In our lives, we have to face difficulties from time to time. As we all know, life is not always as easy as we want. In our daily life, we may come across many different problems. Sometimes when we feel bad, a strange idea might come to our minds: If only I were a hero with magic power! If so, why not put your problems aside and listen to the song Hero to cheer you up?

US pop singer Mariah Carey’s hit single (热门单曲) Hero tells us how to do this. The song encourages the audiences (观众) to face the difficulties directly and bravely in their lives, and inspires people to overcome their fears and hopelessness. What’s more, it truly makes everyone realize the meaning of life: Go ahead and try your best, and the true hero just lies in the bottom of your heart.

The song came out in 1993 on her third album. It hit No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart after it came out. Mariah Carey was nominated (提名) for the best female pop singer at the 37th Grammy Awards. The song is different from the previous (先前的) music that Swift was once known for. It is fantastic and cheerful.

Many people would like to learn how to play a musical instrument, but they are put off by one big problem: what to play? Here are some questions to help you decide.

What kind of music do you like?

Many instruments are versatile (多用途的), but some are more suited to certain types of music. For example, there are some classical plays for the saxophone, but people connect it more with jazz. The saxophone is not a permanent (永久的) feature of many orchestras (管弦乐队). Some instruments may lend themselves to others better than to the music you like, so think twice before you start.     

Do you want to play with other people?

Think about your long-term future as a musician. If you want to play with other people, what kind of instrument would be the most practical? The attraction of playing a dazzling solo instrument like trumpet (小号), violin, flute or lead guitar might fade (逐渐消失) when you realize how many other people are competing with you to get the main part with the same instrument! If you want to play rock music, there will always be a need for bass players or drummers, and if you feel like being part of an orchestra, the bassoon is a great bet to make sure you are always needed.

Where are you going to practise?

Many people live in flats and practising the drums, for example, will drive your neighbours crazy. Think about where and when you are going to practise, as well as the patience of the people you live with or near. Electric musical instruments like the piano, drums, guitar, and even violin give you the option of playing into the night using headphones, while your housemates sleep in peace. Otherwise, you may need to go to a school or a community centre to practise.

How much money can you spend?

This is quite a big factor. A lot of instruments can be bought in different price ranges, for example, guitars. But this doesn’t change the fact that many, such as the piano, are always pretty expensive. If you can’t afford your chosen instrument, will you be able to borrow someone else’s or hire one?

Are there any physical limitations (限制)?

If you’re small and don’t like lifting heavy instruments, you won’t want to carry around a double bass. Apart from that, use your common sense, and don’t let your physical shortcomings put you off. Who says small skinny people can’t play the tuba (大号)? It’s true that some wind instruments require a lot of lung (肺) power, but with the right coaching, everyone can develop the right skill.

Still not sure?

Talk to people you know who already play instruments. They might even let you try theirs. It’s also a good idea to find an experienced music teacher, preferably one who plays several different instruments, who can give you some advice and push you in the right direction.

If you find an instrument you love and that suits your needs, you’ll find the time spent choosing was well worth it. Good luck with making your choice!

“We are like the sea of flowers in May, ” Do you know the song of the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC)?

In 1987, a notice in China Youth Daily read, “We warmly welcome contributors (投稿人) to write a song for the CYLC.” When 34-year-old Hu Hongwei saw this, he got excited.

One day, an oil painting flashed into his mind: In front of Tiananmen Square, colorful flowers bloom in May. How exciting! He felt that the May Fourth Movement was as lively as young people. So he thought youth were like a sea of flowers in May.

Later, the composer (作曲家) Lei Yusheng saw the lyrics and decided to compose the song. Lei wanted to show a change in China’s history through the song. He lowered the key in the middle of the song and slowly pushed the music to a climax (高潮).

In October 1987, China Youth Daily chose 10 songs out of 5,300. Among them, Hu and Lei’s work topped the list. At the 12th National Congress of CYLC held in May 1988, it was made the temporary (暂时的) song of the organization. It was then made the official song in 2003.