On the edge of the vast desert, beside the Crescent Moon, China's most ardent Jeep enthusiasts will gather for the 2011 Jeep Gala to celebrate their annual event. This night, no one sleeps; instead, voices rise in song. Renowned singer Jian Li will premiere his new work, "Still on the Road," amidst the Dunhuang desert. This new song, with lyrics penned by Sun Mian, founder of New Weekly, and music composed by Jian Li, was written specifically for Jeep's "Ultimate Four-Wheel Drive Tool," the Wrangler. There is an interesting backstory behind its creation.
Sun Mian, affectionately known as "Grandpa Sun" and highly respected in media circles, is also a beloved "old child" among friends. He has been an apprentice, a model worker, an advertising professional, a magazine publisher, and even reached the Arctic and summited Mount Everest. His life experiences, even if seemingly mundane, are enough to leave people in awe. As a Wrangler owner, he possesses the same passion and wisdom as any young person. The common traits of Wrangler owners—toughness, sincerity, compassion, and forward-thinking—are all naturally present in him. In an era where many lament the disappearance of true men, Sun Mian and others like him represent those who can stand tall and think globally. "Live once for yourself, live fully," is their shared pursuit, engraved deep in their bones.
One day, while driving the Wrangler to the horizon again, perhaps moved by the beautiful scenery or resonating with the innate obedience of the "little horse," Sun Mian, inspired by emotion, quickly composed this poem titled "Still on the Road." Deeply fond of this work, Sun Mian approached his good friend Jian Li, inviting him to compose music and perform it.
Jian Li, a rare example of a graceful "musical poet" in today's music scene, chose a solitary yet clear path when everyone thought the future of "Water Wood" was bright, transforming into a now widely recognized musical talent. Alongside Zheng Jun, Xu Wei, and Piao Shu, he is known as one of the "Four Mainland Singer-Songwriters." His persistence in music and self-expression, as well as his courage to go against the tide, made Sun Mian believe that Jian Li was someone who could understand the soul of the Wrangler. He would pour out his most genuine emotions from the depths of his heart, singing the purest and simplest voice.
Upon receiving the invitation, Jian Li readily agreed and was deeply touched by the thorough and noble sentiments expressed in the lyrics. Thus, when the "old child" met the "musical poet," two true-character men with significant achievements in their respective fields, through their love for the Wrangler, sparked a pure and intense resonance of the soul. The composition of "Still on the Road" proceeded smoothly and was completed in one go. Due to his fondness for this song, Jian Li decided to include it in his upcoming album. He even invited the Wrangler to star as the "main character" in the MV for this song, using music and lens to jointly depict the lifestyle of Wrangler owners who continuously challenge boundaries and live extraordinary lives.
Recalling the 1970s, the famous rock band T.Rex also wrote a popular song named after the Jeepster, which belongs to Jeep. Now, with these two talents sparking creativity and producing "Still on the Road," it is evident that Jeep's charm spanning 70 years is truly unmatched.
How far is the road? Where is the end?
How can we understand the ups and downs of the heart and the unintentional strength?
The glow of life melts the frost of the journey.
Let the ordinary you and me still be on this extraordinary road.
Believe that after the gala, tens of thousands of Wrangler owners across the country will add this song to their music libraries. When driving the Jeep Wrangler across the land and embarking on journeys breaking boundaries, "Still on the Road" will become the common theme song for all those who are "wildly independent."