Malaysian singer Fuying (Wang Fuying) has released his brand new single ‘Like Cutting Onions Barehanded in Hell’, using an absurd yet heart-wrenching metaphor to portray those who, despite being covered in wounds, are still accustomed to pretending to be strong and hiding their emotions.
The song focuses on a relationship that one knows has already decayed, yet can’t bear to let go. “I’m fine” becomes the most common lie for those pretending to be strong; your mouth may say you’ve let go, but often, your tears are more honest than yourself. “I’m not upset, but damn tears just can’t stop flowing” is the song’s most direct expression of emotion.
Fuying hopes to express those understated yet real feelings after a breakup through this song. Some people, the sadder they are, the more they tend to act as if nothing has happened—continuing to work, to live, trying hard to make it seem like they’ve moved on. However, repressed emotions don’t just disappear; they often resurface in some unguarded moment, just like peeling an onion, layer by layer.
‘Like Cutting Onions Barehanded in Hell’ was specially written by Malaysian lyricist Der Ting, with Fuying personally involved in the composition, blending his own feelings and musical ideas into the track. To make the song better fit the state he wanted to express, the lyrics underwent nearly 10 versions of revision, and just the first line of the chorus alone went through 22 drafts—finalized only after repeated deliberation.
Fuying said that personally composing the song wasn’t just about finishing a piece, but also about turning those emotions he was unwilling to confront or couldn’t put into words into melody. During recording, he deliberately kept breathing sounds and subtle pauses, without over-polishing his voice—hoping the audience would hear not just “nice singing,” but someone truly experiencing emotions.
Fuying hopes this song is for everyone who looks fine on the outside but is still trying hard to hold themselves up inside. “I’m fine, I just happen to be listening to this song.” Maybe sometimes, people don’t cry because they can’t, but because even their tears have become an excuse for themselves. #