'Olive Tree' still guides the journey
Veteran singer finds her influential song continues to steer young artists toward a creative, internal purpose, Xing Wen reports.
The album earned her the award for Best Mandarin Female Singer at the ninth Golden Melody Awards the following year.
It also became her last pop music album to date, as she later shifted her focus to exploring religious music.
"Now, religious or spiritual music better reflects the essence of my life, which is indeed quieter and more focused on self-cultivation," she admits, having realized that what she wished to pursue was no longer viable within the mainstream pop market.
When she reflects on Olive Tree — the very song that shaped her identity — she feels no need to cling to its symbolism.
"I have already become who I am today because of the 'olive tree'," she says. "It's time for the tree to disappear, because I have already become it."
"After the image of the tree is endowed with beauty, we may also attach greater dreams and deeper pursuits to it, wandering far in search of it. But now I feel that 'the olive tree' is more like a state closest to one's original self. Throughout our lives, whether in pursuit or in seeking, the most beautiful destination is the place nearest to our original selves," wrote Ricki, a Weibo user after attending Chyi's recent Beijing concert.
