[Verse 1]
From eighteen forty to forty-nine
Western powers carved up the line
Opium wars and unequal trade
A hundred years of weakness made
The Middle Kingdom brought to knees
Forced to sign what others please
This memory burns in every heart
Never again to fall apart
[Chorus]
Century of shame, never forget
Economic growth, legitimacy bet
One child policy, aging fast
Taiwan strait, the die is cast
Remember pain, project the power
Demographics tick each hour
Island fortress, chips and sea
Great power rivalry's key
[Verse 2]
The Party rules through simple deal
Prosperity for loyalty real
Lift four hundred million high
From poverty, that's how they buy
The mandate strong when wallets grow
But what happens when growth slows
Performance legitimacy's game
Built upon economic flame
[Chorus]
Century of shame, never forget
Economic growth, legitimacy bet
One child policy, aging fast
Taiwan strait, the die is cast
Remember pain, project the power
Demographics tick each hour
Island fortress, chips and sea
Great power rivalry's key
[Bridge]
Too few young, too many old
Working hands worth more than gold
Factories empty, pensions high
Gray tsunami drawing nigh
Before they're rich, they're growing old
Economic story yet untold
[Verse 3]
Twenty-three million on the isle
Hold the key to power's trial
Semiconductors, shipping lanes
First island chain's strategic gains
If Beijing takes the rebel state
America must choose its fate
World war three or bend the knee
Democracy or autocracy
[Final Chorus]
Century of shame drives the fight
Economic boom legitimizes might
Aging nation, window narrow
Taiwan is the fatal arrow
Time is short, the moment's here
Great power clash draws ever near
History's weight and future's call
Taiwan decides who wins it all
[Outro]
From humiliation to rising power
But demographics count each hour
The island waits, the world holds breath
Victory, defeat, or mutual death