45 Famous Chinese Songs
Contents
23. “Actress” by Joker Xue
Song Year: 2019
A song about fake emotions, this track calls out the narrator’s partner for being overdramatic and manipulating him. The lyrics use many allusions to acting and theater to illustrate how she will say or do anything to get her way.
He’s frustrated with these performances she puts on and just wants her to let her walls down and be honest and genuine with him so they can love each other fully. Her actions lead him to stop caring about the relationship, which he says at the end of the song.
24. “The Distance of Love” by Eric
Song Year: 2014
This song is about needing space after a breakup. The narrator is heartbroken and wants to stay as far away from his former lover as possible. He doesn’t want to be friends or stay in touch because he doesn't want her to see how lonely and hurt he is.
He feels like every time he sees her, the goodbye gets more painful, so he wants to create distance and make a clean break. It speaks to the pain of a breakup and how not everyone can “still be friends,” as so many people say.
25. “The Brightest Star In The Night Sky” by Escape Plan
Song Year: 2012
One of the most famous Chinese songs in the pop genre, this bop by Escape Plan is about losing hope and finding it again in yourself or the ones you love. The narrator talks about trying to find their way again when they feel like everything is hopeless. But in the worst times, the brightest star can guide them, and their beloved is that star.
It’s a moving pop song with sweet lyrics and a familiar sound that is soothing. It touches on existential subjects like the meaning of the world and the narrator’s place or purpose.
26.“Suddenly Missing You” by Elva Hsiao
Song Year: 2004
Another popular song by Elva Hsiao, this track has a slick R&B sound that is moody and edgy. The lyrics are about how you can be fine after a breakup but then one tiny thing reminds you of your former lover and you start missing them all over again. The song is relatable and heartbreaking, as anyone who has ever gone through a breakup knows how long it can take to heal and fully move on.
27. “The Ordinary Road” by Pu Shu
Song Year: 2014
“The Ordinary Road” is a super famous Chinese song in many countries. It’s a soft rock song with deep lyrics about navigating life. The narrator says they once tried to take the road less traveled, go above and beyond, and achieve their dreams.
While they’re not defeated, they now understand that all you can do is take life one day at a time and learn to appreciate the beautiful things in your life. The message is to not waste your life wanting more but to find happiness in the mundane and simple things.
28. “Accident” by Joker Xue
Song Year: 2019
This introspective song is about feeling like you don’t belong in the world. In this song, the narrator says they’re at their best when things are falling apart because they feel like they don't know how to exist in the world as everyone else does.
It’s a sad but relatable song, and the lyrics are directed at someone who seems to fit in, someone the narrator envies. They feel like they don’t deserve to be in the world, but then the lyrics progress to the point where the narrator wonders what it even means to be worth love and life.
39. “Don’t Think Of Me“ by Jason Zhang Jie
Song Year: 2017
This song is tender and sweet, as the narrator asks his former lover to forget about him and move on if they’re not going to be together. The relationship ended quickly and he’s hurt, but he wants to move on without her. Even though he doesn’t understand why they didn’t work, he’s not willing to drag out the pain and doesn’t want to hear an apology.
40. “Most Beautiful Sun“ by Jason Zhang Jie
Song Year: 2007
This track is a love song about the narrator’s beloved who makes the world better and more beautiful just by being alive. The song has an enticing beat and bold vocals that lure you in.
The lyrics talk about how confident he is in his love and how everything, from the sun to the moon to the stars to the flowers is more beautiful and stronger because his lover exists. She makes the world seem brighter and makes him feel fearless.
41. “Gentleman” by Joker Xue
Song Year: 2016
“Gentleman” is a slow and meaningful song, and the central theme is acting properly and behaving when you want to break down.
He sings about wearing the collared shirt and staying in his corner when all he wants to do is reach out and grab his lover. He says no matter what he does or how he looks, he will always just be playing the role of a gentleman and will never actually be one.
42. “The Viral Factor” by Jason Zhang Jie
Song Year: 2011
This song uses intense lyrics and an upbeat sound. Jason Zhang Jie sings about wars, battles, warriors, and blood, but despite these dark images, the song is optimistic and inspiring. It’s about standing your ground and believing in yourself no matter how hard things become. The narrator talks about his passion and integrity, which is why he fights.
43. “Just Met You” by Li Yugang
Song Year: 2017
“Just Met You” is about falling in love from the moment you see someone. The meeting is fleeting and ends quickly, leaving the narrator at a loss for his new love. He hopes and prays that they’ll see each other again one day, but for now, all he can do is dream about how beautiful and amazing she was.
