Who ... ~ My all-time favourite song Part I

[Enfluerage]

In my life, the gifts that I truly respect are the ones where people gave to me without expecting to be repaid.

When I received these gifts, they become imprinted in my character.

That is, give and teach.

When I was younger,

My mother worked so hard all her life to make me happy, whether I would smile or frown.

She always told me "I'm not perfect, but I'll try my best for you".

One of the greatest things she said was "Try your best, don't worry about the test results".


What was one of the greatest things she did for me?

While most parents only cared that their children passed "Grade 8 piano", my mum found me a music teacher that would teach me without doing a single music exam. I could play whatever I chose, try as hard as chose and yet my teacher would still teach me.

Why did I grow up truly loving music so much?
Why would I happily play music for free?
Why is music one of my greatest gifts?

Because I learnt music for free. My mum paid the teacher.

Because I truly loved music so much, I listened to so many different singers from all around the world.

I listen to English, Italian, French, German, Chinese, Korean, Japanese songs etc

I listen to music from 300 years ago, 200 years ago, 100 years ago, 50 years ago, 20 years ago, 10 years ago and the most recent.

I listen to all kids of genres - Pop, Rock, Dance, Alternative, Chillout, Trance, R&B, Jazz, Classical etc

When I listened to all these singers, who was the singer I respected the most?

This singer is half-deaf
This singer is one of the most naturally imperfect singers
This singer tries the hardest.

This singer is has one of the most amazing stories in the world. As a child, she was always alone. Her father abandoned her and her mother was forced to work. There wasn't social help in place because no one in her country gets divorced at the time. Most people at school would shun her and stay away from her. When she got older, everyone told her she would fail.

As she was always alone, she kept writing and writing to keep herself company. Here are some of her writings. They are the most amazingly beautiful song lyrics even when translated into English.

No matter how far apart we are,we're always together. Remember that even when you feel crushed by the weight of the world,there's someone out there who loves you. (Daybreak)

The more you pretend to be strong, I see your weakness. The more you bare your fangs, I see your pain. You can be yourself, I'll accept you. You don't have to be afraid, because I know you (Kiss o Kill)

"The sparkling crystals we have left behind are now shining here though they may not be perfect…Honestly, I cannot say that it was all fun and joyful. But always, I wasn't alone" (My all)

What if there was nothing to believe in,and what if all that's left is despair?Please, hear my prayers in this era overflowingwith wingless angels.Even if you have no wings left. I still have one wing left ... (Endless Sorrow)

Remember, just one more time how we were born, crying, into this world.Your dreams and hopes for tomorroware all in this world. (A song is born)


No one in the industry could understand her career. But I did.

Why was she considered the greatest fashion trendsetter in the country?

She wore whatever she felt most comfortable. All her female fans wore what she wore. Most other singers were forced to wear whatever her fans wore.

Why was she so influencial person in setting music tastes?

She sung whatever genre she felt most comfortable. All her fans listened to whatever genre she sung. Most other singers sung whatever genre she sung.


And what was the point ?

She was the most truly respected singer because:

Her singing did not matter.
Her musical style did not matter.
Her fashion did not matter.

Year after year, people would buy her songs.

Because no one truly cared about her music, her songs or her fashion!

They only cared about her writings !

She wrote so beautifully because every since as a child, she wrote without expecting to be repaid.

I remember around a few years ago, when my family situation became so bad.

I always argued with mother, who said I was a fake Christian. I know now she was correct.

I always blamed my mother for my bad family situation, because she was the one who was still with me.

A single sentence changed my whole outlook on life.

I was watching an interview.


Hamasaki Ayumi was asked, who was the hero in her life?

Without a moment's hesitation, she replied in English.


"It's my mum. She worked hard all her life to make me happy".

I started crying when I heard this. Hamasaki Ayumi pointed out one of the most beautiful messages in my life.

If there is a really bad situation,
Most people argue and blame those who are still around them.
But those who are still around them are the ones who they should really appreciate the most !

[Enfluerage]

(Credits to various translators, eg: Masa).

And so, what were the two gifts Hamasaki Ayumi gave and taught me?

To write and to appreciate.

What is my all time favourite song?

It's called Who ...

It represents the most beautiful of my gifts.

The lyrics of this song are so stunningly beautiful,

That I don't even tell others what this song really means to me.
That's because it means so much to me.

Who taught me true strength?
Who taught me kindness?
Who taught me to walk on?
Who did I wish to stroke my hair?

Who didn't give up for me?
I'll never forget.

When I stray from the path, and When the path is too long, I was muttering to myself. That's the way life is...

And so, I ask myself the question.

Who taught me to sacrifice?
Who taught me to try ?
Who taught me music ?
Who taught me to write ?
Who taught me to appreciate?

Who taught me to accompany?
Who taught me to be friendly?
Who taught me friendship is not broken by distance ?
Who taught me to persist ?
Who taught me to be pleasant ?
Who taught me to be generous ?
Who taught me friendship is not broken by lack of contact ?
Who taught me to protect ?
Who taught me to universally accept others ?
Who taught me to be there for someone ?

Who taught me to "Be urself wherever you go, because life is to short to blend in" ?
Who taught me to be patient ?
Who taught me to be nice, sincere, independent and trusting?


Who taught me to be faithful ?
Who taught me to be loyal ?
Who taught me what it means to be friend ?

Who taught me to be trustworthy, kind, caring, considerate, courageous and humble ?
Who taught me to believe ?
Who taught me what it means to be true ?

Who first introduced me to Jesus?
It was a friend who was a nice person. Over ten years ago, my friend brought me to some place in the city that I don't remember. I don't remember the name of the speaker. I don't even remember the message.

But what I remember the most was that my friend who was from FCC never brought me to FCC.
I didn't choose to go to FCC.
And even though I didn't go to FCC, my friend was still nice to me.
My friend's kindness was free.

I have seen this friend maybe twice in ten years, but I still remember this friend. I don't go to FCC, but I still remember FCC.

Who truly taught me about Jesus?
It was a retired doctor who was a very humble man. When most people go to study about Jesus, they just prepare the minimum to "get it over and done with". This doctor secretly spent hours and hours to give me his best teachings about Jesus. I only went through the witness of John with this doctor. I never did thank this doctor properly as I was too busy accumulating possessions, praises and achievements. I don't even know if he stills remembers me, but I still remember him.

The account of which two witnesses, do I always quote today when I tell the story of Jesus?
It is of the witness this doctor taught me about.
It is of the witness of a doctor.

And no matter whoever I met in this world, I always had the message of Jesus imprinted in my heart.

I still was a showy Christian, but no matter how far I falled, I always knew about Jesus.
And even if my truest friends stayed with me to give me kindness.
And even if a friend would tell me "If you need to take time away, take it. If no one understands I will"
And even if I never truly believed in Jesus.
I always knew Jesus was closest to me.
Jesus is My True Friend who didn't give up for me.

The last two choruses of Who ... are thus my favourite parts of my all time favourite songs.

This is the song Hamasaki Ayumi always sung last at her concert, because it was the most special to her.

I have no idea what Hamasaki Ayumi really means by Who ... when she sings it, but here's what it means to me.


In English, people translate this to:

I pray this voice will forever reach you (Repeat x 4)

The translation is lost in English. She doesn't use the same words in her concerts!

How I interepretate her Japanese words are that these four sentences are directed differently.

Also, what is the voice actually saying? It is of the most beautiful words of appreciation. For me, they are:

Formally, I pray you all will forever receive my appreciation of you.
Informally, I pray you all willl forever receive my appreciation of you.
Humbly, I pray you all will forever receive my appreciation of you.
To the Person closest to my heart, I believe and I will forever give my appreciation to You.

What does this song mean to me?
They are the four most beautiful sentences I could ever write.

Jesus Loves (agape).
I receive and believe His love.

God Gives and Teaches me uniquely.
My story is unique from everyone else.

These four sentences represent my unique gift I receive from God.

To Hamasaki Ayumi, Otsuka Ai, Rafael Nadal, Steve Nash and every other famous person.
To everyone I've met at kindergarten, primary school, high school or university.
To all my work colleagues
To all my acquantainces
To all the strangers I've ever met
To all my enemies
To all the convicted criminals
To all the people of the world
I pray you all will forever hear my appreciation of you.

To my grandmother
To all my cousins, uncles, aunts and extended family
To all my casual friends
To all my friends
To all my good friends.
I pray you all will forever hear my appreciation of you.


To my mum
To my father and my brother
To my music teacher
To the city representatives and especially the greatest of the city representatives
To my incredibly good friends and especially the friend who is so loyal to me
To my friend who introduced me to Jesus
To the doctor who taught me about Jesus
To my truest friend in the world
I pray you all will forever hear my appreciation of you.

Jesus, I believe and I'll forever give my appreciation to You

[Enfluerage]

To the world, Hamasaki Ayumi looks the least like someone who follows Jesus.

She would go to any religious building
She wears whatever she is most comfortable with.
She never proclaims the Name of Jesus in public

But to me, Hamasaki Ayumi looks like someone who does follows Jesus.

Jesus would be around people of any religion. Hamasaki Ayumi would be around people of any religion.
Jesus is mocked by so many people. Hamasaki Ayumi is mocked by so many people.
She wears whatever she is most comfortable with because that truly doesn't matter.
She sings whatever genre she is most comfortable with because that truly doesn't matter.
She is so humble. Even though she is so successful, she keep on appreciating all her fans, friends and others.
Her songs secretly speak of the Love of Jesus but never mentions His name.

She never gives nor teaches the Name of Jesus because she just prays and trusts.
She prays and trusts that one day, a man who follows Jesus would talk about her actions, to give and teach the Name of Jesus to others.

This is the exact experience in my life.
This is exactly what Paul tells us!

Hamasaki Ayumi was abandoned by her father.
She moved away from her mother.
Her grandmother passed away.
Jesus was the only one left with her.
This is why she thanks Jesus lasts.

[Pieces_of_SEVEN]

I don't really understand the point of this...
and I don't appreciate you speaking for ayu regarding her religious beliefs...

[4ever*ayu]

well-written about appreciation towards ayu and Jesus!
ayu and charice pempengco (the new star of GLEE) is my forever idol, they both have almost the same childhood story,
- both of them were abandoned/left their father at age of 3
- ayu started modeling at age of 7, Charice started competed in singing contest at age of 7.

the most significant different between them
- ayu is one of the most naturally imperfect singers
- Charice is 'the most talented kid in the world' on Oprah show of 2009, and the most naturally perfect singer.

btw, what do u do now? are u a writer?

[primavera♥]

Wow O.O this is very interesting

I really enjoyed readit though...because you feel very deeply about ayu and the song. And you also feel very deeply about Jesus...all things which we have in common although lyrically my most preferred songs are Free & Easy and A Song is born

I would post a more detailed reply in response to what you said and your beliefs however.... the point I'm trying to get to is that no religious discussion is allowed on this forum. Especially as some people may be offended I suppose or can'tdiscuss maturely about it. So this thread may be trashed

And its a shame cuz I love what u wrote because its so beautiful and thoughtfully written and apparent depth has been put into it.

But its not allowed and noone is above the rules here

[Chibi-Chan]

Originally Posted by Pieces_of_SEVEN

I don't really understand the point of this...
and I don't appreciate you speaking for ayu regarding her religious beliefs...

I think the same...

[asmAyumi1992]

Originally Posted by Chibi-Chan

I think the same...

The same too.

Anyway, it's still interest me to read all of them.

[miki_beland]

I think Who... has nothing to do with god... Who is very special to me too >_<

[aura~]

I don't share your opinion regarding God, Jesus, and them being her friends and the last things left for her, and that she follows Jesus, etc...

First of all because I'm atheist, but I truly respect what other people believe with even if I don't share it. And because Ayu has never stated if she's christian or bhudist or whatever...

But anyway, It's nice what you said about your mother.

Buuut~ even if it's nice to share your deepest feelings and that makes you feel better I don't think this is the place to do it... maybe the other chat-room as you are talking more about your feelings, live and religion than Ayu...

just my opinion =)

[Kingdom]

Originally Posted by Enfluerage

To the world, Hamasaki Ayumi looks the least like someone who follows Jesus.

She would go to any religious building
She wears whatever she is most comfortable with.
She never proclaims the Name of Jesus in public

But to me, Hamasaki Ayumi looks like someone who does follows Jesus.

Jesus would be around people of any religion. Hamasaki Ayumi would be around people of any religion.
Jesus is mocked by so many people. Hamasaki Ayumi is mocked by so many people.
She wears whatever she is most comfortable with because that truly doesn't matter.
She sings whatever genre she is most comfortable with because that truly doesn't matter.
She is so humble. Even though she is so successful, she keep on appreciating all her fans, friends and others.
Her songs secretly speak of the Love of Jesus but never mentions His name.

She never gives nor teaches the Name of Jesus because she just prays and trusts.
She prays and trusts that one day, a man who follows Jesus would talk about her actions, to give and teach the Name of Jesus to others.

This is the exact experience in my life.
This is exactly what Paul tells us!

Hamasaki Ayumi was abandoned by her father.
She moved away from her mother.
Her grandmother passed away.
Jesus was the only one left with her.
This is why she thanks Jesus lasts.

[Enfluerage]

"I Am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End"

Who ...

What did I think ?

Hamasaki Ayumi would mingle with people from all religions
Hamasaki Ayumi doesn't go to a church.
Hamasaki Ayumi doesn't talk about her religion.
Hamasaki Ayumi doesn't talk about Jesus.
Therefore, Hamasaki Ayumi doesn't believe in Jesus.

But yet, when I look at all her songs, I really ask myself, what is the song Who ... about ?

The song Who ... does not mention God !

I'm not perfect, but in my opinion, it is the most beautiful song ever written because it really shows God Is Love without teaching of God.

No matter how much I hated the world.
No matter how much I hated people.
No matter how much I hated my image of God.

"But The Lord Is The True God; He Is The Living God, The Eternal King.'
Who ...
I pray you forever will hear my voice
"But The Lord Is The True God; He Is The Living God, The Eternal King.'

This is what I believe to be the message of the song.
So many people around the world are safe from suicide because they listened to this song
So many people around the world recover because they listened to this song.

This is the mesage from the bottom of my heart.
This is the song I've listened the most in my life.
This is the song I listened over a thousand times.
This is the song I played piano with over a thousand times.
This is the song I always dedicate to The Lord.

What is my favourite song about Jesus?
It is called "Jesus Loves me".

Why?

Because it is the song that Hamasaki Ayumi played at one of her concerts.
She hired a chorus to sing "Jesus Loves me"

If there was anyone in that huge concert that received Eternal Life,
They would think they heard the message of Jesus from "Jesus Loves me".

Who truly follows Jesus?
Is it a CEO who sacrifices his workers ?
Is it a nurse ?
Is it a man who says "I've baptised 5000 people and counting" ?
Is it a man who has the fine robes ?
Is it a criminal on death row ?

Imagine if the most beautiful story about a celebrity today is:

Many years ago, someone had taught Hamasaki Ayumi about Jesus.
And she responded as follows:
"Jesus, I believe.
My father abandoned me, I moved away from my mother, my grandmother passed away.
Everyone told me I would fail.
Everyone deserted me.
I spent my whole life crying.
But You did not desert me.
I'll spend all my life to write about Your Love
I'll keep my faith in You secret
I'll open the door for others to tell of Your Love
My songs will be called "I Am", "Who...", "Endless Sorrow", "M", "A Song is Born",
My videos and concerts will show images of crosses.
At my concert, I'll play "Jesus Loves me"
Whatever money I make, I'll give to others.

I'll show everyone of Your Love.
But the world will never know I serve You in secret.
Whenever anyone believes You, they'll thank someone else.
But that's ok with me, because You are my Lord"

What if the most beautiful place I ever been to was in Shanghai?
Where it was just a concert theatre ?
Where people from many nations gathered there ?
Where people travel from ridiculous distances to go there ?
Where people would give hundreds of dollars to be there ?
Where the person in front said Asia is one ?
Where the person in front went to a temple ?
Where the person in front said thanks to others

Where there was an image of a cross ?
Where there was a simple message -

Who ...
love (agape) is
"I pray you all will forever hear my voice"
"I pray you will forever hear my voice"
What does the image of a cross and the message "I pray you all forever will hear my voice?" mean to you ?

What if Hamasaki Ayumi really is a true follower of Jesus ?

What did Paul write ?

"women should remain silent in the churches"

What this statement means to me is as follows:

Women are free to try their best to be the CEOs of companies and hopefully would build good working culture.
Women are free to try their best be the CEOs of charitable organisations.
Women are free to try their best be the doctors, lawyers, engineers, vets, dentists.
Women are free to try their best to teach music, art, languages, sciences
Women are free to try their best to be kindergarten teachers, school teachers, lecturers, professors.
Women are free to try their best to be the best singers.
Women are free to try their best to give without expecting to be repaid.
Women are free to try their best to have faith in others.

The big problem is that "should" is considered a bad word.
The big problem is that "silent" is considered a bad word.
The big problem is that "churches" is considered a bad word.
The big problem is that this is a truly bad world.

This is my intepretation of Paul's message:

men are free to try their best to open doors for women to show that Jesus Loves.
women are free to try their best to open doors for men to teach that Jesus Loves.

If Hamasaki Ayumi really is a true follower of Jesus, and she took up Paul's suggestion:
She saved so many lives because people who hated an image of god or didn't believe in god realised:
"Such love exists in real life! Where can I find such love ?"
When they hear a song like "Jesus Loves me", they believe in Jesus.

When they see the image of a cross and the message "I pray you forever will hear my voice", they believe in Jesus.

Hamasaki Ayumi would never hear thanks from such people !
These people would go and thank others !

I thought:

"Who ... is a song about love (agape) by a girl. It is not a song by someone who believes in Jesus."

"Jesus Loves me" is a song about love (agape) by a guy. It is a song by someone who believes in Jesus"

Now I think:
"Who ... is a song about God by a girl who is free and tried her best to have faith in others.

This is why I think it's the most beautiful song in my life !

Thus, here's the interesting point. What if many years from now:

Who... would be one of the most truly loved songs..
The story of my friend who sacrificed an exam to wait with me hours at an airport would be one of the most truly loved stories.
This quote "If you need to take time away, take it. If no one understands I will" would be one of the most truly loved quotes.

This is one of the most beautiful teachings I learned !
Whatever the world thinks my "service to Jesus is", it doesn't matter!

This is why I'm not going to "count" how many people I bring to Jesus.
I'm free to try my best in my own unique way.
Hamasaki Ayumi is free to try her best in her own unique way.

The unamed criminal at the cross says:
"Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong."
Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom."

His simple, personal message helped so many others believe in Jesus !

But he would never receive any thanks from others before he passed away !
Appearances don't matter!

This is why I will never worship a false image of God.

"God is Love"

People may think they are first, so they are greater than God.
People may think they are last, so they are greater than God.

"But The Lord Is The True God; He Is The Living God, The Eternal King."
I believe God. I'm not the Beginning.
I believe God. I'm not the End.
"But The Lord Is The True God; He Is The Living God, The Eternal King."

And thus, what I learned is as follows. These three sentences are identical !

"In the beginning God Created the heavens and the earth."
"God is Love"
"For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."

"Now to the King Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, The only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever."

"I Am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End"

[MissElin_]

Who are you?

[Cherry Dynamite]

This thread should be closed since it talks about religion.

[MissElin_]

The thing that scares me the most is that the title says "Part I"...

[Hydeki]

Originally Posted by MissElin_

The thing that scares me the most is that the title says "Part I"...

LOL xDDD. I really don't know what is this topic about...ayu? mother? love?

[AyuWorld]

Originally Posted by Cherry Dynamite

This thread should be closed since it talks about religion.

100% agree mods please pay more attention to things like this,we r not here to judge about Ayu's religion or guess,or whatever,religion is something personal so...

[dreamland2.0]

I suggest opening a blog or livejournal or something so you can express you thoughts and feelings without being misunderstood or offending anyone in a public forum. Your writing is very nice and personal but it's a bit out of place here.

[Hoshi no Suna]

You're not one of those obsessed fans, are you? .__.

[hsienko]

Originally Posted by Pieces_of_SEVEN

I don't really understand the point of this...
and I don't appreciate you speaking for ayu regarding her religious beliefs...

Yeah, I found this really uncomfortable to even look at not to mention its kinda pointless.