A Cry for the Future of Hong Kong: Blackbird’s The Return of the Orphan

Anarchist Studies - ISSN 2633-8270
Volume 33 Number 1 (2025)

A Cry for the Future of Hong Kong: Blackbird’s The Return of the Orphan
Levon Kwok pages 92‑113
DOI: 10.3898/AS.33.1.04

Abstract

In public perception, Hong Kongers are not generally politically active. However, some Hong Kongers have dedicated themselves to anarchism and cultural activism against existing socio-political norms. Blackbird, a Hong Kong-based anarchist rock band, is a prominent example. From its establishment in 1979 to its disbandment in 1999, Blackbird created over eighty songs of dissent. The Return Of The Orphan is a notable instance. As the first track on Blackbird’s fifth album Uniradical Subversion (1995), The Return Of The Orphan not only raises doubts about the supposed democratic handover of Hong Kong in 1997, but also foresees its adverse impact on Hong Kongers’ political freedom thereafter. By analysing every line of the song’s lyrics, using the method of semantic exploration, this article aims to reveal the song’s spirit of non-conformity, which appropriately represents Hong Kongers’ fervent desire for political freedom.

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To cite this article
Levon Kwok (2025) A Cry for the Future of Hong Kong: Blackbird’s The Return of the Orphan, Anarchist Studies, 33(1), 92-113 . https://doi.org/10.3898/AS.33.1.04

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