Hong Kong’s music industry. In the past 20 years, the lyricist has penned over 2,000 songs. He talks to June Ng about status-induced anxiety disorders, being a rebel, and what he’s learned about love.
I’m a local Hongkonger through and through. My upbringing was unreasonably strict and old-fashioned. I have more than 10 siblings from different mothers, so from an early age, I’ve known how to get along with people.
We were poor growing up, and my family background made me a tough child. Nothing shocked me, not when I started school, and not when I started working.
I watched the tension between my parents and it made me think of love’s defects. People get together because of love, but things rapidly change. Why?
In a way, it must be nice to have never experienced love. The concept would remain pure in your mind, and any relationship you would have would be rational and peaceful. Then again, a life without love can be a tragedy.
You can’t force true love. If the spark is not there, it’s useless—even if you tie explosives to yourself.
All of my sparks are burned out. I don’t think I’ll ever meet anyone who will ignite those feelings in me again. I over-analyze love. I’ve been forced to write so many love songs that I now know love inside out.
Love follows a set of rules. It is no different from economics or politics. Once you realize that, your ability to enjoy love will decline. This is an occupational hazard for me.
