This song is based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. The story revolves around the journey of Tang Sanzang and his three disciples: Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), Zhu Bajie (Pigsy), and Sha Wujing (Sandy) as they travel to obtain Buddhist scriptures.
The lyrics describe their adventures with a focus on one particular episode where they encounter a cunning demon. The structure of the song emphasizes the order in which they follow each other, highlighting their unique characteristics:
- Tang Sanzang rides a horse, followed by Sun Wukong.
- Sun Wukong runs swiftly, followed by Zhu Bajie.
- Zhu Bajie, known for his long nose, is followed by Sha Wujing.
- Sa Wujing carries a load, and they are then followed by an evil demon.
Key Characters and Events:
- Tang Sanzang: The monk leading the pilgrimage to retrieve Buddhist scriptures.
- Sun Wukong: A powerful and intelligent monkey who protects Tang Sanzang.
- Zhu Bajie: A comical pig-like creature who is also part of the protection team.
- Sa Wujing: A quiet and diligent disciple who carries their luggage.
- The Demon: An evil entity that deceives Tang Sanzang and Zhu Bajie.
Lyrics Interpretation:
- The song begins by establishing the order of the pilgrims, emphasizing the hierarchy and roles within the group.
- The demon deceives Tang Sanzang and Zhu Bajie, highlighting their naivety or lack of discernment.
- Sun Wukong's sharp eyesight and strength save the day, symbolizing the importance of vigilance and courage.
- The repetition at the end reinforces the narrative structure and the cyclical nature of their journey.