9 Top songs that get Hongkongers pumped

Hailed as the ‘Madonna of Asia’, Anita Mui is widely loved among Hongkongers – even more so since the release of her biopic Anita in 2021. Of her many hits, it is probably Sunset Melody that strikes a chord the most with her fans – it was the final song in Mui’s farewell concert, which she performed while in the final stages of cervical cancer. The melancholy lyrics compare a setting sun with how life is fleeting, and to this day, most Hongkonger who hear this song will still vividly remember Mui performing it in a wedding dress to symbolically marry the stage.

If Hong Kong only has one anthem, it’s undoubtedly this classic rock ballad by Beyond. As the title of the song suggests, it's all about freedom. It was initially written to express the artist’s frustrations of not being able to create music freely under industry censorship. Over time, this song has become Hong Kong’s freedom anthem, and its melody often fills the air during democratic movements.

Vulnerable Woman’s popularity played a considerable role in propelling Faye Wong to success. This song only grew bigger when it was used in a particularly dramatic sequence in TVB’s acclaimed drama The Greed of Man, and as is the case with several songs used in TV series – many people now cannot disassociate the song from the scene. Wong’s floaty vocals begging the listener to cherish the heart of a woman who easily gets hurt just does something to you!

What started off as a theme song for a TV series in the 1970s became known as Hong Kong’s unofficial anthem when lyrics from the song were quoted by the former financial secretary Antony Leung Kam-chung to encourage Hongkongers during the 2002 economic crisis. The 'Lion Rock Spirit' has gradually become a symbol of Hong Kong identity, encapsulating perseverance and solidarity.

This track was written in 1986 during a frenzy of panic and worry in Hong Kong following the Sino-British Joint Declaration. The term 'Pearl of the Orient' refers not only to the city of Hong Kong but also its people’s resilience and beauty despite the vicissitudes of governance over the past hundred years.

Beyond have a knack for penning songs that strike a chord with Hongkongers. The Glorious Years, in particular, was inspired by Nelson Mandela and his fight against apartheid.  This song praises not only the revolutionist’s love for his people but for humanity as a whole. The tune remains as popular as ever as a way to express the socio-political aspirations of Hong Kong, as well as being a great banger. 

This ’90s hit by local favourite son Sam Hui reflected the thoughts of many Hong Kong people were feeling prior to the 1997 handover. The optimistic lyrics remain words of encouragement to Hongkongers today, assurance that we are indeed on the same boat. 

Hong Kong hip-hop group LMF, aka Lazy Mutha Fucka, are unapologetically out-spoken (and explicit), and their songs are often satirical, touching upon issues like life in the underclass and working class. The track Holding The Middle Finger Tight《揸緊中指》(2009), in particular, encapsulates Hongkongers’ struggle for freedom. The vocalist almost screams the lyrics over a bass-heavy beat. The track is as timely and relevant as ever and works great as a backing track for a gym session. 

Speaking of LMF, as a tribute to the hip hop group’s 20th anniversary of their formation in 1999, a team of local rappers collaborated on an updated version of their famous anthem WTF, titled WTFHK, to pay tribute to the OG artists. When LMF first rolled out the song in 2003, it provided commentary on government corruption and social injustice; this new track, led by Matt Force, Dough Boy, Geniuz F the Future, Seanie P, Heyo and a new generation of rappers, are keeping LMF’s fire burning and bringing the city’s ongoing issues to light.