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Rice Field (song)

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"Rice Field"
Rock remix cover
Single by Jay Chou
from the album Capricorn
ReleasedSeptember 22, 2008
Recorded2008
GenrePop
Length3:43
LabelJVR Music
Songwriter(s)Jay Chou
Producer(s)Jay Chou
Jay Chou singles chronology
"A Dandelion's Promise"
(2007) 		"Rice Field"
(2008) 		"The Promised Love"
(2008)
Music video
"Rice Field" on YouTube

"Rice Field" (Chinese: 稻香; pinyin: Dào xiāng; lit. 'Rice Fragrance') is a song recorded by Taiwanese recording artist Jay Chou. It premiered in Asia on September 22, 2008, serving as the lead single for the singer's ninth studio album Capricorn (2008). Written and produced by Chou, "Rice Field" was conceived based on the singer's childhood memories. It is a pop number that blends elements of folk music and hip-hop, with lyrics looking back towards a more simple life amidst contemporary hardships.

"Rice Field" received positive reviews from music critics, with NetEase complimenting the song's lyrics and composition. "Rice Field" appeared at number three on the Hit FM's top 100 singles of the year ranking, and won Song of the Year at the Golden Melody Awards and Beijing Pop Music Awards. Its accompanying music video is set in a rural area with ox carts, country lanes, and rice paddies while Chou donned folk attire. A rock remix of the song was released by JVR on July 2, 2024.

Background and release

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"Rice Field" premiered on radio stations in Taiwan and Asia on September 22, 2008.[1][2]

Development

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"Rice Field" draws inspiration from Chou's childhood memories. It depicts contemporary urban city dwellers burdened by societal and life pressures, and their growing desire to retreat to a simpler, rural existence. Chou intended to illustrate an idyllic countryside setting, running barefoot through fields, stealing fruits, and carefree childhood play.

He elaborated on the message behind the song: "Do not give up so easily. Just like I've always said before, if your dream seems to be too far away, do not hesitate to redefine it. Success and fame are not the ultimate goals. Work towards your personal happiness, as that is the true essence of life."[3] In a 2013 interview with Southern Weekly, Chou commented that the song was created to cheer people up amidst the 2008 Sichuan earthquake and the 2007–2008 financial crisis.[4]

Reception

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NetEase complimented the song's composition and Chou's songwriting on the track.[5] On year-end charts in Taiwan, "Rice Field" was ranked at number 3 on the Hit FM Top 100 Singles of the Year chart in 2008.[6]

Music video

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In order to bring out the essence of the concept behind "Rice Field" in the music video, Chou chose a rural courtyard house as the filming location to represent his childhood memories.[3] The video tells the story of a middle-aged man, frustrated with work-related stress, venting his frustrations on his wife and children. He later retreats to his rural hometown, where the affectionate welcome from his mother and relatives offers him strength. The video features two individuals leisurely singing and playing music on an ox cart, although the cart is propelled by staff members, not an ox.

The video blends rural scenery with hip-hop elements. Chou, donned in folk attire, lip-syncs on ox carts, country lanes, and amidst rice paddies. The video was filmed in Xinwu Township, Zhongli District in Taoyuan. On the day of filming, over 30 actors were enlisted to portray individuals of various ages in the courtyard. Chou and Yang Ruidai played wooden box drums and guitars. The folk-style clothing he wore were from Thailand, acquired during an advertisement shoot.[7]

Accolades

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Awards and nominations
Year Award Category Result
2009 Beijing Pop Music Awards Song of the Year Won
Golden Melody Awards Song of the Year Won
Best Composer Nominated
Best Lyricist Nominated

Parodies

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In November 2008, netizens adapted the lyrics of the song to "Meat Fragrance" to satirize the poor quality of the food at school cafeterias.[8]

Release history

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Region Date Version Format Label Ref.
Taiwan September 22, 2008 Original Radio airplay JVR Music [2]
China
Singapore
Malaysia
Hong Kong
Various July 2, 2024 Rock remix
  • Digital download
  • streaming

References

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  1. ^ "周杰伦《稻香》22日首播 新歌抵达禅意境界(图)" [Jay Chou's "Rice Fragrance" premieres on the 22nd, and the new song reaches the realm of Zen (Photo)]. Sina Entertainment (in Chinese). September 19, 2008. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "周杰倫- 『稻香』 HIT FM全球首播" [Jay Chou - "Daoxiang" world premiere on HIT FM] (in Chinese). Hito Radio. September 22, 2008. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  3. ^ a b "专辑：周杰伦《魔杰座》" [Album: Jay Chou's "Capricorn"]. Sina Entertainment (in Chinese). October 20, 2008. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
  4. ^ "周杰伦昔日采访曝光《稻香》是为汶川地震创作" [Jay Chou revealed in an interview that "Rice Fragrance" was created for the Wenchuan earthquake]. Baidu (in Chinese). Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  5. ^ "第八部分 年度热门单曲（八）" [Part 8: The Hottest Singles of the Year (VIII)]. NetEase Technology (in Chinese). January 12, 2009. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  6. ^ (in Chinese) HITO Radio Hit Fm Annual Top 100 Singles Chart- 2008 (#1 to 50). Retrieved May 20, 2011
  7. ^ "组图：周杰伦《稻香》MV民俗风融合农村与嘻哈" [Photo: Jay Chou's "Rice Fragrance" MV combines folk style with rural and hip-hop]. Sina Entertainment (in Chinese). September 26, 2008. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  8. ^ "周杰伦新歌《稻香》遭恶搞变《肉香》" [Jay Chou's new song "Rice Fragrance" was spoofed and changed to "Meat Fragrance"] (in Chinese). November 5, 2008. Archived from the original on July 24, 2010.
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