On this day last year, a great musician whom I deeply admire passed away. His name was Ryuichi Sakamoto. Just a few days ago, I finished reading his final autobiography - . The book is filled with poignant stories and profound reflections, it struck me profoundly and I feel I’ve only just begun to appreciate the depths of his artistry and how great a human being he was.
Below are some of the stories and music that particularly touched me in the book.
🎵 Yesterday，When I Was Young
When Ryuichi Sakamoto was hospitalized during his cancer treatment, one day he played a song sent by his son. He find his tears streamed down after hearing the intro and verse. The version he listened to was sung by Roy Clark. I had previously heard Dusty Springfield’s version of this song in the movie “Toast”, which was also deeply moving. Listening to Roy Clark’s rendition while reading the lyrics, my tears cascaded down and blurred my vision. Perhaps because I just had my birthday celebration three days ago, I couldn’t help but ponder the thousand dreams I dreamed and the pain my dazzled eyes refused to see.
Yesterday when I was young
The taste of life was sweet as rain upon my tongue
I teased at life as if it were a foolish game
The way the evening breeze may tease a candle flame
The thousand dreams I dreamed
the splendid things I planned
I always built to last on weak and shifting sand
I lived by night and shunned the naked light of the day
And only now I see how the years ran away
Yesterday when I was young
So many happy songs were waiting to be sung
so many wild pleasures lay in store for me
and so much pain my dazzled eyes refused to see
Today marks a solemn anniversary. Yet, despite the passing of time, his essence lingers like continued melody, still the light of many people’s hearts. ,