From "We are journalists" to "Bright eyes, pure hearts"

(CLO) Following the success of the song "We Journalists" – an outstanding work that won third prize in the literary and artistic creation contest about journalism on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Vietnam's Revolutionary Press Day (1925 – 2025); recently, journalist and musician Tao Khanh Hung has just released another heartfelt composition titled "Bright Eyes, Pure Heart" (set to a poem by Nguyen Thien). Boldly experimenting with two contrasting musical styles: deeply lyrical Pop Ballad and powerful, surging Rock, the song is not only an expression of pride but also a self-admonition about the "Heart" and "Vision" of soldiers on the ideological front.

Công Luận•02/06/2026

A person who gathers sounds from real life.

Before delving into the artistic world of "Bright Eyes, Pure Heart," it's impossible not to mention the "architect" who breathed musical life into the verses – journalist and musician Tao Khanh Hung. He is a unique figure in contemporary journalism and music , someone who always knows how to blend the keen insight of a journalist with the sensitive, romantic soul of an artist.

Associate Professor, Doctor of Music Do Hong Quan, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front - President of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations, presents awards to journalist Tao Khanh Hung and the winning musicians of the songwriting competition "Vietnam - Cuba: The Song of Solidarity and Friendship Resounds Forever" in commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of friendly relations between Vietnam and Cuba. Photo: Ha Khanh Linh

The year 2025 marked another milestone in his songwriting career. Besides winning third prize for his song "Our Journalists ," his work "Vietnam – Cuba: A Green Friendship" also won an honorable mention at the songwriting competition commemorating the 65th anniversary of Vietnam-Cuba friendship, organized by the Vietnam Musicians Association and the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations. This work was one of five songs selected for performance at the awards ceremony and was also among the 65 works selected for inclusion in a music book presented to the Party, State, and People of Cuba.

If "We Journalists" is an epic panorama, summarizing a glorious century of sacrifice and pride in the country's journalism, then "Bright Eyes, Pure Heart" is like a self-narrative, a close-up look into the inner world, professional ethics, and life ideals of writers. The shift from a collective "we" to a self-reflective "I" is a mature artistic step by Cao Khanh Hung as he finds absolute resonance in the poem by Nguyen Thien.

Commitment and the "combined" approach define journalism.

At the beginning of the song, listeners are led into a gentle, ethereal artistic space that nonetheless contains profound philosophical insights:

"A small joy, amidst the impermanence of life. Sparkling like a dewdrop, clinging to the tip of a blade of grass."

The image of "dewdrops clinging to blades of grass" is a beautiful artistic metaphor. The work of a journalist sometimes begins with very small things, fragments of lives, and ordinary stories hidden amidst the "impermanence" of life. Yet, hidden behind that humble exterior is "an invisible force," capable of encouraging, moving hearts, and motivating people to strive for success in life.

As a journalist specializing in arts and culture, I am particularly impressed by the author's very rational yet poetic definition of the profession:

"Journalism is a sum, timely reporting brings happiness to life."

Journalism is a creative definition of "addition." It's the sum of information, events, the will of the people and the Party, of joy and even the pain that needs to be shared. "Timeliness" is the lifeblood, the nourishment that sustains the newspaper. But the core purpose of this addition is not to seek sensationalism or attract readers, but to "bring happiness to life," guiding people towards the values of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.

The hallmark of a skilled writer: "Sharp eyes, pure heart, incisive pen."

Journalist and musician Tao Khanh Hung, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Construction Newspaper (fourth from the left), won third prize with his song "We Journalists" in the literary and artistic creation contest about journalism to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Vietnam's Revolutionary Press Day (1925-2025). Photo: Van Tuyen

At the heart of the poem, and the soul of the song, lie the powerful declarations about professional ethics:

"A sharp, brilliant pen, writing and speaking truthfully! Overcoming countless challenges, without a trace of self-interest."

This is a concrete embodiment of the classic teaching of generations of revolutionary journalists: "Bright eyes, pure heart, sharp pen." In today's information explosion era, where fake news and material temptations and fame constantly surround us, "writing and speaking truthfully" has become a life-or-death challenge. Journalists must face pressure from public opinion, pressure from negative forces, and, most dangerously, pressure from their own greed. Cao Khanh Hung used decisive musical notes to affirm that such a soldier must overcome all obstacles, keeping their heart "without a trace of selfishness" —an absolute impartiality and purity.

That ideal was elevated when it became linked to the nation's destiny and the revolutionary path:

"Choosing the glorious profession of journalism, wholeheartedly following the Party. Revolutionary Journalism Day is an opportunity for self-reflection."

For revolutionary journalism, the Party is the guiding principle, the ideal. The stanza is not dogmatic or slogan-like; it is presented in a very humble tone: "It is an opportunity to reflect on oneself." Journalism is not only about looking outside at society to reflect on it, but also about looking inside oneself to correct one's own shortcomings.

The phrase "A steadfast heart... A broad vision / Pure as jade, bright as a mirror!" is repeated at the end of the poem like a poignant refrain, a solemn oath. "Heart" represents morality and compassion; "Vision" represents knowledge and cultural and political insight. These two elements must always go hand in hand, reflecting upon each other like jade and a mirror.

The fusion of two musical worlds: Pop Ballad and Rock.

What makes the song "Bright Eyes, Pure Heart" so uniquely appealing is that composer Tao Khanh Hung skillfully placed the song in two different arrangements, two completely different musical styles: Pop Ballad and Rock. This is not just a technical experiment, but an artistic intention to fully portray the two sides of journalism: its gentleness and empathy, and its edginess and resilience.

In its Pop Ballad version, the song emerges as a heartfelt confession, a profound and soulful melody. The smooth melody and slow rhythm of the ballad, combined with the piano and strings, create a romantic and gentle atmosphere.

This arrangement perfectly complements the opening lines of the poem: "A small joy... Sparkling like a dewdrop." The listener can almost sense the silent footsteps of the journalist in the quiet night, their profound empathy for the unfortunate. The ballad melody seeps into the heart, highlighting the warmth of the writer's heart. It proves that behind the sharp articles lies a sensitive soul, capable of being moved by beauty and pained by ugliness. In this version, the element of "Inner Heart" is celebrated to the fullest.

In stark contrast to the gentle ballad, the rock version delivers a powerful, exhilarating whirlwind of emotion. The distorted electric guitar and the pounding, powerful jazz drums transform "Bright Eyes, Pure Heart" into a true epic.

Rock music is inherently a symbol of freedom, rebellion, and explosive energy. When applied to Nguyen Thien's poetry, rock music elevates the song's fighting spirit to its peak. Lyrics like "Overcoming countless challenges," "Amidst life's storms," and "Keeping the flame of faith alive," when sung against a rock backdrop, become as powerful and resolute as oaths sworn before battle.

The rock version realistically portrays the image of a journalist braving the elements: from the heart of natural disasters to the dangerous battlefields against corruption. Here, "sharp eyes" and "sharp pens" are paramount. The power of rock lies in the power of justice, the voice of the people breaking down all falsehoods.

The fact that a song can stand out and be compelling in both of these opposing genres demonstrates Cao Khanh Hung's brilliant arranging talent and melodic thinking. He has created a musical "combination," allowing the work to reach a diverse audience, from those who appreciate contemplative music to young people who are passionate about unconventional and powerful styles.

Living among the people is like being inseparable from one's own flesh and blood.

Regardless of the arrangement, the ultimate goal of Cao Khanh Hung's music remains the people. The chorus of the song resonates with sacredness and emotion:

"Always live among the people, inseparable like flesh and blood! Though the road may be long and arduous, keep the flame of faith burning. For a peaceful country, the voice of the people!"

The cover art for the song "Homeland in the Ocean," a musical work by journalist and musician Tao Khanh Hung, created during a business trip to visit the Truong Sa Islands (May 2017).

Revolutionary journalism is born from the people and must serve the people. The relationship between journalists and the people is defined by an image that couldn't be more sacred: "like blood and flesh, inseparable." Journalists cannot sit in air-conditioned rooms and "judge" life. They must immerse themselves in reality, smell the mud and earth, hear the sighs of the working people for their articles to breathe, to have life.

"The Voice of the People" – that is both a duty and an honor. When the people entrust journalists with their voice, it means they are giving them their faith and hope. Maintaining that flame of faith through countless hardships and storms of life is how true journalists affirm their value and existence.

"Bright Eyes, Pure Heart" by journalist and musician Tao Khanh Hung is not simply a motivational musical piece. From the perspective of someone working in the field of culture and arts, I consider it a work of art with profound thought and high aesthetic value.

The seamless blend of Nguyen Thien's richly narrative poetry and Tao Khanh Hung's keen and multifaceted musical vision has created a timeless song. This work is not only a beautiful conclusion to the "Our Journalists" award, but will also serve as a spiritual companion and a valuable reminder for generations of journalists today and tomorrow: Always maintain a pure and radiant soul and bright, discerning eyes in the face of life's storms.