Song 1 - Acquainted Stranger

Key: A Major
Tempo: 75 Bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Genre: Pop, Band Music
Chord Progression: I III VI I V [Verse]
Structure: Intro -> Verse -> Pre-Chorus -> Chorus -> Verse -> Pre-Chorus -> Chorus -> Bridge -> Chorus -> Outro
Instrumentation: Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Drum Kit, Cello, Strings & Synthesisers

This song is about the lost friendships of ours. Friendship won't always last forever, and sometimes we have to accept that some people that we were once very close with may change over time. The lyrics of this song is to lament the best friends that we once had but no longer close to us anymore.

[Verse 1]
Sometimes when the day is clear
Thinking ‘bout the time that summer
The time where you and I were still
against the world

But every since that day in winter
when you last send me a letter
I haven’t heard from you again for a while

[Pre-Chorus 1]
Finally met you in the cafe we used to go
but you turn away as if I’m not who you know
do you remember

[Chorus 1]
Cause we were best friend way back then
but you’ve change I don’t know when but now
I wish I could turn back time, wish you would turn around
But I know you are someone else
we did not live in fairytale and now
You’re just an acquainted stranger

[Interlude 1]

[Verse 2]
We used to hang out by the fire
Sharing our sweet and bitter
The time we have was the best I had
how I wish could go back

But it has been a thousand years
I don’t know how to do you better
perhaps I did you wrong cause now that
you have been gone

[Pre-Chorus 2]
Finally met you in the cafe we used to go
but you turn away as if I’m not someone you know
do you remember

[Chorus 2]
Cause we were best friend way back then
but you’ve change I don’t know when but now
I wish I could turn back time, wish you would turn around
I tried hard to fix it too
but you didn’t say a thing or two and now
You’re just an acquainted stranger

[Interlude 2]
Ohh~

[Bridge]
Everyone and everything will change and come and go
but I know that somewhere sometimes I may still be in your mind
Even though we couldn’t hold on the good time that we had
but I still would try to believe

[Chorus 3]
Cause we were best friend way back then
although you’ve change I don’t know when but now
I wish I could come to you, share the things we have been through
though I know you are someone else
I’ll still try to make the ice wall melt and now
I’ll hope you’re not acquainted stranger

Song 2 - More Than This

Key: Bb Major
Tempo: 105 Bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Genre: Pop, Rock, Band Music
Chord Progression: I IV I IV [Verse]
Structure: Intro -> Verse -> Pre-Chorus -> Chorus -> Verse -> Pre-Chorus -> Chorus -> Bridge -> Chorus -> Outro
Instrumentation: Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Drum Kit, Cello, Strings & Synthesisers

This is a song about the nature of message-thirst. As texting was popularised about 10+ years ago, we now rely more and more on texting when communicating with one and other. However, it also made us unhappy at times when we saw that little blue ticks without a reply, and sometimes we just hope that there'll be someone messaging us just so we have someone to talk to. The lyrics of this song is about how there's more to our lives other than text messaging.

[Verse 1]
Looking for something
Looking for someone
You worry no-one ever comes

You’re almost crying
You losing your mind
You started texting every five seconds

[Pre-Chorus 1]
but it doesn’t help to be annoying
this time you gotta stop and think

[Chorus 1]
coz I’m always scrolling down for a new message
but there’s no-one out there who would ever even say
and it’s time like this I found myself,
I realise
it really don’t mean anything,
there’s nothing these texts would bring
Life means way more than this

[Interlude 1]

[Verse 2]
Sometimes you’re lonely
I get it buddy
but a conversation has to stop

you’re going crazy
but maybe they’re just busy
your heart doesn’t need to drop

[Pre-Chorus 2]
no need to start crying
I know in my heart you’re still trying

[Chorus 2]
coz I’m always looking for a new message too
but then everyone’s like “no I’m just here being cool”
and it’s time like this I found myself,
I realise
it really don’t mean anything,
there’s no point for me in waiting
Life is way more than this

[Interlude 2]

[Bridge]
There’s always someone looking out for you
but you never can tell when and where and who
Though it might not be apparent who is true
but it’s always, alright to let it be

[Chorus 3]
coz I’m always looking for a new message too
but then everyone’s like “no I’m just here being cool”
and it’s time like this I found myself,
I realise
it really don’t mean anything,
I should go on and try something new

but I’m always be like what is there for me to do
if I can not be right here talking in front of you
and it’s time like this I found myself,
I finally
I let it go,
like it’s never been
cause I know there is more than this
real life’s awaiting for me

Song 3 - Egg and Wall

Key: A Minor
Tempo: 75 Bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Genre: Pop, Orchestral
Chord Progression: I V VI III VII [Verse]
Structure: Intro -> Verse -> Pre-Chorus -> Chorus -> Verse -> Pre-Chorus -> Chorus -> Bridge -> Chorus -> Outro
Instrumentation: Piano, Upright Bass, Flute, String Ensemble, Orchestral Bass Drum & Cymbal, Cello & Violin

The theme of this song reflects what is happening in Hong Kong in 2020. With the new law implemented, it is hard to imagine what will happen to all of us living here. This song is about the unity and the persistence of people when facing injustice, and the hope for freedom that everyone has.

[Verse 1]
City light beneath the sky
there’s nowhere left to hide
no-one ever seems to smile

Lights are dimmed
I start to scream
no-one ever had foreseen
reality is grim

[Pre-Chorus 1]
Rebellious’ forbidden
never know when you would be taken
but now everyone’s awaken

[Chorus 1]
Together we can climb the highest mountain
hand in hand without a doubt we will break out
this cage they put on us

Even though stakes are high and odds are low
I will never let go till the day
we can say
that the weakest egg has break the strongest wall

[Verse 2]
Black and white
is not a colour
everyday it’s getting harder
to speak out for what is right

For all we’ve lost
we’ll not forget
we’ll fight for what we had
till the day the kingdom come

[Pre-Chorus 2]
Don’t lose the faith you had once
Standing firm till the day comes
when we take back our freedom

[Chorus 2]
Together we can climb the highest mountain
hand in hand without a doubt we will break out
this cage they put on us

Even though stakes are high and odds are low
I’ll never let you go till the day
we can say
that the weakest egg has break the strongest wall

ooohhh~

[Bridge]
The time has come and you will never be alone
Even if you’re surrounded there’s always someone guide you home
Keep on shouting till the last breath we have
and may glory one day will come

[Chorus 3]
Together we can fight the toughest demon
hand in hand without a doubt we won’t go down
until the break of dawn

Even if you’re down we’ll be around
to fight for another day
until we can be free
and the weakest egg would break the strongest wall
we will meet again freely after all

Song 5 - Rainy Evening

Key: D# Major
Tempo: 82 Bpm
Time Signature: 2/4
Genre: Acoustic
Chord Progression: I IV I IV
Structure: Intro -> Verse -> Chorus -> Verse -> Chorus -> Bridge -> Chorus -> Outro
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar

This song is about friendship, love and family. When we are getting older our relationships with others become more and more distanced. We often forgot to cherish the ones we loved and the ones who love us. The lyrics is to make us remember everyone that is important to us, and should spend more time with them before it's too late.

[Verse 1]
Close your eyes
Listen to the sound of time
A state of mind, leaving everything behind

Everyday we’re getting older
Wishing time would go slower
So we can learn to smile

Day by day
June till May
Every single day, you don’t even say hey

Everyone’s getting crueler
As time goes longer
We forget who we are

[Chorus 1]
Cause when’re child we’ll say "goodbye"
But when we grow old we don’t say "hi"
Everyone’s putting their nose on the grindstone

We learnt to love and learn to smile
But all we do is work till we die
Would you come tonight and walk me home
on this rainy day alone

[Interlude 1]

[Verse 2]
Look outside
Staring at the fireflies
Remembered her, the one you left behind

Everyday it’s getting colder
And soon it will be winter
the same day last year

[Chorus 2]
Cause when she loved you, you say goodbye
But when you’re single she’s in your mind
Everytime you made her cry

We needed love as humankind
But when we had it, it’s never mind
Would you cherish just one more time
in this snowy evening

[Interlude 2]

[Bridge]
If we all can turn back time, would you ever change your mind?

[Chorus 3]
Cause when they’re here, you say goodbye
For years and years until they fly
away to heaven you didn't kiss goodbye~

We learnt to love, learnt to be kind
But when we’re old it’s out of our minds
Would you come again and hug them one more time?
Would you come tonight and kiss them one last time?
In this rainy evening

Song 6 - The Unknown

Key: Eb Major
Tempo: 160 Bpm
Time Signature: 3/4
Genre: Waltz
Chord Progression: I IV I IV
Structure: Intro -> Verse -> Interlude -> Verse -> Chorus -> Interlude -> Verse -> Chorus -> Interlude -> Verse -> Chorus -> Outro
Instrumentation: Piano, Violin, Violas, Cello, Accordion, Piccolo, Synthesiser, Classical Guitar, Electric Bass & Jazz Drum Kit

This is a song I wrote about my experience going on exchange in Perth, Australia. From the feelings I had when I just started my journey being worried and hopeful at the same time, to when I was about to come back to Hong Kong missing everything I had over there, wishing one day I could be back again.

[Verse 1]
Wave goodbye
It’s 7:45

Took a flight
fly way above the sky
Way up high
took my first leap to the unknown

[Interlude 1]

[Verse 2]
Diving in
into where I’ve never been
I told myself
here’s where it all

[Chorus 1]
Begins
In this place
A million miles away

Who knows, come what may
What adventure’s awaiting today
In, this place of unknown

[Interlude 2]

[Verse 3]
Say “hello”
To who I met in town

Take a walk
Beneath all these lovely crowns

Deep inside, I miss my hometown
Nevermind, cause they’re here to keep me

[Chorus 2]
Calm
In this place
5 countries 1 sea away

G’Day, to my mate
go far out and venture my way
In, this place of unknown

[Interlude 3]

[Verse 4]
It’s almost time
To hear the last bell tower chime

I don’t know
will I ever be here again
if I can
rewind cause I miss this

[Chorus 3]
Place
I have stayed
for 4 months and 16 days

Koala, Honeybees
Cafe at Elizabeth Quay

lagoon that is pink
and a quokka who knows how to wink
in the City of Perth

Song 7 - Unromantic Love Song

Key: E Major
Tempo: 100 Bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Genre: Pop
Chord Progression: I II III IV
Structure: Intro -> Verse -> Chorus -> Interlude -> Verse -> Chorus -> Interlude -> Bridge -> Chorus
Instrumentation: Eletric Guitar, Eletric Rhythm Guitar, Eletric Bass, Piano, Electric Piano, Harp, Organ, Vibraphone, String Ensemble, Shaker, Tambourine, Foot Stomp, Clap & Finger Snap

This is a song about love. Love often times doesn't go both ways, you may love someone but they don't really treat you anything more than a good friend, hence the phrase "friend-zoned". This song is my take on telling the story of one getting "friend-zoned" (not me of course... just kidding), but you get the idea :)

[Boy - Blue]   [Girl - Pink]

[Verse 1]
I hear someone
crying in this hallway
I walked close by
see if she’s okay

she looked at her phone and
just walked away
clearly not having it today

[Chorus 1]
But I just want to say
why don’t you stay
cause I want to know
more of the things you’ve faced

maybe this will be a good start
to something deeper in heart
would you call me back when we’re apart

[Interlude 1]

[Verse 2]
Dear someone, thanks for stopping by today
I was upset but now I’m okay
I’m willing to treat you with a nice buffet
but I don’t think there’s more than this

[Chorus 2]
I just want you to know
you’re a friend of mine
but I have something else
more than that in my mind

would you think we’ll be together
well I would say it’s never
but I just wanna beg you differ

[Interlude 2]

[Bridge]
what more can I do?
I just don’t think I love you
maybe one day we will find a way to finally come
through
(not even a day there won’t be a way to finally come through)

[Chorus 3]
I just want you to know
you’re a good friend of mine
but I don’t want to see
that’s all that I’ll ever be

cause I don’t need you now
as a friend I found
But you’ve gotta set me free
cause you’re not my cup of tea

would you say we’ll be together
well I hate to bring it to you
would you just say the word “I do”
well “I don’t”

Song 8 - Lazy Peasy

Key: B Major
Tempo: 140 Bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Genre: Acapella
Chord Progression: I V VI IV
Structure: Intro -> Verse -> Chorus -> Interlude -> Verse -> Chorus -> Interlude -> Bridge -> Chorus
Instrumentation: Vocal & Finger Snap

This is a short song just to tell you - relax. Cause often times things in life is just overwhelming us in many different ways. A lot of deadlines we need to meet, a lot of things we have to do and I just want to tell the listener to take a break and it's always fine to go crazy and mindless for a while just to relax and relief yourself.

[Verse 1]
I’ve always wanna be someone
someone who always get things done
but when I grow older and older
everything’s getting harder and harder

It’s Monday again after weekend
But I just want to lay right here
cause nothing’s better than chilling on your coach with a friend

[Chorus 1]
Cause I’m just lazy alone
and I’m lazy at home
procrastination
is just a motto I own

Just take it easy
whenever you’re busy
everything’s gonna be fine
you still have time

[Verse 2]
You’re always gonna break your head
keep thinking about something that you don’t have
but why don’t you take a break
and take this yummy piece of ice-cream cake

It’s weekend again after today
and you ask if I’m just here A-ok?
well why not, cause I’m here chilling all day

[Chorus 2]
Cause I’m just crazy alone
and I’m crazy at home
letting it be
whenever I’m free

Just take it easy
like lemon squeezy
everything’s gonna be fine
extend your deadlines

[Bridge]
Da Da Da Da Da, Da~Da~Da~
Da Da Da Da Da, Da~Da~Da~Da~Da~
Da La Da Da Da, Da~Da~Da~Da~Da~
Da Da Da Da Da Da, Da~Da~Da~Da~

[Chorus 3]
Cause I’m just lazy alone
and I’m lazy at home
procrastination
is just a motto I own

Just take it easy
whenever you’re busy
everything’s gonna be fine

Cause I’m just crazy alone
and I’m crazy at home
letting it be
whenever I’m free

Just take it easy
like lemon squeezy
everything’s gonna be fine
you still have time

Song 9 - Where Will It Take Me

Key: E Major
Tempo: 75 Bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Genre: Acoustic
Chord Progression: I V VI IV
Structure: Intro -> Verse -> Pre-Chorus -> Chorus -> Interlude -> Verse -> Pre-Chorus -> Chorus -> Interlude -> Bridge -> Chorus
Instrumentation: Vocal & Acoustic Guitar

(Details Insert Later)

[Verse 1]
When I was young and naive
Everything is much easier
going to school was already my greatest fear

I thought it’s intimidating
the sea of homework’s awaiting
now I look back it wasn’t a thing

[Pre-Chorus 1]
Life just hits you hard sometimes
when you thought it’s over here’s another round

[Chorus 1]
I wish it was as easy as 1 2 3
but you couldn’t get around from paying your electrical fees
once upon a time I thought it’s easy to say you and me
but now I’m just singing alone waiting to see
where would life take me

[Interlude 1]

[Verse 2]
all the sudden it’s time
time to leave and venture
venture out to the real world

you thought you were trying it out
but then you figured it all out
it’s been years and years and that’s not what life’s about

[Pre-Chorus 2]
Life just hits you hard sometimes
when you thought it’s over here’s another round

[Chorus 2]
I wish it was as simple as A B Cs
but you couldn’t get around from paying your medical fees
once upon a time I thought that I can find someone
but now after everything that I have done
there is still no one

[Interlude 2]

[Bridge]
It is the way it is
Though we didn’t ask for this
We still have to commit

life is full of mistake
people come in and take
but we still have to believe

[Chorus 3]
I wish it was as simple as 2 + 3
but you couldn’t get around from paying your rental fees
once upon a time I thought it’s easy to let it be
but now I’m singing all alone waiting to see

I wish it wasn’t so hard to be what I wanna be
but you couldn’t make a life without the bread and butter you need
once a while some point in life and you will finally realised
it’s for the best to just hope and see
where would life take me

Song 10 - Magical Deer

Key: A Major
Tempo: 75 Bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Genre: Acoustic
Chord Progression: I V VI IV
Structure: Intro -> Verse -> Pre-Chorus -> Chorus -> Interlude -> Verse -> Pre-Chorus -> Chorus -> Interlude -> Bridge -> Chorus
Instrumentation: Vocal & Acoustic Guitar

(Details Insert Later)

[Verse 1]
I’m strolling outside this Christmas night
Saw a magical deer deep in the woods
sparkling blue dust coming off
her body, she could barely take off
I walked to her patched up her wounds

[Interlude 1]

[Verse 2]
She stood up again right by my side
She looks up to me with her watery eyes
Wanted to tell me a story
though she couldn’t do it verbally
but I know in my heart she was left behind

[Chorus 1]
Santa Claus once upon a time
fly above this part of town
a tree came out of nowhere hit her right onto the ground
He didn’t look back or even see
coz he’s busy searching for the chimneys
gave away his present he rushed back to Rovaniemi
Left his magical deer

[Interlude 2]

[Verse 3]
Sometimes alone i feel the same
Everyone just ask for everything
Spent all my life and time gave away my strength for free
but at the end
like a magical deer left alone in fear

[Chorus 2]
Remember that once upon a time
someone who I came across told me
If you are good at something, you should never ever do it for free
They won’t look back or even see
even if they say they’ll remember me
like I thought Santa Claus would eventually come back to her
his magical deer

You belong to the wild
At the end you should do it for yourself
Fly away into the distant afar
Away from this life

[Chorus 1]
Santa Claus once upon a time
fly above this part of town
a tree came out of nowhere hit her right onto the ground
He didn’t look back or even see
and she didn’t know what she’s meant to be
and finally tonight she has realised
she’s a wild magical deer
and I will just be me

Song 11 - Aren't Meant to be Sad

Key: C Major
Tempo: 120 Bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Genre: Acoustic
Chord Progression: I V I V
Structure: Intro -> Verse -> Pre-Chorus -> Interlude -> Verse -> Pre-Chorus -> Chorus -> Interlude -> Chorus-> Bridge -> Chorus -> Outro
Instrumentation: Vocal & Acoustic Guitar & Shaker

(Details Insert Later)

[Verse 1]
This is a song you’re welcome to sing along
Forget the world now and what is going on

Take a moment from your computer
and pour yourself a nice little glass of water

[Pre-Chorus 1]
How long you’ve been here?
How long I’ve been there?

[Interlude 1]

[Verse 2]
Stuck in the office 24/7
Mother’s crying cause she never sees her son

Take a moment from your computer
and go straight to home have a home-made dinner

[Pre-Chorus 2]
How long you’re not here?
How long you’ve been there?

[Chorus 1]
We live in this world full of stress, we’re distressed
you’re depressed cause you failed to impress someone
Always wanted to earn respect, nonetheless, but they end up
couldn’t care less
ooh ooh What are you looking for?
ooh ooh What are you living for?

[Interlude 2]

[Verse 3]
Look up the sky, wonder it has been how long?
hold your tears up, and try to stay strong

Take a moment from their desires
and lay down here like you’ll soon retire

[Pre-Chorus 3]
How long has been passed?
How long would we last?

[Chorus 2]
We live in this world full of stress, we’re oppressed
you’re depressed cause you have more work than you’ve guessed
Always wanted to be success, nonetheless, but you end up passing out on your desk
ooh ooh What is life about?
ooh ooh Why can’t we just break out?

[Bridge]
So long
you’ve hid yourself
Inside your prison cell
Would you just come out and forget about finally let yourself go?

[Chorus 3]
We live in this world full of stress, we’re distressed
we deserve to be served with a nice dessert
Always wanted to be success, nonetheless, we can take our time, play a round of chess

We live in this world what a mess, we’re upset
unless happiness is what I can possess
Always wanted to be success, no regret, we can take what we have and see where we’ll get

ooh ooh This is what life’s about
ooh ooh Let’s us go and hang out

ooh ooh Don’t you dare feel bad
ooh ooh We aren’t meant to be sad

Introduction

This project is a music album that is about the shower thoughts that I had hence the album name. It is about personality, friendship, family and things happening around me. I wanted to express and share my view on this world with the medium of easy-listening music.

Idea

The idea of each of the songs actually came from everyday I take a shower(literally). It's the time when I can have a peace of mind without everyone around. We all have the times that thoughts are suddenly coming to us and it is the time for me. And I just want to share with the listeners my views and perspective on things through music.

For the Audiences

Although this project is built upon my own vision on things, I also hope that it can be related to the listeners, especially the ones that live in the same society, facing similar problems in life. I want to make it so that the audiences would have a moment of "yes, I felt that too" while listening to the songs.

Inspirations

The concept of the album theme is partly inspired by Alec Benjamin's "Narrated for You" album. In his album, each song has its own little story that might or might not have happened in real life, some of them are about perspective on things, and some of them are just things that could happen to anyone who is listening. I felt relatable in some sense when listening to his album thus I would like to achieve similar reaction/feelings from the listeners of my music album.

The music style is inspired by various artist/singers that I listen to a lot such as: Shane Filan, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Taylor swift, John Legend, kina grannis, Daniel Powter etc.

Melody

For most of the songs, the most prominent melody is usually the first part that came into my mind. I usually came up with its chorus first but sometimes I would come up with the verse first as well. The intro and the bridge are usually composed after I have laid down the basic melodies.

Lyrics

For some of the songs, I already have the lyrics in mind when the melody first appeared and I will adjust them to a better vocabulary or one that rhymes better with the previous sentence while keeping the overall meaning the same. I also used some metaphors and antonym to provoke my message/story better.

Arrangement

The first step of the music arrangement varies from song to song, some of them I lay down the piano accompaniment/chord progression first. Some of them I write down the lyrics first and then I use my guitar to accompany my singing to see how it sounds and then record them into Logic Pro straight away. It depends on what I am comfortable with doing first at the time.

Production

As I do not have access to a studio, all of the recordings and compositions were done at my home. I used a lot of MIDI instrument libraries from Kontakt to Waves. For the acoustic guitar, ukulele and vocals, I recorded all of them on my own with minimal equipments.