Kalimba songs:Insects Flying

“Insects Flying” – The Melancholic Melody of Love from “The Storm Riders” (1998)

Introduction: The 1998 Hong Kong cinematic experience, “The Storm Riders,” presented a compelling narrative through its musical score, with “Insects Flying” serving as a poignant ode to the complex love story between the characters Nie Feng and Kong Ci. The film features two distinct renditions of this track: a version with a children’s choir and a solo acapella version, each capturing different emotional textures of the narrative.

In the film’s visually enchanting scene set in the Sword Graveyard, Nie Feng carries Kong Ci on his back, wandering through a mystical dance of fireflies, as the children’s choir version of “Insects Flying” envelops the moment in innocence and romantic whimsy. This version, with its pure and gentle tones, mirrors the couple’s naïve romanticism and the tenderness of their shared experience.

As the story progresses, tragedy unfolds—Kong Ci dies on the day she and Nie Feng are to wed. Nie Feng, returning to a now-dilapidated Sword Graveyard, is haunted by the vision of their past, the once vibrant scene now a canvas for his solitude. It is here that the acapella version of “Insects Flying” resurfaces, this time laden with sorrow, a stark contrast to the earlier childlike innocence.

The lyrics of “Insects Flying” deeply reflect the theme of love, with a recurring motif of a lonesome sadness. The metaphor of the insect’s flight in search of love encapsulates the essence of the song—though insects are naturally unemotional, they become carriers of human sentiment, seeking warmth and connection. The phrase “eternal desolation” appears repeatedly within the lyrics, painting a picture of desolate loneliness that sharply accentuates the exquisite warmth of love. The children’s voices add layers of softness, clarity, and purity, aligning with the overarching melody and infusing the song with a longing for love and a beautiful willingness to sacrifice for it.

“Insects Flying” is not just a soundtrack but a narrative device, encapsulating the tragic beauty of Nie Feng and Kong Ci’s love story within “The Storm Riders.” It is a musical journey through the contrasting stages of love, from its innocent beginnings to its sorrowful end, forever echoing in the hearts of those who journey with the characters.

The playing in the video is done using software, and the playback speed and rhythm are somewhat stiff and contain errors. It is just for reference in playing. If you want to know the correct tune, you can listen to the original song.