The single “Turning Around” marks Zhang Zhehan’s first attempt at writing lyrics himself, pouring his own emotions into it, revealing eloquently the feelings layer by layer. Without fancy rhetoric, but simply through each word and sentence of genuine inner monologue, it effortlessly speaks for you and me who once steadfastly held onto love.
We have all loved with all our might, given without reservation, persisted without looking back, thinking that holding hands tightly could lead us together till time’s end. Yet, how difficult it is to stay together till old age, everything must be left to time to prove. When love is quietly withdrawn, all those promises and commitments become meaningless. In despair, we understand that those sweet nothings are but a veil of love, revealing a completely different face once lifted. Thus, it’s better to leave decisively after turning around, owing nothing to each other, and from then on, there’s no need for regrets.
This song “Turning Around” is infused with a music style full of warm and deep emotions, pouring an alternative interpretation of love. With its deeply emotional melody, the gentle yet slightly melancholic prelude slowly builds up, and the first line immediately immerses the listener, “In the dark city, only a lone lamp remains. The heart in turmoil grows colder in the silent world.” Then it begins to reminisce, to tell, seeking relief in sorrow, until the music abruptly stops, “Too late to say goodbye,” but everything has already ended. Turning around signifies the courage to bid farewell to the past and step forward.
Zhang Zhehan’s voice is clear with a touch of tenderness, layering emotions progressively. His voice, full of narrative, vividly portrays the complex emotions of giving everything for love without looking back, and letting go after turning around, letting the gentle and mellow singing flow within the melancholic yet gradually liberating melody, breathing life into the song. A range of emotions such as sadness, nostalgia, and release emerge one by one, allowing listeners’ moods to swing with his singing, each line touching the heart deeply.