知己知彼 (Know Oneself And Each Other)

Faye Wong's '知己知彼 (Know Oneself And Each Other)' delves into the complexities of love, identity, and the inevitable changes that time brings to relationships. The song opens with a poignant juxtaposition of the lovers' lives, highlighting how their individual pursuits and possessions define them. The lyrics '凌晨是我 明晨是你' (Late night is me, early morning is you) and '事業陪著你 衣服纏著我' (Career accompanies you, clothes entangle me) suggest a growing distance between the two, despite their shared space. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how love can fade unnoticed, as captured in the line '不知不覺愛已死' (Unknowingly, love has died).

The chorus reflects on the promises made in the past, '當初講過愛到死' (We once said we would love until death), and contrasts them with the present reality where the couple remains together out of habit rather than passion. The repetition of '仍一起' (Still together) underscores a sense of resignation and the struggle to maintain a connection that has lost its initial fervor. The metaphor of '紅裙屬我 藍籌屬你' (The red dress belongs to me, the blue chips belong to you) further emphasizes the distinct worlds they inhabit, despite their physical proximity.

Wong's lyrical narrative is a poignant commentary on the nature of long-term relationships, where familiarity can sometimes lead to emotional distance. The line '沒患難但各自飛 像天共地一般距離' (No hardships but we fly separately, like the distance between heaven and earth) encapsulates the paradox of being together yet apart. The song invites listeners to reflect on their own relationships and the delicate balance between maintaining individuality and nurturing a shared bond. Through her evocative lyrics and emotive delivery, Faye Wong captures the bittersweet reality of love's evolution over time.