LMF: Translated
Hong Kong’s most culturally important Cantonese hip-hop collective, LMF [Lazy Mutha Fucka] was known for its profane lyrics that criticized Hong Kong’s society and government. They disbanded in 2003, due to financial and political pressure, though they have since reformed for the occasional show. For those of you who missed some of the nuances of their Cantonese lyrics, here’s a taster in English. Translated by Yannie Chan.
"WTF” (2003)
When the government colludes with businesses, it can get away with loopholes
But when you’re against me, you won’t even give me a chance:
When chickens have problems, you kill all the chickens
When the dogs are infected, you kill them all.
So if the people are problematic, will you kill them too?
The many problems in society are caused by you vile people.
If you’re fucking useless, then you have to step down.
You won’t fucking leave— that’s totalitarianism.
You’re all useless idiots, and every one of us has to suffer.
As long as you assholes remain, we’re definitely hopeless.
You useless idiots only care about “shoe-shining” [flattering superiors].
You’re unjust and unkind, bullying us working class.
1127 (2002)
There’s only one Bruce Lee in the Greater China
He showed us we’re not sick men of East Asia
Even if we’re yellow-skinned, we can be ourselves
There’s no need to follow others, copy others and stick to others
Do not look down upon ourselves.
Hum Ga Ling [“Damn your whole family to hell”] (2002)
Your daily reporting is a mess. Inaccurate descriptions. Exaggerated content
Photos of bloody mutilations put on the front page in a collage
You say you’re reporting the truth, but in reality it’s just to boost sales
When something comes up, you all have no stance. You don’t know how to report fairly
On the front page today: a family tragedy. You only focus on the father—
What evidence do you have to say he’s bad?
Whether he’s bad or not, you have to report both sides.
Then I flip to the entertainment page. Big boobs. Cheating. Lying. Cat fights,
Uncovering other’s privacy. The photos are so blurred I can’t see anything clearly.
Most importantly, there’s the porno page and related ads
Tips on where to get hookers and special services.
And if Singaporean, Malaysian, Thai, Japanese, Korean, Hongkongers or Chinese is better.
It’s like promoting prostitution.