New Song from Swedish Group ‘Yellow Express’ Entitled “Keep the Freedom for the (HK) People” (Song Against Article 23) – A Clearharmony Interview with the Writer and Frontman

Recently, Swedish group ‘Yellow Express’ released a new song entitled “Keep the Freedom for the (HK) people (Song Against Article 23).” A reporter from Clearharmony interviewed Yellow Express’s frontman and songwriter Mr. Anders Ericksson.

Reporter: Hi Anders.
Anders: Hi.

Reporter: Recently you wrote a song called “Keep the Freedom for the (HK) people (Song Against Article 23).” Would you please tell us why you wrote this song?

Anders: I intended to write a song, but failed to come up with a good subject. When I found out about the objective and the content of Hong Kong’s Article 23 legislation, I could not help worrying about the freedom and human rights of Hong Kong residents. Since I didn’t want to see China extends its human rights abuses to Hong Kong, I wanted to use this song to express my wish – get rid of Article 23.

Reporter: What kind of consequences may Hong Kong’s Article 23 legislation bring to its residents?

Anders: It will result in a series of vicious consequences, such as the restriction of the freedom of speech, belief, human rights, etc. Just like the Chinese regime, the Hong Kong government may use this Article to oppress its residents, and my friends in Hong Kong may also be persecuted. I know that [Article 23] is to oppress Falun Gong and other organizations, which are banned in China. Freedom of belief is a basic human right. I know how Falun Gong practitioners and Christians are being persecuted in China. They have undergone extremely cruel torture and killing.

Reporter: How much time did it take you to write this song?

Anders: It can take me a lot of time to write a song. In addition, I need some time to polish it, especially the lyrics. However, it took me only several hours in two or three days to write this song. Perhaps it was because I sensed the urgency and seriousness of this issue.

Reporter: Please introduce us to your new song “Keep the Freedom for the (HK) people (Song Against Article 23).”

Anders: This song was created from my heart. Its purpose is to urge people to stand up for their freedom and human rights in Hong Kong and Macao, and oppose the legislation of Article 23 of Hong Kong’s basic law.

Reporter: Can we listen to this song now?

Anders: Go ahead, please.

For a free download of the song, please visit:

High (6.58MB) | Low (1.64MB)

Lyrics:

Keep the Freedom for the people (Song Against Article 23)

A dangerous legislation, article 23.
It could ruin a nation; and it could affect both you and me.

Let’s all speak out, and stop it now.
Don’t let Chinese leaders put pressure on Hong Kong and Macao.

Chorus:
Ooh, keep the freedom for the people.
Ooh, let’s stand up for human rights.
We’ll make that icy northerly wind,
Turn into a summer breeze somehow.

This law is not for the people, it's a law for the state.
Like in Mainland China. We cannot just stand here and wait.
Don’t let the police, do as they please.
Don’t let the government suppress freedom of belief.

Chorus:
Ooh, keep the freedom for the people.
Ooh, let’s stand up for human rights.
We’ll make that icy northerly wind,
Turn into a summer breeze somehow.

The world must speak out, when there’s something wrong.
What scares dictators is when people know what’s going on.
Put the light on Hong Kong. Put the light on Macao.
Put the light on Article 23 and stop it now!

Chorus:
Ooh, keep the freedom for the people.
Ooh, let’s stand up for human rights.
We’ll make that icy northerly wind,
Turn into a summer breeze somehow.

Translated from Chinese at http://www.yuanming.net/articles/200307/22024.html