“Xiao Pingguo” may have just won an international song award, but this week China is all about a catchy little ditty celebrating the adorable first couple of the PRC.
“Xi Dada Loves Peng Mama” follows the romantic story of one Xi Dada (Chinese President Xi Jinping, lover of baozi, hater of weird architecture) and one Peng Mama (Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan, lover of singing, hater of coats) and their love for one another. The song—which definitely wasn’t produced by officials in the propaganda department—comes from the hearts of four netizens from Henan Province.
According to The New York Times Sinosphere blog, the lyricist, Song Zhigang, has something of a reputation for creating pop ballads that are fit for the karaoke stage (read: crap). He says that he was inspired by looking at pictures and videos of the couple and the always evident chemistry between the two.
“This song fermented for a long time, but it was created in almost one breath,” Song told a local newspaper. “It’s an expression of my true inner feelings.”
The video, which has gone viral with tens of millions of views throughout the Chinese web, is a bit low on the production quality, but is still able to illustrate the love between Xi and Peng through still shots of them holding hands or looking at each other and smiling.
So, whether you find the tune earnest and catchy or transparent and painful, you should prepare yourself before it hits a granny dancing street corner near you. Check out the video below. Along with a rough translation of the (heartfelt) lyrics from the Sinosphere blog.
China produced an Uncle Xi,
He dares to fight the tigers.
Not afraid of heaven, not afraid of earth,
Dreamers all look to him!
China also has a Peng Mama,
Give her the most beautiful flowers.
Protect and bless her,
Flourishing family, flourishing country, flourishing under heaven!
Xi Dada loves Peng Mama,
This sort of love is legendary,
Peng Mama loves Xi Dada,
The realm with love is the strongest!
Men should study Xi Dada,
Women should study Peng Mama,
Love like they do,
Love can warm everyone!
Men should study Xi Dada,
Women should study Peng Mama,
Love like they do,
People with love can win everything!
Brave love is called Xi Dada loves Peng Mama,
Together, he’s always smiling happily at her.
Brave love is called Peng Mama loves Xi Dada,
Hand in hand, her smile is the most beautiful flower.
by Alex Linder
