The famous Jin Liu Fu brand of Chinese wine has controversially
started using an American song called Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round
the Old Oak Tree as background music in its television
ads.
The song tells the story of a prisoner who can't wait to see his
wife after he is released from prison. The yellow ribbon in the
title symbolizes his freedom.
A lot of people have complained the song sounds improper for the
time so close to the Spring Festival. Chinese people have been used
to happiness for the holiday, but stories relating to jails usually
make them link misfortune to their life.
However Jin Liu Fu's brand manager, Mr Fang, said he did not
expect such a response from the public. While he understands the
meaning of the song, he thought its upbeat rhythm and reunion theme
made it ideal for advertising Chinese wine over the holiday
period.
He said he did not expect people would scrutinize the background
music in the ad so closely and promised to exercise more care when
producing ads in the future. Their future ads will use traditional
Chinese music.
(CRIENGLISH.com February 5, 2007)