Merlin Lim: Pop Musician, Guitarist,
Traveller and Chow Chow Lover In Shanghai*.
AI generated dog and guitar.
I did not meet Merlin Lim for many years after Covid struck in 2019 so I suggested that we should since we are old friends in a pop guitar group during the 60's. He agreed and the revelations and his philosophy in life today struck a note in me.
When I thanked him for the chat, advice and his gift of exquisitely boxed mooncakes, he wrote to me. With his permission, as he speaks from his heart, the letter is produced below. Thanks again Merlin.
"Sharing An Afternoon, With My Dear Old Long-Lost Friend, Andy Young.
This Meeting Was Planned for Mid-September at Novena Square. After A Hug n Warm Greeting, We Went Looking For A Place To Sit, Chat n Some Lunch. Most Eateries Were Packed At That Moment In Time.While Eating, We Spoke About Those Good Old Days n I Mentioned To Andy, When I Was Driven Out From My Home By My Dad, He n His Parents Offered Me Shelter For A Couple Of Days. Though Andy Could Not Recall, From My Side,
I Did Not Forget Their Kindness n Protection For My Troubled Mind n Body.
Gradually Our Conversation Covered Life in General n How To Live n Be A Meaningful, Virtuous Person n This Leads To The Topic Of:
1 ) No Killing,
2 ) No Stealing,
3 ) No Lying,
4 ) No Intoxication, n
5 ) No Unlawful Intimacies or Misconduct.
1 ) No Killing,
2 ) No Stealing,
3 ) No Lying,
4 ) No Intoxication, n
5 ) No Unlawful Intimacies or Misconduct.
As For Killing, It Mainly Refers To: Killing A Human or That, Which Is To Be Human, i.e. 'Abortion'. No Stealing: Taking Something That Was Not Given, Regardless Of The Value. Eg, If I Go To Your Home, Open Your Fridge n Take A Drink Without Informing U, That Could Be Termed As Stealing. Lying, Is To Say Something That Is Untrue. No Intoxication, Refers To Alcohol, Drugs or Substances That Hinders Your State Of MIND. Unlawful Intimacies n Misconduct, Is Having Intimacies At A Holy Place, Intimacies Between Father n Daughter, Mother n Son, etc.
All Those Above Are My Humble Understanding n In No Way Is There Any Intention To Harm Other People's Point Of View. Please Accept My Sincere n Humble Apologies With Love n Compassion.
Peace n Bliss To All Who Read or Come In Contact With This Lunch Talk I Had With My Dear Old Friend, Andy, Who Is More Dear To Me Than Life Itself.
Love,
Merl. 
"
"Comments are welcome.
Merlin Lim [left] with Andy.
When I asked Merlin for his favourite song, he replied in all sincerity:
There Are Quite A Few Bro.
During the Band Boy Days With Veronica Young, It Was, "Nina Bobo." With Shirley Nair, "Let It Be Me." With Dickie, "A Whiter Shade Of Pale."
During the Band Boy Days With Veronica Young, It Was, "Nina Bobo." With Shirley Nair, "Let It Be Me." With Dickie, "A Whiter Shade Of Pale."
With Yours Truly, Andy Young ... I Don't Remember That Indonesian or Malay Song but I Have the Tune In My Head. "Da, Da, Da, Da , Da ... Da. Da, Da, Da, Da, Da... Ah, yes, "Impian Semalam".
Procol Harem: 'A Whiter Shade of Pale'.
YouTube Official Video by FLY RECORDS.
Selected song and a favourite of the late Dickie Tan.
Images:
Personal photos taken by Merlin Lim and Andy Young:
In Shanghai, during the cultural revolution, the composition picture above from AI would be unachievable. But he was there.
Click below...
