Cantopop Collection: Recounting those eras where light and shadow intertwined with Cantonese songs, recording unforgettable melodies in the heart, sharing stories of popular or niche Hong Kong music.
Preface#
Among the many classic works in the Chinese music scene, some songs can instantly strike the softest part of the heart. In 2014, Hins Cheung’s release of “Youth Eternal” was precisely such a work. This song, with lyrics by Wyman Wong and composed by Hins Cheung and Johnny Yim together, not only became the lead single for Hins Cheung’s first album Morph after joining Emperor Entertainment Group, but its live duet version with Tam Yuk Ying during that year’s concert also moved countless audiences.
“Doraemon, please don’t grow old, stay with me as I grow taller” — this opening lyric instantly transports listeners back to that innocent childhood era. Starting from childhood memories, the song expresses helplessness against the passage of time and a longing for beautiful things to last forever, striking a chord with an entire generation.
The Song#
Lyrics#
Doraemon, please don't grow oldStay with me as I grow tallerSaint Seiya, please don't grow oldStay with me as I fight my battlesEven as a child, I knew early onThe taste of the truthYet I longed for perfection, to defy fateAll my idols standing tall foreverMom and Dad forever safe and soundBest of all, the faces I care aboutWould never age
Why is it that while wanderingWhile playing, we suddenly grow oldWe agree on somethingBut by the time it can be fulfilled, you're already asleepPraying for old friends to live foreverOld loves to last forever, don't just grow oldTime, this villainIs so utterly relentlessNot even allowing a moment's pause
Fong Fong, please don't grow old, lead the trend once moreKa Ka, please don't grow old, reach new heightsLife, in a daze, has brought me to this pointI can only rely on you to remind me I'm not old yetHow wonderful those years wereWhy can't I encounter them againThose who have already turned graySeem to be making a silent accusation
Why is it that while wanderingWhile playing, we suddenly grow oldWe agree on somethingBut by the time it can be fulfilled, you're already asleepPraying for old friends to live foreverOld loves to last forever, don't just grow oldTime, this villainIs so utterly heartlessNot even allowing a slower departure
Why is it that while wanderingWhile playing, we suddenly grow oldWe agree on somethingBut by the time it can be fulfilled, you're already asleepPraying for old friends to live foreverOld loves to last forever, don't just grow oldTime, this villainIs so utterly heartlessNot even allowing a slower departureSignificance of the Era#
It is worth mentioning that Hins Cheung has stated at multiple award ceremonies that singing “Youth Eternal” makes him think of the Hong Kong voice actor for Doraemon, Bo-Chuen Lam. On January 2, 2015, Bo-Chuen Lam passed away due to illness. Hins Cheung wrote a tribute on Instagram, quoting the song’s first line, “Doraemon, please don’t grow old, stay with me as I grow taller,” which resonated deeply once again. The song re-entered the Commercial Radio Ultimate Song Chart in the second week of 2015, a rare occurrence.
“Youth Eternal” is more than just a song; it is a collective memory and emotional anchor for a generation. It sings of the complex feelings of those born in the 80s and 90s as they face growth and the passage of time — nostalgia for the beautiful days of childhood, reluctant acceptance of reality’s helplessness, and a gentle hope for the future.
💡 “Though we stand here naked, at the mercy of time’s blade, at least in our hearts we should hold onto such a gentle hope and belief.” May we all, within time’s torrent, retain that persistence and love for beautiful things.