“Life is…” by Carpe Diem is a reflective single which looks at the way people change as a result of their friendships, the difficult experiences they go through and the choices they make over time. As part of the duo’s Life Trilogy, the song originated from a promise that Ada made to Cecillia Tang ten years earlier: that she would write her a special song. This personal background gives the song a definite emotional aim, so that it functions both as a letter to a friend and as a meditation on the possibilities of life.
The song alternates between personal memories and more general thoughts about the human condition; the line “We know what we are, but know not what we may be” expresses the uncertainty regarding the future, whereas “The darker the night, the brighter the stars” shows that hard times can point to unexpected hope. “Life is short, but it’s wide” combines these ideas by implying that the possibilities of life go beyond its short duration. Instead of concentrating on dramatic incidents, the song acknowledges the subtle changes which slowly influence a person’s journey.
The collaboration between Ada and Cecillia is at the heart of the track’s character; Ada’s ethereal vocal tone is matched by Cecillia’s warm and grounded singing, thus giving the impression of a conversation taking place between two friends whose lives have spanned ten years. Jenny Liu’s piano provides a soft and reflective touch, and Keith’s guitar arrangement includes space so that the voices can stay clear and prominent. The bass, keyboards, drums and percussion contribute to a more substantial background without in any way damaging the recording’s intimate atmosphere.
“Life is…” was recorded at Yeah Studio in Hong Kong and, although it keeps the spacious arrangements that are typical of Carpe Diem, features a more full-bodied rhythm section and a subtle sense of progression. The natural reverb and the quiet spaces are still essential to the way the recording is presented, giving the instruments and the vocals room to breathe. Since it is the duo’s first proper duet with Cecillia, the song brings their personal background into sharper focus as it looks at the themes of transformation, resilience and friendship; the message it conveys urges listeners to think about what life might still have to offer them, even after going through difficult periods.
