How a Child’s Scribbles Inspired Aris Ariwatan’s Song 30 Years Ago
The Unlikely Origin of "1,2,3,4"
Petalings Jaya: Aris Ariwatan, the renowned singer-songwriter, has revealed the inspiring story behind his classic song "1,2,3,4". The song, which honors parents and their enduring love for their children, was written and composed by Aris 30 years ago.
A Chance Recording Session
Aris shared that he and co-writer Asmin Mudin had not even settled on a title for the song when they were suddenly offered a recording slot at King Studio, Petaling Jaya. The King Studio sound engineer told Aris that there was an open slot at 9pm, and he immediately grabbed it. However, he realized that they didn’t even have a song.
The Inspiration from a Child’s Scribbles
Aris recalled that he was panicking when his six-year-old son started doodling on his work papers. He became upset with his wife and son for letting him do it. However, he looked at the scribbles and saw the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4. He was hit with inspiration, and just like that, the song was completed. He then apologized to his son for getting mad at him earlier.
The Song’s Completion
Aris was confident that the song would resonate with listeners, as it spoke of family values, offered heartfelt advice, and was easy to sing along to. However, his record label thought otherwise. They wanted him to change the song title, but Aris refused.
The Song’s Sentimental Value
Aris revealed that the song was deeply sentimental to him as it was about his parents and their many sacrifices in raising him. He shared a personal anecdote about his childhood, where his mother would apply coconut oil to his hair and comb it for him every day before school.
The Mysterious Child Who Sings the Opening Lines
For the first time ever, Aris revealed the identity of the child who sings the opening lines of the song – Meor Hafiz Meor Abdul Rashid, now 41 years old. Aris picked Hafiz, the younger brother of ’90s singer Wann, literally hours before the recording session.
Meor Hafiz’s Experience
Hafiz recalled that he was only eight years old when he was chosen to record the song. He had never heard the song before and even had to stand on a box to reach the microphone. He expressed his gratitude to Aris for the opportunity to sing all those years ago.
Conclusion
The story of "1,2,3,4" is a testament to the power of inspiration and the importance of family values. The song has become a classic, loved by many to this day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What inspired Aris Ariwatan to write "1,2,3,4"?
A: A child’s scribbles on his work papers, which included the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4.
Q: Who sings the opening lines of the song?
A: Meor Hafiz Meor Abdul Rashid, now 41 years old, who was chosen to record the song when he was only eight years old.
Q: What is the significance of the song "1,2,3,4" to Aris Ariwatan?
A: The song is deeply sentimental to him as it was about his parents and their many sacrifices in raising him.