Chotto Matte Kudasai, Excuse Me While I Cry...

SONGS I LOVE:
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An English song by The Sandpipers but with a Japanese title is Chotto Matte Kudasai. In Japanese (ちょっと待ってください) it means, 'please wait a second' or 'please wait a moment.' although 'Shosho omachi kudasai' is more polite.
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The simplicity and sentiment of the lyrics, possibly conjuring an image of a beautiful girl or young man (depending on the singer), make it so popular that it has been recorded in other languages. Singapore, Malaya, other Asian 60s music artistes like Frankie Cheah and Frances Yip have recorded it.

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Martin Denny has quite a sugary version vocalised by an Asian lady. In the new century a Filipino group called Joey de Leon and The Sex Bombs has another. It is a lounge favourite with both pianists and night clubbers, a karaoke 'must sing' and can be heard in any building that plays elevator music.

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A hit with elementary keyboard enthusiasts, Chotto Matte music notes are found within the pages of numerous books teaching children songs. Like Que Sera Sera and Annie Laurie, the melody is loved by many young 'uns. Three cheers for evergreens.
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Chotto matte kudasai
Please excuse me while I cry
Seems sayonara means goodbye
But no one ever told me why

Sakura was in the spring
When our hearts found songs to sing
But Sakura has gone away
And so has our love, so they say

Chotto matte kudasai
Please excuse me while I cry
Without your love I would die
Please don’t leave me kudasai...
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Image: Google Images.

Original article: Andy Lim