Hong Kong
"Under a Vast Sky" has become the unofficial anthem of the 2014 Occupy Central protest in Hong Kong. Reuters

The Occupy Central protest in Hong Kong has adopted an unofficial anthem. “Under a Vast Sky” by the Hong Kong ‘90s rock band Beyond has been embraced by protesters upset with China over its refusal to let citizens choose their future leader, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.

The hit, which debuted in 1993, has been sung by people in the movement nearly 10 times each day, according to Nikki Lau, a Hong Kong resident. “We need a song that everyone can sing along to,” Lau said. “[This song] is part of the collective memory of Hong Kong people.”

People can relate to the lyrics with their current political struggle, Lau said. Some of the lyrics include: “Forgive me for embracing freedom in my life/ But also fear of falling down some day/ To give up one’s hope, it isn’t hard for anyone/ It would be fine if there’s only you and me”

The song was not created with political ties. It originated in the ‘90s to express the singer-songwriter’s disappointment with the music industry, the news site wrote. Wong Ka-kui, the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, once said, “There’s only the entertainment industry, but not a music industry in Hong Kong.”

A clip of the music video with English subtitles has been posted below:

Peaceful protests have remained one of the main goals of the Occupy Central movement. As authorities sprayed people with pepper spray and tear gas, protesters protected themselves with umbrellas, goggles and cellophane.

Hong Kong celebrities have not been outspoken about supporting the protest, but showbiz veteran Eric Tsang said the movement "must be done peacefully," according to Channel News Asia. "I feel the students want to resolve the issue peacefully. Everyone can see them raise both their hands during the event and they aren’t doing anything violent," he said.

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