Dick Lee Life Story

Home , My Life Story, No One Needs to Know

This is dedicated to my father, who nurtured me with jazz and krontjong (an Indonesian musical style). I've written English words, (with escape as a theme), and tried to do a tropical fantasy in today's package-tour language. Bengawan Solo, by the way, is the name of a river. Dick Bengawan Solo, the river of my dreams Drifting through my secret life To places where I haven't been. No one needs to know Lee Where you can carry me You can take me down your streams Life And show me what my wishes mean River of desire When you are calm you only soothe me Story But when you overflow with fire You spark my wildest dreams.

Bengawan Solo take me away to where I don't have to be myself Like you, I'd flow without a care.

Bengawan Solo riwayatmu ini sedari dulu All Rights Reserved,jadi Perhatia Nationaln Insan Libraryi Board, Singapore DISC1 LIFE STORY date Learn something new I auditioned for a talent show in 1973 What are you hoping to prove? with this song, one of the first few I Make some money, find a wife, had written. In a sense, it changed Have a kid or two my life, as the song became the title Thinking back, I like to dream track of my first album. Here is a Of things I would have done new version, 20 years on. After If I were braver, considering various ways to treat it, Then again, I'm not - What can I do? I've decided to stick as close as Maybe if I had another chance possible to the original version. I'd go into my past And make my life a better one "Wake up" she said, "Look it's a For me & you beautiful day." Downstairs to the kitchen door chorus And then away LIFE STORY (1973) Into the light - morning feeling lives When it's time and I must close After singing with my vocal group on I'll write a book and sign it "X" Harmony for a couple of years, I Come the clouds, the moon And send it to some True -Romance decided to go solo, mainly because I And morning is gone type had begun experimenting with son- Magazine somewhere gwriting and wanted to sing my own Born today some years ago Then the world will read of me songs. So, one day, in 1973, I And had a happy childhood And say - "There lived a hero" auditioned for a talent contest held But I feil in love and out But too late my friends and enemies by Rediffusion, a local cable radio And nothing changed I guess life isn't fair station. The song I sang, Life Story, Lived a life of nothing much So my Life Story impressed the auditioner so much But then how much can one expect It's quite explanatory that he thought it was better to put So there you are, my life has gone Won't you please start from page me on the show every week as a But I'm the same one guest artiste to entertain the audi And do go on ence while the judges were deliber chorus Till I am done ating. It turned out to be a really Just my Life Story Till I am done good decision as I was then able to Minute by second, a story Till I am done perform two of my own composi That goes on forever tions each week. The day of the With each breath that I take credit for' Life Story:song grand finals was my first big break. This is my Life Story Produced & arranged by Dick Lee The song I performed was Fried Rice Uneventfullest story Vocal : Dick Lee Paradise, and it caught the attention That ages with each year and birth Strings : Tang Quartet of one of the judges who was a day cake Guiter : Martin Pereira record company executive. I was Supervisor : Martin Nagano signed up, and a few months later, "Get up" she said, "Hurry or you Recorded & Mixed by Masayuki my first album, Life Story was might be late" Amano at ONKIO HAUS STUDIO, released. Everyday you hurry off to keep your Tokyo All Rights Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore Dick Lee at age 10

All Rights Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore A musical family! (From right) All Rights Reserved, NationalAndrew Library, John, Peter Board,, Patrici Singaporea and Dick. Assistant Engineer: Yukihiro Fukuda Do you like Schubert? Do you like & Tatsuya Ono at ONKIO HAUS INC. jazz? Lesten to the music - let the music through CULTURE Show them you appreciate what they're trying to do. Singapore in 1983 was looking des perately for some sense of identity, 1984 Produced by and at the time, many diverse pro Dick Lee & Richard Goh grammes were tried out. Some of them worked, but mostly, they seemed a little contrived. This song FLOWER DRUM SONG was a friendly but satirical comment on the way "Culture" was being This was my first experiment with imposed on us. folk songs, and I chose this one because I had learnt it at school, and Listen to the music - let the music more recently, sung it when I was in through the Singapore Youth Choir. My Show them you appreciate what brother Peter was at the time very they're trying to do involved with his discovery of our Exercise some discipline - don't tap Chinese roots, so this song was your feet too hard dedicated to him. Try to see that what you hear has INTERNATIONALAND (Single) got no counterpart Not a soul in sight, the flower drums (19S0) Culture awaken the night. Jimmy Wee, who was with EMI when When you look upon the wall, do you Shattering the moonlight, maybe Life Story was released, noticed me see dots and lines? ruining a million dreams then, and remembered me when he And when you watch the dancing Animated girls in pink, blossoms in moved to WEA. He contacted me in figures, do they dance in time? their hair, the summer of 1980 when I was back Teach yourself or have it fed into Marching, drums in hand, but are from London on my college vacation you day and night they really there? and asked me to do a demo single. Soon you'll come to understand the What is this parade? Wishful think Recording local artistes with their dances, dots and lines. ing someone said. original material was Dretty risky back Culture Only I can see them, waving flags then, as the music industry in Sin Ladies & gentlemen, we proudly and burning paper lanterns. gapore was virtually non-existent present And above on darkened clouds, the since the government restrictions in The greatest works ever created by monkey god is calling: the early 70's. However, I'll always man "Come back to where you know your be grateful to Jimmy for taking the Do tears come to your eyes homesick heart is falling. chance with me. Anyway, the song When all the characters emote Follow the dragons tail, be guided by was recorded, coupled with These It comes as no surprise the drumming." Boys, put onto a 6 inch single, and After all, culture's forced down your never released! (It was used for throat CHORUS sampling, but had no response.) All Rights Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore Chuo sow lo, yo sho ku, sho na chuo Here we are the product of material lor ku, lai chang ker. things Pier ti ker er wo yea pu hway chang, Empty-valued carelessnesses vani Tzer huay chang ker fong yang ker. shing Trr liang tong piauw yee piauw etc. A bit too late; oh well, that's fate - embarrassing Should I go or stay? The flower Overdressed, we've never had the drums are on the way, time to feel Giving me no reasons to stay as who Overdone in our attempts at overkill I seem to be. Always going overboard to get a In an oriental tongue those like I will thrill speak, Never again! But maybe I will We'll bring the people home, the flower drums will lead. We, the mindless servants of society Show them the heritage they don't Mimicking the public in self-parody know that they seek. How we go on, but now it's wrong - It's clear to me, it's where I want to we think we see be: We, the adolescent offspring never In Flower Drum Land. Aaaa age If I awaken, will I still hear them Elegantly canvassing the power age play? How we go on, well we were born My Flower Drum Song will take us all into the craze LIFE IN THE UON CITY (1983) away. Having never ever seen the other When I returned from my studies, I side met Jimmy again, and this time he 1984 Produced by We fall into the world with our eyes decided to go ahead with his plans Dick Lee & Richard Goh open, wide for reviving the music scene in Sin Complacency and satisfaction is a gapore. Our first project was an crime album for my childhood friend INTERNATIONALAND But not today - some other time. Jacintha, and I produced her first album, Silence. That really gave me Originally recorded as a demo in Time to grow up, time to face the a lot of confidence, and I was inspir 1980, I rearranged it for my 2nd world ed to do my own album of very album. The song is about my Salad days are over for most of the Singaporean songs. Jimmy liked the impressions of Singapore, and being boys and girls idea and gave me the go ahead, but a part of this rapidly modernizing Working and living may not be fun unfortunately the public wasn't inter city. But there is bound to be something ested in hearing anything that origi going for everyone nal yet. Life in the Lion City gave me Here we are the children of the And as for me I'll carry on as I am the first opportunity to work with folk middle-class The Virgin boy from Internationaland songs, and mix traditional instru Growing out of childhood in a final ments with synthesizers -- in other dance Here you are developed by the words, it was my introduction to the A bit too late, but as I've said-won't power plant search for a new identity via music. ever last. Surrounded only by the things you'd All Rights Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore An early performance at Redifussion Singapore's Talent Contest Dick entered as a contestant but became a guest performer because of his high standard of performance.

All Rights Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore ever want Show me an opening, impress me But look at me - I'll always be the things you can't Were you just hiding or were you shy Here you are the coded clones of Was all you told me the truth or lies industry And was I to look for your reasoning Realism when once you had fantasy When all you did was to turn away Don't you regret we ever met? - now from answers look at me Understand that you were always Now as I'm looking back free to choose All the right moves I lack I knew it was a game only for me to Come to me so should I see the way loose You sacrificed life for a pair of Maybe I could of made it better working shoes But you didn't turn to me And now you've learned - well, carry You only had to let it out to make me SUR1RAM (12 inch single) (1983) on see This song was an outtake from Life Here I am the leftover of my lifestyle So much is left unsaid in the Lion City, but it was really an I think I'll hang around this way for I hope you knew that I care excuse to do an extended remix of awhile It's too late, I'm afraid, much too late Internationaland, on the B-side, which I rerecorded for that album. If Too bad you must go What is the point of questioning? I'm not mistaken, it was the first time You don't have to go I'm not in control of what's happen a remix was attempted, (albeit a Well, if you must go don't wait for me ing rather primitive try.) You gave no warning, you let me 1984 Produced by down Dick Lee & Lichard Goh I'm losing my way and you're not here to guide me

UNSAID Now as I start again Knowing that things will change I was asked to write the music for a I'm trying not to let regret come in play performed during the Singapore Arts Festival, and besides the theme * repeat BUMBO AT (12 inch single) (1984) song, I wrote this ballad which was This single contained two songs used as background music for one I go on asking why from the play Bumboat! which was scene. This was my second duet To ease the hurt inside commissioned by the first Singapore with Jacintha, the first being on her I think I ought to try to know this time Arts Festival. I wrote two songs for album of 1983, Silence. the play, Bumboat and Unsaid, and Maybe I could of made it better the most important thing for me, was How can I make some sense of it? But you didn't turn to me that it was my inauguration into the Show me how to make the pieces fit You only had to let it out to make me atre, something I dreamed about for If there's a way out of everything see years. I mean well So much is left unsaid, All Rights Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore I hope you knew that I cared Down from wooden walls I'll call before I come, Much, too much Hiding from the changing world out Don't wanna startle you with my side. footsteps - baby! 1984 Produced by Dick Lee Here - someone lost his youth I'm making my way back home Somewhere in the maze the answer - an underplayed attack that's waits. slightly underdone RETURN TO BEAUTY Is the hoping and the dreaming just a Don't wanna make my presence felt WORLD waste? just yet - baby! Oh No! Here is your chance to state condi When I was a child, I was often I've wasted so much precious time tions fair to both taken to a market near my home. Collecting all my dreams And after I've signed in blood can I This place was to me a wonderland And storing them until my mind come home? of wooden stalls covered with zinc Is bursting at the seams. Can I come home? roofs under which food, clothing, Finally I'm going crazy. Chorus appliances and other vendors plied Now there's so much to remind me Will there be "Welcome" on the their wares. I spent many mesmer I'll throw it all away and just return - welcome mat ized afternoon wandering through Return to Beauty World Good to be back - I never thought I' the maze of stalls, especially attract d ever really say ed to the record shops. It was here (Instrumental) That's it's so good to be back that I discovered Pop Music! Every road leads to you - Here back where I belong - The signs along the way I've lost too many crazy years The pasar malam plays familiar Direct me to your door - Wild days and careless fun songs And once inside, I know I'll want to They're there and I can almost touch Then I know the magicf feeling hasn' stay - baby! them t gone Why did I ever go? Like words on tips of tongues. Return! What led me astray? Looking in my dictionary But now I'm home again For the nouns that might remind me. 1985 Produced by It seems just like I've never been I come across the magic word Dick Lee & Sydney Tan away - baby! "Return" Now that I'm giving in - Return to Beauty World. You 're no longer on your own GOOD TO BE BACK You're finally in my arms. The days gone by have blurred into And I've come home, at last I'm A woolly recognition Sidney Tan, who produced this home I've lost all sense of dejavu album, encouraged me to venture Repeat Chorus Reduced to aimless wishing into the field of fusion, and being a Turning to dead end alleys fan of fusion jazz anyway, I had 1985 Produced by Dick Lee & Lost for words that might remind me. several jazzy songs. This one is one Sydney Tan A neon sign then spells it clearly of my favourites, featuring brother "Return" John on backing vocals. Return to Beauty World. I'm paving my way in form There Chinese Starlets smiled Treading softly back All Rights Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore SOLDIER SAILOR situations

I wrote this song about growing up Without bruises or tears. for a friend who was uncertain about his future. He was just about to do Chorus his national service, and, having gone through it myself, I wanted to Bridge reassure him that everything would Enemies laught at you RETURN TO BEAUTY WORLD be alright. The song is inspired by Show them that you don't care. (1985) the children's rhyme: Tinker, tailor, Nobody can hurt you For my next album with WEA, I soldier, sailor, rich man, poor man, They're not really there. worked with my good friend Sidney beggarman, thief -- a game played Chorus Tan, then a medical student with to determine your future! enormous talent. Jimmy Wee gave 1985 Produced by me the freedom to do what I liked, The circumstances say Dick Lee & Sydney Tan and discouraged by the public You shouldn't be so bold response to things local, I decided to Don't let the rules persuade go commercial, but still couldn't A hasty yes or no WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME resist a touch of East meets West in Remember when you got away with TOMORROW the title track. anything? Now it isn't quite the same One of Carole King's best songs, it Now you hesitate but only a little has always been covered as a ballad, So you won't get the blame. so I thought : why not change the Dick on stage in Singapore. mood to make it sound more hopeful Chorus rather than lamenting. Not like you used to - Like when I know you. Tonight you're mine completely I'd like to know that your love on the track. suede shoes Show me that you can change - You give your love so sweetly Is love I can be sure of You can do anything but lay off my Soldier, sailor, Tonight the light of love is in your So tell me now, and I won't ask Let's have a one for the money blue suede shoes FRIED RICE PARADISE (1986) This is the big time, eyes again A two for the show You can knock me down This compilation came about mainly Not what you're used to But will you love me tomorrow? Will you still love me tomorrow? A three to get ready now go, cat go You can stare in my face because Jimmy wanted to revive And everything will seem strange - Is this a lasting treasure Don't you step on my blue suede You can spread my name all over Fried Rice Paradise along with some Soldier, Sailor - Or just a moment's pleasure REPEAT CHORUS shoes the place other songs that were either Be on your guard. Tonight beneath the magic of your You can do anything but lay off my You can do anything that you want unreleased or unfinished. Sidney sighs 1986 Produced by Iskander Ismail blue suede shoes to do arranged and produced two new You're learning, I suppose - Will you still love me tomorrow? You can burn my house But uh-uh honey lay off them shoes songs for this album, Fried Rice It's what we all go through You can steal my car Yeah don't you step on my blue Paradise and Everything (one of my The consequences show - CHORUS BLUE SUEDE SHOES You can drink my liquor from the old suede shoes favourite songs) and we included A Made a big boy out of you Tonight with words unspoken fruit jar You can do anything but lay off my Sad Song, which was a outtake from Has it made your world into a not-so You say that I'm the only one I've included this one because it's You can do anything that you want blue suede shoes Return to Beauty World, as well as -pretty place? But will my heart be broken such a classic, and I had so much to do These Boys, the B-side of the You'll grow into it, I'm sure. When the night meet the morning fun doing it with Shah Tahir, who But uh -uh honey lay off them shoes 1986 Produced by Shah Tahir unreleased 1980 single. Now you don't emerge from bad sun arranged it and played all the guitars Yeah don't you step on my blue All Rights Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore Dick Lee at age 26 All Rights Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore FRIED RICE PARADISE Two years passed, went very fast She told me, she tole me This is the second incarnation of the She had to grow a little more first over totally Singaporean song. Scouted round in Queenstown The next time it appeared was in a Marine Parade and Hougang musical of the same name, produced Then on contemplating further in 1991, which was based on the Thought up Nasi Goreng Burgers song, Opened Shops, they all were flops Poor girl what was there to do I've got a friend, her name Bee Lian So what did she do She told me, she told me Went back to THE SONGS FROM LONG AGO That one day she would make it big (1986) Settled down in Chinatown Repeat CHORUS In 1986, I was very active in my Tried her luck in People's Park Woh-Woh--chow fun baby company. Runway Productions, Selling plastic rings from China Oooh chow fun baby which did promotions for several Only ten cents, come and buy tah You're my chow fun baby products. One of them was Salem But her products couldn't last Nice, hot chow fun baby cigarettes, and they sponsored this , Poor girl didn't know what to do Baby, you make me crazy! album of my favourite oldies, which Satay is quite okay was used in a promotional project. I Moved her load to Orchard Road Gado Gado's so so, anyway enjoyed doing this album and work She told me. she told me Olowak oh yuk ing with producer Iskandar Ismail, a That she would try again from there What else can I say talented keyboardist I've known Had a fling at waitressing But I like my chow fun any day since my teens. Disco dancing not her thing Every day she say "Lecheh, Maybe you got Kway Teow blues I better find an old towkay" I tell you, I tell you Looked around and met a clown That there's a place for you to try Who gave her love and money too Where the chap is so sedap So what did she do Sambal belachan's number one She opened By far this is the most delicious Chow Fun beneath the sun CHORUS And the rest is only BEST Bee Lian's waiting there for you THE SONGS OF CHRISTMAS Fried Rice Paradise So what do you do (1986) Nasi Goreng very nice I ended my most productive year, (3 That's her speciality You go to albums!) with this collection of Ninety-nine varieties Christmas songs sponsored by Fried Rice Paradise Repeat CHORUS Tangs, a department store in Sin "Shiok" is how it's been described gapore. I have always loved the Booked a table? - Very wise If I were you music of Christmas, having grown up That is what I would do in a Catholic household that cele (To jump the queue) 1986 Produced by Dick Lee brated Christmas in the most tradi tional way. All Rights Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore EVERYTHING And now when you're looking like this Most of my close friends have urged It just reminds me it's time to me to include this on the compila Remind you that I simply love you, tion, so here it is, dedicated to all my yes I do, pals: thanks for your love and sup And thats all that I want to say port! Nobody loves you like I do Though I do it in my own way Babe, you've asked me this so many times repeat And I keep repeating myself Sometimes you don't say a word, repeat Just your eyes can do all the talking My love for you is and will be every And nobody else understands you thing like I do So now I've nothing more to say 1986 Produced by Dick Lee Nobody loves you like I do Though I do it in my own way A SAD SONG Hey you don't have to be so sure You were only hurting yourself Originally recorded for the album Exaggerating your worries and fears Return to Beauty World, this song Will get yourself nowhere cause was not included probably because CONNECTIONS and TAKE Nobody else can assure you like I do it was too sad! Listening to it now, I YOUR LOVE AWAY (1987) And I take things from day to day guess it still is a sad song, but I like Another client of mine, this time Nobody loves you like I do the melody and theme of one-sided Marlboro, sponsored this album of Though I do it in my own way love. slightly directionless songs. This was a period when I was doing Look in my eyes I've fallen so hard that I'm not sure of music without any real passion or I've nothing to hide what I feel motivation, and the market was not I am all you see Loving you from here is very lonely, getting any more responsive to origi All that you've ever had has always very real nal material. I was very discouraged, been It's nothing, I know that you think but felt that it perhaps wasn't the The one who loves you something's very wrong right time for what I really wanted to Please don't make me tell you that do. Nevertheless, this album Look in my eyes I've loved you for so long produced one of my all-time favour It falls apart ite songs, No Goodbyes, which is When you're questioning I've tried to hide dedicated to my sister Patricia. The My love for you is and will be every My feelings inside single was a promotional one which thing But if I told you contained two songs, Take Your Would I lose a friend Love Away, and The Best For You So I've said this before in the past and Me. All Rights Reserved,And its soundin gNational just a bit righ t LibraryHow caBoard,n you not eveSingaporen know what I am going through (REPEAT) Won - it hurts to try. Everybody seems to know about it Today and everyday If only you could be a distant mem all but you I think you ought to know that every ory, Just give me one moment and I thing can go your way. I'll try, with no goodbyes. might just let it out We'll make it come alive. At least you'll be the reason for I want to stop loving you and I just There's nothing more to fear dreams. don't know how because the best is here to stay. Wherever we may be, sometimes I Throwing out all the faded pictures What can I do think we need a change. Well, maybe treasuring a few. I never meant to love you We can make the good times hap They'll stay hidden, never looked at. I love you pen to us, Not a recollection of you. Over and over and over again. repeat (Repeat CHORUS) (REPEAT CHORUS) The quiet moments before I'm 1986 Produced by Dick Lee dreaming. 1987 Produced by Dick Lee And you're lying sleepless too - You must know that I can't help it - THE BEST FOR YOU AND I will always remember you. ME NO GOODBYES Goodbye. Here's a happy, positive-thinking I wrote this dedication to the mem 1987 Produced by Dick Lee song which features a whole bunch ory of my beloved sister, because I of my friends doing some exciting could never say goodbye to her, nor OISC2 chorus singing, had the chance to. Listening to it ASIA MAJOR brings back wonderful memories of Believe in all you see our childhood together, and always Something thoughtful to begin the Everything's for real, it's all as good reminds me of the beautiful person next part. A probe into my history, as it can be. she was. my past, to look for my present. As I We are the ones in charge find myself propelled towards the Let's make the living good, for once Taking sunlight to shady places Pacific Century, I am constantly I think you should agree. Such a lonely thing to do reminded of who f am, to keep the Just like in a dream the city never Stoaling shadows, leave no traces. balance right between Bast and seems the same. Not a recollection of you. West. We can make the good times hap I break reflections by dancing in pen to us, them I went into my childhood to see what Over and over and over again. Forming images brand new I'm made of Losing old ones, all forgotten To look for treasures buried beneath CHORUS Not a recollection of you. the care and love Making all the right connections But all I found were fables, left to me Moving in the right directions CHORUS in words Living out a life that brings the best All the fairytales I never even heard. for you and me. Can I describe your smile? All Rights Reserved,If I concentrate awhilNationale LibraryCHORU Board,S Singapore Asia Major - you are the truth, you D : Once upon a time there were are all that I am only trees Asia Major - you shine your sun, and And a lion or two enjoying the then I understand breeze Asia Major - You are the body and I M:Then a boat arrived one sunny am the land day Asia Major - I've known all the time, And human beings were here to That everything is mine. stay L : Well, the king of the jungle coul So what makes me this creature dn't really complain who's neither here nor there He got the whole damn island Whose heart has one direction, but it named after him doesn't quite know where. R : And as for the lions, here's news I need to find the values presumed a for you right of birth You can see their descendants Maybe then I may discover what I at the Mandai Zoo am worth. D :The island since has come very far (Repeat CHORUS) All thanks to the man named Utama INSTRUMENTAL BREAK L : No we couldn't forget him if we tried (Repeat CHORUS) R : Eh, what about Raffles? All : We love that guy! All this is mine! M :So here we are having so much Tell me where to go fun And when I arrive, what will I find? Can hardly believe this was a That everything I am jungle once Has been you all the time D : Sometimes I can still hear the Everything is mine. lion's roar Going 1990 Produced by All : Singa Singa pore! Dick Lee & Makoto Kubota Chorus : Rasa Sayang, eh, Rasa Sayang Sayang eh BEAUTY WORLD (198B) RASA SAYANG Eh lihat nona jouh rasa I finally had a chance to work on a sayang sayang eh. musical which was porformed during Featuring Moe Alkali, Leslie Pillay the Singapore Arts Festival. Michael and Rizal Ahyar in the ultimate Sin M :Now we can explain in a little Chiang collaborated with me on this gaporean rap. What better way to while one, and the original cast recording,' begin than to summarise the way we This is not an ordinary tropical produced by Dr. Sidney Tan, was are in a folksong. isle released only on cassette. All Rights Reserved, National LibraryR : Everythin Board,g we havSingaporee has to be the best Of the fabulous East and the wonderful West D : Of all the things we've got that's good At the top of everybody's list is All : FOOD! L : We've got prata, mee pok - so sedap R : What about the ketupat at the satay club? D : If no chye tow kway, then kai fan, lor! M :Eat till you faint, so cheap some more. L : Ya, the best thing has to be the price D : Singapore's my Fried Rice Para- dise R : We can eat, eat, eat till we nearly drop M :Then we all get up and we shop, shop, shop D : And if you asked us how we rote this place, We'll just say this: All : It's GREATI L : 1, 2, 3... CHORUS L : Let's Talk about work, it's quite OK Life here's like a hol - holiday M :We take it easy, there's no big rush Unlike the other island, north of us! D :We work, then makan, watch a film Enjoy the fruits of tourism R : There are so plenty tourists, but We love their spending money, what! D : I know I've mode it, when on my All Rights Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore own It's peace of mind RAP Once we both were lovers But all I find is just this tiny bird that I can afford a pager PLUS a If you don't mind I think it's time to show And everything was fine speaks my doom cordless phone Orientalism. That all of us are no Now we're crying over wasted time Cockatoo, where are you? L: In my Family, I'd wish It's east and west Caricatures or stereotypes, I used to send you flowers For Miss Singapore and more Forget the rest No token yellows! Every single kind Burung kakak tua than 2 kids. So can you guess? Orientalism. We simply have to be Now dried up ferns are all you've left Menclok di-jende!a M:Success to us just simply means It's being near Assertive, make them see behind. Nenek sudah tua There's such a thing as a Sin Your being clear This is the new Asian We used to share a puppy and a Gigi-nya tinggal dua. gapore Of being here Ready for the twenty- first century! chatty little bird Dream Orientalism. Now you've gone, the doggone dog' (Repeat CHORUS) R : Oi, why you all dowan to say It's being strong CHORUS s gone too. THE MAD CHINAMAN (1989) You just want lots of money, lay! Your fears are gone Oriental, Oreintalism! And all I've got is this that keeps 1990 Produced by By this time, I was very involved in 1, 2, 3... You're turning on to Oriental, Oreintalism! repeating just one word: Dick Lee & Makoto Kubota my business, which was expanding CHORUS Orientalism. Otiental - New York City Cockatoo Cockatoo quite rapidly, leaving me little time (Dialogue) RAP Oriental Quezon City for music, which was essentially a L : So, when you think about it, how, Suppose you were, you know, Oriental, Orientalism CHORUS ALISHAN hobby, My partners grumbled at me ah? In some kind of limbo Oriental, Orientalism for taking so much time off to record, M :OK, lah - can't complain Which tendency to follow Oriental - Casablanca Lekdung, lekdung, lekdung ooh-la- Alishan is a mountain range in Ta and in the recent past, my albums R : Happy meh? Singaporeans Which way should you go? Oriental Singapore la iwan where the natives of the island didn't amount to very much. Still, I famous for complaining Yu have to perceive Lekdung, lekdung, lekdung ooh-la- live. Their music is wonderful, not wanted to give it one last try, and D :Wen, lah - must let off steam, How you want yourself to be It's being new la unlike the music of Mongolia and Jimmy Wee of WEA generously what! This is no minority, now, And feeling new Lekdung, lekdung, lekdung ooh-la- the tribal music of China. This folk agreed. Because it was to be my last All : Ya, lah etc This is me! la song is a tribute to the beauty of the album, I wanted to just do what I D : Let's all sing together 1990 Produced by Burung kakak tua. women from the Alishan. wanted, that is LOCAL music with an 1, 2.3 CHORUS Dick Lee & Makoto Kubota emphasis on Tradition combined CHORUS (D only) Oriental, Orientalism! I can live without you 高山青，涧水蓝 with Modem. Strangely enough, the CHORUS (All) Oriental, Orientalism! Calling everyday 阿里山的姑娘美如水呀 album worked. The strongest reason Oriental - Paris, Tokyo COCKATOO You never really used to anyway. 阿里山的少年壮如山 was that Singapore had undergone 1990 Produced by Dick Lee Oriental - Dallas, Cairo I don't care much if you some major changes in the last few Oriental Orientalism! A favourite Indonesian folk song of End up faraway 高山常青涧水常蓝 years, mainly in the national identity Oriental - Orientalism! mine is BURUNG KAKAKTUA, or I never really wanted you to stay. 姑娘和那少年永不分啊 department, and the public was ORIENTALISM Oriental - Zurich, Hong Kong Cockatoo. I remembered an upboat But once in every midnight finds me 碧水常围著青山转 ready to accept something entirely Oriental - Munich, Saigon twist-y version by Dutch-Indonesian pacing all these rooms and wholeheartedly Singaporean. After years of figuring out my tradi singer Anneke Gronloh in the 60's, In search of just a tiny hint of you. 阿里山的姑娘美如水呀 This album changed my life. It not tional heritage, I suddenly realised It's quite alright and decided to resurrect the song, But all I find is just this little bird that 阿里山的少年壮如山 only succeeded in my home country, that I needed in fact a new identity, Be white inside giving a new interpretation of the speaks my doom but all over Asia, as it contained rather than adopting the existing This is your pride title. There's an element of KERON- Cockatoo, I miss you. Mounta in is ca llin g to m e strong Asian elements. I was even Asian image. This song was written Orientalism. CHONG an Indonesian rhythm - Rive r ru n sto th e se a tually forced to make the most celebrate that fact, and tell others to It's being new and the original lyrics are sung by (Repeat CHORUS) Alish anis m yown important decision of my life : stick be aware of the new "West meets And feeling new the 14-year-old MELL Y from Jakarta, I'll ne v e r leave ho m e to my work or give it up to pursue East" Asian. It's being you who sounds enchantingly like the But once in every midnight finds me Alish anis w h e re m y sp irit will b e my dream of making music. Well, Orientalism. said bird. pacing all these rooms free. you know which one I chose! It's state of mind In search of just a tiny hint of you All Rights Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore (Translation) Sayang, sayang, no chew sher wo ai The high mountains are green ni The river's water is blue Will you, will you fall in love with me. The maiden of Alishan is as beauti Oh your lovely eyes, I feel I know ful as water them well. The youth of Alishan is as strong as Let me look into them and fall right mountains under their spell. Oh, my sweetness what a beauty The high mountains will forever be You are such a pretty cutie green I can't tell you, tutti frutti, The valley's water will forever be All the things you're doing to me. blue The maiden and the youth will never (Repeat chorus) part The Azure water's will Honey, honey, sugar's not as sweet forever meander round the green Oh, my papadam, you're good mountain enough to eat. Mama, mama, you are such a tease, 1991 Produced by Oh, my harm cheen pang, can pick Lee &Makoto Kubota I give you a squeeze?

(Repeat chorus) MUSTAPHA Putumayam, I am asking, please This song figures vaguely some Won't you come and give your Mus where in my childhood. I've ressur- tapha a kiss? rected it - with new lyrics - as a Onde-onde, can I quench your tribute to my favourite thirst? Saturday afternoon pastime - Tamil But to take a sip, you have to catch movies! me first! (P.S. This also features my fave Tamil Actress - Jacintha!) 1991 Produced by Dick Lee WHEN I PLAY (1990) After the sudden rediscovery of ME CHORUS by the Singapore public, Jimmy SUKIYAKI decided to issue another compila Cherie je t'aime, cherie jet t'adore tion, this time in conjunction with my My darling I love you a lot more than When I first thought about doing a first major stage performance in you, know Japanese song, the first song which Singapore, The Secret Diary of Lee Cherie je t'aime, cherie je t'adore, came to mind was this Kyu Sa Peng Boon, a musical revue. This My darling I love you a lot more than kamoto hit. It's about the only inadvertently established me as a you know Japanese song that had international comedian, as there are strong ele Oh Mustapha, Oh mustapha chart success, and it has in fact ments of comedy in my music. Yen Kathalan my Mr. mustapha been covered several times. In order All Rights Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore Performers in the music video of "Rasa Sayang!". It includes 2 top Singaporean disc jockeys -Moe Alkaff and Leslie Pilay as well as 2 lady staff from WEA office in Singapore

All Rights Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore All Rights Reserved, National Library Board,The Singapore real me! not to desecrate the lilting melody, I' But she was from a world I could just ve added a little rap. Tokyo's own not understand Sandii Suzuki provides the delicate Let me tell you, wasn't easy letting Japanese vocals. go of her hand, and when The sky changed colour, It wasn't long ago I was having fun, She simply would not say you know. "Sayonara." Jamming in the land of the rising sun I was moving my feet to the heat of Goodbye has different meanings the beat of the city, To lovers and to friends Turned a corner well, who did I meet So listen to me But the one I've always known that I You are my Sukiyaki, baby wanted to know Please be a Suki-Suki-yaki for me Oh, I encountered my dream right in (Repeat twice) the heart of Tokyo. Let's sing the only words I know. Well, I didn't waste a moment. I went right up to say, (Repeat CHORUS) "How 'bout a date? Tonight at INSTRUMENTAL BREAK eight?" But we could not communicate. Shiawase wa kumo no ue ni Shiawase wa sora no ue ni Touching's a special language for lovers to understand Ue O Muite So hear me saying: Arukoh You arc my Sukiyaki, baby Nijinda Hoshi O Please be a Suki Suki yaki for me Kazoete (Repeat twice) Nakinagara Aruku Let's sing the only words I know Hitoribochi No Yoru ASIA MAJOR (1990) CHORUS (Repeat CHORUS) The various people who introduced me to Japan, namely Hiroshi Shin- Ue-o-muite, aru-ko-o-o 1991 Produced by ozaki and Makoto Kubota, got me Namida-ga, kobore na-i yo-o-o-ni Dick Lee & Makoto Kubota this album which helped to establish Omo-i dasu, Haruno-hi me as an Asian musician, creating a Hitori bo -o-chi-no yoru. new category of Asian pop music in WO WO NI NI Japan. This album also introduced We walked to a park in the centre of me to the finest voices in Asia — town Yet another irresistible little number Sandy Lam and Sandii Suzuki in And I saw the cherry blossems fall to by the talented Rebecca Pan. N.B. cluded — and lasting relationships the ground The broken english is original. with them too. Makoto, who I knew I had to go, it was only produced this album, also realised A matter of time, in fact we were Hey ni ni ni ni ni ni ni ni wonderful another dream of mine of record already staring to get lonely Oh wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo overseas, this time in London. All Rights Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore I love you There have been laughs and tears, DICK ANDREW Has a different side, you'll see No matter what, I do dear but then, I'd do it all again It's a wisdom Earth and sky Though the cities all have changed I always think of you dear Inscribed in your soul And you and me A spirit deep inside remains But never know if you think of me CHORUS Close your eyes and CHANT And ail the faces aren't so strange Hey ni ni ni ni ni ni ni ni wonderful Thank you for the time Be part of the whole CHORUS In this new world, we're all the same Oh wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo Everytning that's mine ModernAsia I love you You've been there in times I've felt ANDREW BRIDGE ModernAsia I always dream about you Nothing's going very well Look beyond See beyond the mists of time I just can't live without you But You made me see Your Bali Hai The seed of love Now the journey has begun But never know if you're in love with I have all I need It's more than just Is what you must find Into a land that once was one me. All the times You've shown the way Madam Butterfly Behold the wisdom of the east But is uniting yet again Now it's time for me to say Compassion, love and Its history, its now and then Whenever you need me Thank You for the life JOHN Hope and peace Now, on the trip you're sure to find I hurry come to you I won't be late No King of Siam Some parts remain unchanged by ORIENTALISM (1991) But next time you need me You've given light and air Or Mikado CHANT time In 1991 I signed to WEA Japan, and I say I have another date! You've given watchful care Illusions of love CHORUS But images of old are gone Makoto again produced the album, That's let me do my best That are only for show And just remember from now on After doing the last two albums, Hey ni ni ni ni ni ni ni ni wonderful Because I know You're there 1991 Produced by Dick Lee (Repeat Chorus) which explored my identity as an Oh wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo And now, I pray, CHANT Asian, I felt that I needed to see I love you Please know I mean it when I say Nesitu, maitri, mahabbah, ModernAsia myself as an Asian in the context of Next time, I, I be clever How good it's been, Aishimas, saranghae, aderey, MODERNASIA Isn't what it used to be the West. As a result, the musical And let you wait forever I'd do it all again Ummibig, ai, rak, agape, ModernAsia (ModernAsia) themes strayed from the ethnic into And then I know if you're in love with Bhalobas, srelan, hak, kasih Here's a quick tour around Asia-and Has a different side, you'll see the contemporary. We even went to me 1991 Produced by It's the rhythm of love surprise ! - it's not the same as it Though the cities all have changed the famous Criteria studios in Miami Dick Lee & Makoto Kubota used to be. Welcome to the new A spirit deep inside remains and had a great time! 1991 Produced by Dick Lee CHORUS Asia-ModernAsia !. And all the faces aren't so strange It's the rhythm of love In this new world, we're all the same RHYTHM OF LOVE Pulsing from the earth Now, you better take my hand Images are rearranged THANKSGIVING It's the rhythm of love Cos we are about to land When old is new is old again Written by my brothers (John, Peter. Beating in your heart You're going to enjoy the ride Till even we don't feel the change This is basically a Chinese song and Andrew) and myself, this song is It's the rhythm of love Through wonderland when we arrive For this is Asia nowadays I've used traditional Chinese instru about looking beyond the Asia we In the universe Now, can you feel us touching ments on it. I am very lucky to have have been presented with, and dis It's the thythm of love down? ModernAsia done all the things I've dreamt of covering the intrinsically Asian ele And when your feet are on the ModernAsia doing, but I realise I have only God ments. Love is one of them, and the PETER ground PEACE LIFE LOVE (1991) to thank for blessing me with my life. song's bridge chants the word "Love" Look before I know you're going to be surprised 1991 Produced by Dick Lee Another Christmas album, this time in various Asian languages. You very eyes I know you're going to realise featuring my brothers John, Peter If I could have my way DICK and Andrew, as well as Sandy Lam, I'd do it all again PETER How time and place CHORUS who sang a couple of duets with me. And let each moment stay Moments Go shifting by ModernAsia My brothers also wrote some of the The way it's been, the same Away from it all JOHN Isn't what it used to be songs which opened my eyes to I've been in love, Forget your worries Everthing becomes ModernAsia (ModernAsia) their hidden talents. Though there was pain Just hear it call A unity All Rights Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore Dick and cast of "Dick"Dick Lee'sLee's ArtsArts festival"festival" It's just a dream, the dream's to I have to sleep because it seems -his-his secondsecond blame. I'll find an answer in my dreams comedy concert. I wouldn't sleep before, but then comedy concert. I see a valley and a hill I need to go back there again The jungle's sleeps, the river's still Back to my dream, to Nagraland. And in my dream I dream I'm lost Back to my dream to Nagraland. Asleep upon a bed of moss I have to wake at any cost 1992 Produced by Martin Nagano But in my dream I have no will.

It's quiet, but there's something ONE MAN wrong It's like a calm before a storm When Amon Miyamoto approached A stillness stirring me awake me to write the music for his musical A warning that my soul's at stake "Hong Kong Rhapsody" I was tenta I know my nightmare has begun tive at first. But when Nagraland was Afraid of what? I start to run completed, I felt a new burst of I am alone, yet I am chased, confidence and embarked on his But through the vines I see a face project enthusiastically. For a special There now are sounds and they draw instrumental album, I decided to take near the main theme song and record it Each whisper heightening my fear with English lyrics (the musical is in What do they call? I cannot hear Japanese). And then, it all becomes so clear. One man sheltering a dream I'm sure that something isn't right One man alone LOVER'S TEARS Everything's gonna be alright DREAM OF NAGRALAND Why do I dream this dream each He can wish, he can believe Give in to me don't put up a fight night? But for now it seems This beautiful Mandarin song was Love is smiling down It's always been a dream of mine to It's more than anyone can bear Wishes stay as dreams immortalized by the Ipoh nightingale Making your heart spin around write an opera style musical (with I only sleep now if I dare One man waiting for a sign S K POON in the late 50's and Come to me, we can put away your no dialogue) and "Nagraland" was I close my eyes and I am there One man alone gained popularity via the smash hit fears this dream realised. This song opens This state of mind, so deep inside. But then, somehow in the night movie The Swallow. Here, 90's Baby, these are nothing the musical and was written several Changes come in sight DREAM OF NAGRALAND (Sin nightingale SANDY LAM from Hong Nothing but your lover's tears. months before I undertook the rest And though I know it's Nagraland Altering his life gle) (1992) Kong renders a soulful version that of the work, and served as a kind of It doesn't mean I understand My third musical, after Beauty World brings the classic Chinese ballad up 1991 Produced by inspiration for me to continue. I'm sure I'll always question this Out of uncertain shadows and Fried Rice Paradise, was an -to-date. Dick Lee & Makoto Kubota Recurring place. Does it exist? Two destinies collide operetta, and it was a joy to write Did I just have that dream again? It seems ridiculous to feel For one, it's dark two hours of music. This single was Don't you cry my baby Must every night turn out the same? As if the dream's events were real For one, there's light released in conjunction with the 'Cos I'll be right by your side I start by counting endless sheep And yet they are, they are somehow But for all the pain, there still performances, and sold mainly at the Dreaming along with you each & And when I finally get to sleep At least for me, at least for now remains venues. It contained two songs. every night I have been known to shout and And now it's time to find my way One man taking on the dream Dream of Nagraland and Legend of Don't you cry my baby weep Back to the land where night is day One man alone Nagraland. All Rights Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore Can keep it going on his own With the Mad Chinaman.

1992 Produced by Dick Lee REPEAT CHORUS

Here's the part of me that says THE MAD CHINAMAN I must do what I must do The child of a united world Finally, my theme song: an endless An oriental, too. dilemma regarding this identity pro Though I seem to be confused blem. Now you know what it's like I'm the champion, barring none. to be a banana (ie yellow on the In my kingdom, all my dreams reign outside, white inside.) again as one. We'll carry on if we can Won't you come and talk to me Understand, understand. Pass a little moment by Making fun, making friends I am just a listener, harmless as a fly With the Mad Chinaman. Maybe you should let me in Maybe we should leave this bar (REPEAT CHORUS) Open up until we find who we really are. Traditional, International I'll lead you outside again Western feelings from my oriental If I can, if I can heart. THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY Making dreams, making plans How am I to know, how should I (1992) With the Mad Chinaman. react? This album marks a return to my Defend with Asian pride? Or attack! Instant Asia style, and I enjoyed CHORUS producing it myself after a long The Mad Chinaman relies (REPEAT CHORUS) break from doing so, My recent On the east and west sides of his works expounded the theme of a life. Won't you come and talk to me new Asia and a new identity, and The Mad Chinaman will try Pass a little moment by this album cemented that theory. I To find out which is right. Can you be my listener have been wrestling with this iden Waste away the night. tity problem for quite awhile, espe I know you can get confused Can we talk about ourselves cially since the medium I choose is I get that way a little too Have we really come this far? basically western. I sure I'm still a When the legocy of old surfaces as The Chinaman in me will show who long way from any answer, but pop new. we really are. culture is one of the best ways of Then the present takes control getting my message across, I don't Is the balance right again? 1992 Produced by Dick Lee imagine that I even have an answer, Am I halved, or am I whole but at least I'm suggesting an alter Or am I just insone? native, something I hope to keep We'll have our way if we con working on as long as I'm making Just pretend, just pretend music. Shaking truth, shaking hands All Rights Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore All Rights Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore Dick Lee Life Story

Mastered by Greg Calbi at STERLING SOUND, N. Y.C Art Direction: Hiroshi Sun to Design: Mitsuru Soejima Sunto Office Photography: M. HASUI Hair & Make up:Katsuya Kamo (mod's hair) Styling:Hisashi "momo" Kitazawa Executive Producer: CoxAlly NiwRightsa Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore 5051442A86322 DICK LEE LIFE STORY

DISC1 1. Life Story 2. Lover's Tears 3. Mustapha 4. Fried Rice Paradise 5. Unsaid 6. Will You Still Love Me Tom 7. Bengawan Solo 8. Blue Suede Shoes 9. Return To Beauty World 10. Good To Be Back 11. Soldier Sailor 12. The Best For You And Me 13. Everything 14. Thanksgiving 15. A Sad Song 16. No Goodbyes

5051442486322 1993 Warner Music Singapore All Rights Unauthorized Duplication is a Violation of Applicable Laws Marketed, manufactured and distributed by Warner Music Singapore Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore DICK LEE LIFE STORY

DISC2 1. Rasa Sayang 2. Wo Wo Ni Ni 3. Alishan 4. Sukiyaki 3. Flower Drum Song 6. Cockatoo 7. Culture 8. Modernasia 9. Rhythm Of Love 10. Asia Major 11. Orientalism 12. Internationaland 13. Dream Of Nagraland 14. One Man 15. The Mad Chinaman

5051442486322 1993 Warner Music Singapore All Rights Reserved, Unauthorized Duplication is a Violation of Applicable Laws. Marketed, manufactured and distributed . by Warner Music Singapore Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore DICK LEE LIFE STORY DICK LEE LIFE STORY Dick Lee Life Story 5051442486322®199 3 Warne r Musi c Singapor e Al l Right s Reserved . DISC1 1. Life Story Marketed , manufacture d an distribute b y © Warne r Musi c Singapor e Pt Ltd . Unauthorize d Duplicatio n i s a Violatio o f Applicabl e Laws . 2. Lover's Tears 3. Mustapha 4. Fried Rice Paradise 5. Unsaid 6. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow 7. Bengawan Solo 8. Blue Suede Shoes 9. Return To Beauty World 10. Good To Be Back 11. Soldier Sailor 12. The Best For You And Me 13. Everything 14. Thanksgiving 15. A Sad Song 16. No Goodbyes DISC2 1. Rasa Sayang 2. Wo Wo Ni Ni 3. Alishan 4. Sukiyaki 5. Flower Drum Song 6. Cockatoo 7. Culture 8. Modernasia 9. Rhythm Of Love 10. Asia Major 11. Orientalism 12. Internationaland 13. Dream Of Nagraland 14. One Man 15. The Mad Chinaman All Rights Reserved, National Library Board, Singapore