“Opium Boy” is dynamic in multiple dimensions.
In terms of song length, the debut release from ka lok progresses through a
series of intensities. Tribal percussion is often showcased and conveys empowerment.
On the other hand, the conclusion is calming and dream-like. The song’s beginning
resides between empowerment and surreal, as a forceful heartbeat rhythm provides
a foundation for the vocals and other instrumentation.
The
single is additionally dynamic in its contrast of the vocals to the instrumentation.
This contrast is more subtle, but there is often a mismatch in their levels of
urgency. For example, at 2:13, despite the temporary relaxation of the
percussion, there is an urgency that isn’t aligned with the more laid-back, yet
in-your-face, approach to the delivery of the lyrics.
Even
with headphones set at a reasonable volume, “Opium Boy assaults your ears, but it
is willingly accepted. Somewhere there is a cinematic scene in search of “Opium
Boy.”
ka
lok is the Cantonese name of Dalton Lam, who is based in Regina, Saskatchewan.
And “Opium Boy” was a nickname given to him during high school. He explains:
“The
song is about my anxiety during the height of covid lockdown in 2020, as well
as the resurgence of racism I had not felt since I was in high school. I
remember processing the rising xenophobia I had seen directed toward Chinese
people on social media in the summer of 2020. This brought back memories of
being uncomfortable with being Chinese in my hometown. Opium Boy was a nickname
I had been given by students older than me in my high school. This was in
reference to the opium problem that China had suffered during the 17th - 20th
century. I would always let them call me Opium Boy because it was a way for me
to be accepted and because I was afraid to speak up. The more time I spent on
social media, the more I became afraid of how people in my city would view me.
I remember stepping into a grocery store and being unable to make eye contact
with other people, afraid they would judge me for being Chinese. I remember
seeing old people around the city give me dirty looks, but for the most part, I
never ran into any conflict, which I am grateful for.”
“Opium
Boy” by ka lok
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/thisiskalok
Website: https://www.kalok.ca/
Lyrics
of “Opium Boy” by ka lok
Do you feel the quake
move across your face
Let the rushing waves
fill every vein.
Can you hear the wake?
Do you hear your name?
Let it resonate
Don’t let it go to waste
You’ve been so afraid
of the change that this will bring
Oh you know you can’t stay
no, not in this state
You’d rather be still
You can’t let go
With your eyes fixed so low
you won’t find your way home
It's so unbearable, every cell on every screen
Filling your head with fire, until you want to
scream
Open up your eyes, you’ve become the ones you
hate
You’re the same, you’re the same, you’re the same
Hide from the feeling
Hide from the feeling
Hide from the feeling
Hide from the feeling
Hide from the feeling
Hide from the feeling
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