易水诀 Farewell by Yi River - Story Behind the Song

These are historical events detailed in "Records of the Grand Historian", under "Assassins' Chronicles" (《史记·刺客列传》).

***

Jing Ke lived in the kingdom of Yan during the warring period of China. He was a capable man, well-read and skilled with the sword, earning his share of reputation among the elites.

During his stay in Yan, he crossed path with a musician who played the “Zhu” (an ancient stringed instrument, similar to a zither, struck with a stick) exceptionally well. His name was Gao Jian Li. They became fast friends. The pair often walked through the streets drunk, with Gao striking his Zhu, while Jing Ke singing and clapping to the musical beats. They laughed and cried together, completely absorbed in their pursuit, mindless of the looks from the crowd.

But those were tumultuous times, where kingdoms fought bloody wars for dominance over the central plains. To the west, there’s the rapidly expanding power, the kingdom of Qin. The monarch Ying Zheng seated on its throne will later be known as Qin Shi Huang Di, the first emperor to unite China.

Ying Zheng’s army crushed neighbouring kingdoms with terrifying force and speed, devouring the north like a silkworm would a mulberry leaf. Prince Dan of Yan, fearful of the threat that encroached on his kingdom, sought council with wise men of the kingdom. Jing Ke was then introduced to the prince.

It was decided that Jing Ke shall be sent as an emissary to the king of Qin to negotiate peace by surrendering Yan cities…... in name, that is. Within the scroll of map that he would unroll in the king's vicinity concealed a poisoned dagger.

On the day of Jing Ke’s departure, Prince Dan and Gao Jian Li bade farewell for Jing Ke by Yi river. All dressed in sombre white. All knew, whether his mission succeeded or failed, this wasn’t one he could return from.

As Jing Ke made his way to his carriage, Gao Jian Li started playing his Zhu. Jing Ke clapped with each beat, and sang with a wistful tune. He ended the song with a striking “Shrill winds rise, waters cold; the hero shall go and never come home!” And left without once looking back.

Alas, the mission failed. Ying Zheng survived. Jing Ke died. Five years later, the kingdom of Yan fell to Qin.

Gao Jian Li, known for his talent for the Zhu, was brought to Ying Zheng. Wary of the musician because of his connections to Jing Ke, the king ordered him blinded, thinking it would nullify his threat. Jian Li was then granted the position of court musician. He played spectacularly every time, earning the king’s trust. Just as the king was completely captivated by his performance, he smashed his lead-filled Zhu towards the king. His efforts were in vain, and the king had him killed. Thus, by his relentless wish to avenge his friend, Gao Jian Li too perished.

[English translation] 易水诀 - Farewell by Yi River

总策划//Main producer：木宁木蒙 (Mu Ning Mu Meng)
企划运营//Project manager：塔库 (Ta Ku)
监制//Supervisor：落落无尘、卿雅、小仙、克迪奥洛夫斯基 (Luo Luo Wu Chen, Qin Ya, Xiao Xian, Ke Di Ao Luo Fu Si Ji <something-something-ovsky... I have no idea>)
作曲// Music：银临 (Yin Lin)
编曲//Arrangement：灰原穷 (Hui Yuan Qiong)
作词//Lyrics：慕清明 (Mu Qing Ming)
视频：溺水金鱼【麻薯映像】(Drowned goldfish / Ni Shui Jing Yu [Mochi pictures])
曲绘：花开之所 (Hua Kai Zhi Suo)


[风萧兮易水寒　壮士去不复还]

Shrill winds rise, waters cold; the hero shall go and never come home.

***

[风萧兮易水寒　壮士去不复还]　风萧萧兮易水寒
[风萧兮易水寒　壮士去不复还]　炽烈肝胆

[风萧兮易水寒　壮士去不复还]　壮士一去不复还

[风萧兮易水寒　壮士去不复还]　心决然

Shrill winds rise, waters cold

Fiery passions in his guts

The hero shall go and never come home

His heart is set

风萧萧兮易水寒

壮士一去不复还

阵云昏  逝水黯

怕触目霜雪衣冠

清肃容颜  炽烈肝胆

心决然

Shrill winds rise, waters cold

The hero shall go and never come home

Storm clouds dim, currents dark

I dread seeing him clothed in stark white garbs

His visage solemn, and fiery passions in his guts

His heart is set

风萧萧兮易水寒
壮士一去不复还
陈年酒  尚余半
添入往事尝浓淡
敬你我俱能从容踏狂澜

Shrill winds rise, waters cold
The hero shall go and never come home
Still with half our aged wine left
Adding flavors to our past
A toast to us both, for our grace in traversing wild storms


最怕是独活  最狠是回忆
当年燕市击筑扬歌在耳际
倾十分孤勇  步无归命局
明朝少年邀同醉　白头人间何处你

I fear most to survive alone, I’m pained most by our memories
Zither music in the town streets from past years echoed still in our ears
You gave all your courage, and stepped into this ill-fated scheme

When invited for a drink on the morrow, where could you be?

浮生旧事多不值一提

除却曾得知音你

浩然江海与苍茫天地　都将替我铭记

Most of the past don’t deserve to be mentioned

Except the fact I’ve met my soulmate, you

Rivers and open seas, endless breadth of heaven and earth, shall remember for me

光阴坦荡若飞鸿雪泥

采撷传说里的相遇别离

珍藏在西风古道清明雨

Time is frank with its transcience and brevity

Picking out the meetings and partings in legends

And cherished them within west winds through ancient streets, and rains on remembrance day

[风萧兮易水寒　壮士去不复还]　风萧萧兮易水寒

[风萧兮易水寒　壮士去不复还]　炽烈肝胆

[风萧兮易水寒　壮士去不复还]　壮士一去不复还

[风萧兮易水寒　壮士去不复还]　心决然

Shrill winds rise, waters cold

Fiery passions in his guts

The hero shall go and never come home

His heart is set

风萧萧兮易水寒
壮士一去不复还
仓促梦  狼藉盏
梦里朗笑归远帆
共睹你舍身相护的河山

Shrill winds rise, waters cold
The hero shall go and never come home
What a hurried dream, in the midst of scattered cups
In that dream came your clear laughter from a returning voyage
Together we witnessed the lands you defended with your life

故友长别离  故国成追忆

当年燕市击筑扬歌在耳际
倾十分孤勇  步无归命局
明朝少年邀同醉　白头人间何处你

Old friends separated, old kingdom turned memories

Zither music in the town streets from past years echoed still in our ears

You gave all your courage, and stepped into this ill-fated scheme

When invited for a drink on the morrow, where could you be?

浮生旧事多不值一提

除却曾得知音你

浩然江海与苍茫天地　都将替我铭记

Most of the past don’t deserve to be mentioned

Except the fact I’ve met my soulmate, you

Rivers and open seas, endless breadth of heaven and earth, shall remember for me

光阴坦荡若飞鸿雪泥

采撷传说里的相遇别离

珍藏在西风古道清明雨

Time is frank with its transcience and brevity

Picking out the meetings and partings in legends

And cherished them within west winds through ancient streets, and rains on remembrance day

烽烟乱世中怀抱勇气

慨然孤注手中棋

放浪形骸的江湖岁月

滚烫一点一滴

We embrace courage within this chaotic, war-torn world

And handsomely threw in our bets

Our carefree wandering days

Turned into scalding drops and drips

原来生死之交这命题

是毋庸许什么豪言誓语

就并辔奔赴下一世风雨

So it was realized, the thing with sworn friends for life and death

Is the needlessness of passionate words and vows

But just riding side by side towards the storms of our next lives

***

Translator’s note:

• Qing Ming, or Tomb Sweeping Day, is as its name describes. It’s a day of remembrance for those who have passed. Both "西风古道" and "清明雨" reference other ancient poems with somber themes (though these date much later than the famous line starred in this song).

• “风萧萧兮易水寒，壮士一去不复还。” This phrase is from the Song of Yi River. A more literal translation would be “The winds are shrill, Yi waters cold; the hero goes and never returns.” I modified it for the sake of rhyme and smoother cadences. I'll post the story separately here so this one doesn't get too long. 

I think a lot of the charm of this song is knowing the heartbreaking story behind it. It is an actual historical event detailed in the Records of the Grand Historian (史记), involving the very famous (or infamous) Qin Shi Huang Di, the emperor who united China and ordered the production of those terracotta armies we see today. 

(And can we take a moment to appreciate how gorgeous the video is. I absolutely love it.)


EDIT: Changed "rains during Qing Ming" to "rains on remembrance day", because alliterations are fun. 

EDIT (7/12/2020): Shout out to Youtube user juann in the comments, and all who helped put up/approve the annotations in the official Sanwu music video. Thanks very much! I just recently realized it's up there and it really made my day. You guys are awesome! Cheers!

[English translation] 洛阳夜雨 - Rainy nights in Luoyang

作词/文案/美工// Lyrics/Story/Art：梁阿渣 (Liang A Zha)

作曲/编曲//Music & arrangement：Winky诗 (Winky Shi)

演唱//Vocal：HITA

和声//Harmonics：Braska

混音/母帶//Mix/Master tape：安迪 (An Di)

题字//Calligraphy：零雨其蒙蒙 (Ling Yu Qi Meng Meng)

说来应数洛阳夜雨 惹得人唏嘘

荒草浅滩寒鸦嘶啼 洛阳孤城闭

别后 时而梦中起 挑灯听淅沥

洗落池中青青浮萍 沉浮不由己

Of all lamentable matters, do consider the rainy nights in Luoyang

By sparse reeds and shallow banks the crows screeched, that lonely city of Luoyang closed to the world

Since our parting, I sometimes wake from my dreams, and with a lantern lit, listen to the pattering rain

Wash into the pond of duckweeds, bobbing haplessly in the waters not by their own will

该笑我 宿命在烽烟里愈渐清晰

乱世中 逃不出征轮轧过的轨迹

How laughable, that my fate should come clearer in signalling smokes

In times of chaos, one cannot escape the tracks of warring chariots

我伸手抚你眉上寒霜 无言空相觑

暗火下掌心 错乱纹理

何必论万千俗人口舌 抛冷眼几记

我只贪求你 承认一句

我转手云雨 只为了你

I reached out and brushed the frost over your brows, while we stared at each other wordlessly

Under dim lights, the lines of your palm criss-crossed haphazardly

Why bother with gossips of the vulgar masses, and the many cold glances they throw

I plead you only to acknowledge one thing

That I stir up winds and rains, solely for your sake

有一年春海棠得意 廊前有愁绪

紫陌之上绵延天际 落三千花雨

料得 最怕旧回忆 只剩你身影

沸反盈天刹那平息 屈下了双膝

Spring one year when the begonia flowers were especially charming, by the corridor resided someone’s melancholy

Over violet fields the endless sky stretched, raining down petals in thousands

I guess what I fear most, is your figure alone, abandoned in my memories

The cacophony of people suddenly hushed, and you went on your knees

该笑我 宿命在烽烟里愈渐清晰

乱世中 逃不出征轮轧过的轨迹

How laughable, that my fate should come clearer in signalling smokes

In times of chaos, one cannot escape the tracks of warring chariots

我伸手抚你眉上寒霜 无言空相觑

暗火下掌心 错乱纹理

何必论万千俗人口舌 抛冷眼几记

我只贪求你 承认一句

我转手云雨 只为了你

I reached out and brushed the frost over your brows, while we stared at each other wordlessly

Under dim lights, the lines of your palm criss-crossed haphazardly

Why bother with gossips of the vulgar masses, and the many cold glances they throw

I plead you only to acknowledge one thing

That I stir up winds and rains, solely for your sake

虽无幸 能够携你遍踏洛阳夜雨

亦冥顽 且用余生换得一份长情

Though not fortunate enough to walk through the rainy nights in Luoyang with you

Still, I’m stubborn enough to give the rest of my life up for this lasting love

我伸手抚你眉上寒霜 无言空相觑

暗火下掌心 错乱纹理

何必论万千俗人口舌 抛冷眼几记

我只贪求你 承认一句

I reached out and brushed the frost over your brows, while we stared at each other wordlessly

Under dim lights, the lines of your palm criss-crossed haphazardly

Why bother with gossips of the vulgar masses, and the many cold glances they throw

I plead you only to acknowledge one thing

我捻起一抹殷血描补 眼尾妆一笔

便自此流离 命如飞絮

I dabbed a touch of crimson blood to paint the wings of my eyes

Since then I turned a lost soul, the likes of flying catkins

这天下广袤也便只如 一局珍珑棋

我转手云雨 只为了你

No matter how wide this world can be, it’s but a delicate game of chess

I stir up winds and rains, solely for your sake

我魂归故里 故里是你

My soul shall return home, and home’s wherever you’ll be

***

Translator's comment:

Again, just like the other works, this is not an absolute literal translation. I take a bit of artistic liberties so to capture the emotions best I can. 

For example, "stir up winds and rains" is suppose to describe how rulers and politicians make their politicking moves with huge stakes that can affect the empire/world. 

Also, I too, find it creepy to draw one's eyeliner with blood. I like to think that the line is metaphorical, more along the, playing the political game full of treachery and bloodshed to climb to the top.

[English translation] 白石溪 - White Stone Creek

作曲//Composer : 纯白 (Chun Bai / Pure white)

作词//Lyrics : 果汁凉菜 (Guo Zhi Liang Cai)

演唱//Vocal: 玄觴 (Xuan Shang)

Other versions:

Vocaloid (Luo Tianyi and Yuezheng Ling) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2B0MAjloGk 

凑诗 (Cou Shi) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9x8-fCmi0Q

微露点滴 沾衿落袖

丽日绰约 轻解莲舟

蒹葭荣茂 燕雀啁啾

白石溪畔 斜阳逐流

Beads of dew dripped down on our robes

The day’s bright with a charming sun as we released our boat

Thick reeds flourished, while finches chirped

By White Stone Creek, the setting sun chased its flow

可嫌金风玉露 兼程久

灵犀心念 便相谋

前路崎岖躞蹀攀援 亦同守

Would a lengthy stay of autumn winds ever be resented?

Since our hearts are bound, so we shall act as one

Despite our difficult road ahead, treading light or climbing high, we’ll stay by each other’s side 

共你百年暮昏 到白昼

依山临水 景看旧

而你美胜山水万筹 尽入一人眸

I’ll be with you, dusk till dawn for a hundred years

By the mountains and waters, we’ll watch the sceneries till we tire

While your beauty outmatch the landscape by ten thousand folds, only for one you show

琴瑟愿与 共沐春秋

滢溪潺潺 炊烟悠悠

敢请东风 玉成双偶

遥递佳信 知否知否

Like zithers in harmony, we relished the seasons together

The clear stream ambled on, the chimney smoke lazily wafted

I appealed to the eastern wind, grant us our union

As I send out my letter from afar, do you know, do you know?

为理云鬓 为簪银钩

明月可鉴 情深亦寿

此生相依 人间白首

千金不易 清茶淡粥

I fixed my hair, and fastened it with a silver hairpin

The bright moon shall witness, this love’s as deep as it’s old 

In this life we’ll count on each other, till our hair whitens

Not for a thousand gold I’ll trade a simple life with you

前缘既断 便再无求

云泥之异 难越鸿沟

相思不扫 久积弥厚

他年君归 我葬南丘

Since the severance of our ties, there’s nothing more I’ve come to yearn

The gap between the clouds and earth proved too wide to close

My longings I neglected to sweep away, while it piled thicker by the day

And when you finally return, I’ve laid buried under the southern hill

逢春枯木忽生 花飞柳

纷纷绵绵 结作愁

随风四散却又轻易 染眉头

Spring arrived with soft willow flowers sprouted upon barren boughs

Sprinkled in the air to weave our sorrows

Then scattered by the wind and feathered one’s brows

当时一双鸳鸯 入深藕

荷香绕水 乐同游

月下花前本来无酒 对看竟忘忧

Back when a pair of mandarin ducks swam into the tangles of lotus roots

Encircled by the fragrance of water lilies, ecstatic in their excursion

By the moon and flowers, though devoid of wine, our cares were left behind when we looked into each other’s eyes

何年何夕 两相执手

蚀骨相思 风侵寒透

仙人近侧 怕倚小楼

金缕为笼 歌乐成囚

When again was it, when we both held our hands

This longing gnaws my bones, the wind chills my core

In close company of deities, I fear to lean forlornly against the towers

I’m in a cage made of golden threads, a prison made of joyous songs

凉夜凄长 应怨更漏

数得千枚 零落红豆

遗君一心 一心怎收

杳渺音绝 余我孤奏

This cold night stretches long and sorrowful, echoing hints of sad laments

I’ve counted a thousand scattered red beans

All I have now is but a sole heart for you, a sole heart I know not to temper

Without a trace of your goings, you left me playing our songs alone

何年何夕 共沐春秋

银汉邈邈 炊烟悠悠

敢请东风 小住暂留

托书天地 安否安否

When was it again, when we relished the seasons

The Milky Way yawned in the distance, the chimney smoke lazily wafted

I appealed to the eastern wind, please accommodate a short stay

So to carry my letter for you out into the world, is that alright, is that alright?

尘心如练 长悬银钩

鱼雁不闻 斯人难候

九霄一曲 人间白首

隔世相问 忆否忆否

My mortal heart is worn and weary, forever hooked to the crescent moon

The fishes and geese have not known, how testing is this wait for you

Reverberating through nine tiers of heaven, a song of lasting love till old

Separated by worlds, we ask one another, do you remember, do you remember? 

***

Translator's note:

For context, this story is about the forbidden love between a fairy descended from the heavens with a mortal, likely inspired by the folklore of the romance between a cowherd (mortal) and a weaver girl (immortal). The song lyrics are very moving. Enjoy!

[English translation] 中华铄金娘 - China Molten Metal Girl

作曲 / 编曲 // Music & arrangement：纯白P (Chun Bai P / Pure White P)

作词 // Lyrics：薇采之依 (Wei Cai Zhi Yi)

调教 // Vocal arrangement：DIGGER

混音 // Mix：Gold Rum

母带 // Master tape：Irecorder

打击乐 // Percussion：司鼓君 (Si Gu Jun)

二胡 // Erhu：柠檬CC露 (Ning Meng CC Lu / Lemon CC Lu)

古筝 // Guzheng (Chinese zither)：陶特 (Tao Te)

琵琶 / 三味线 // Pipa (Chinese lute) / Shamisen：远坂麦芽 (Yuan Ban Mai Ya)

笛子 // Flute：O天气晴朗O (Tian Qi Qing Lang / Sunny Weather)

曲绘 // Art：盐 Yoisy 铃茉 (Yan Yoisy Ling Mo)

PV：冰镇甜豆浆 (Bing Zhen Tian Dou Jiang / Iced Sweet Soymilk)

踟蹰而过路边街头

学着别人一样饮酒

谁的掌心中

半寸箭刃渴望咽喉

Lingering by the streets with hesitant steps

Taking drafts of wine like others do

Held in whose palm

Was an arrow lusting for its victim’s throat

隐入不知名的层楼

恍然如老练的猎手

阴影中 在等候

Disappearing into a nameless tower

Just like a seasoned hunter

Waiting in the shadows

午时燕子划过杨柳

金鸾引车光华左右

升平歌舞中

究竟深埋多少阴谋

At noon swallows soared past the willow tree

A carriage made of golden birds shimmered in its glory

In this prosperous celebration of songs and dances

How many conspiracies within were buried deep

尾羽抹去一丝颤抖

黑暗之中獠牙通透

无情 也无仇

I brushed the quivering fletching

And bared my fangs in the dark

Without love or vengeance both


机会转瞬之间弦擎出手

箭过后 万事已休
孰是孰非就让他人评说
终不过 成王败寇

In the chance of a heartbeat I sprang the trigger
Once the arrow’s loosed, it shall all be done
Let people judge right and wrong as they will
After all, history’s told only by the winners


只身一人行 漂过 海角天涯
携剑百步走 点过 房檐砾瓦
谁在抚琵琶 只为 一场肃杀
转过身 流矢飒踏

Wandering alone to the ends of the world
Carrying a sword, tiptoeing over eaves and rooftops
Who plucked the lute only for a merciless slaughter
I turned around and stepped past a flurry of arrows


对错真与假 霓裳 掩盖狡黠
离别生与死 不过 只在一霎
半寸鱼肠剑 抵过 千军万马
倾覆了谁的天下

Right and wrong, truth and lies, my cunning veiled by garments fine
The line between life and death crossed in a split second
Half an inch of Fish Gut Dagger, reigned over an army of thousands
Whose realm had I toppled over?


靡音萦绕舞榭歌楼
薄丝轻纱漫过衣袖
谁的发髻中
半寸短剑不停颤抖

Dreamy melodies echoed through pavilions of the music hall
Soft muslin fabric drifted past my sleeves
Tucked in whose bun of hair
Was a dagger relentlessly shivering


笙歌曼舞摆动轻裘
一颦一笑如怨如忧
试问君 入瓮否

My fur coat swayed gently with the songs and dances
Each smile and frown captivating you in its elusiveness
Are you falling into my trap yet?


抬手弄弦待君垂眸
几多娇嗔无心而就
纸醉金迷中
纷乱翻腾多少阴谋

I raised my hand to pluck the strings, awaiting your lowered gaze
Serving flirtatious banter that came effortlessly to me
In this decadent indulgence
Brews and boils how many foul plots


款款相偎斟满烈酒
氤氲之间酒色通透
愿者 便上钩

I lovingly leaned in and poured you a full cup of strong liquor
Caught in this thick air, wine and women colored your cheeks
Alas, those who desire shall take the bait


是时擎起匕首贯透咽喉
来不及半声呼救
孰是孰非就让他人评说
终不过 成王败寇

In a flash my dagger pierced through your throat
So swiftly, you make naught a sound
Let people judge right and wrong as they will
After all, history’s told only by the winners


只身一人行 漂过 海角天涯
携剑百步走 点过 房檐砾瓦
谁在抚琵琶 只为 一场肃杀
转过身 流矢飒踏

Wandering alone to the ends of the world
Carrying a sword, tiptoeing over eaves and rooftops
Who plucked the lute only for a merciless slaughter
I turned around and stepped past a flurry of arrows


对错真与假 霓裳 掩盖狡黠
离别生与死 不过 只在一霎
半寸鱼肠剑 抵过 千军万马
倾覆了谁的天下

Right and wrong, truth and lies, my cunning veiled by garments fine
The line between life and death crossed in a split second
Half an inch of Fish Gut Dagger, reigned over an army of thousands
Whose realm had I toppled over?

只身一人行 漂过 海角天涯
五更钟声起 晨曦 掂量枝桠
多少不眠夜 躲在 星辰月下
杀人者亦会被杀

Wandering alone to the ends of the world
The clock bell chimed five hours past midnight
How many sleepless nights I hid under the stars and moon
After all, even killers can be killed


对错真与假 霓裳 掩盖狡黠
离别生与死 不过 只在一霎
尔虞我诈中 敢相信 谁的话
江湖中何处 是 家

Right and wrong, truth and lies, my cunning veiled by garments fine
The line between life and death crossed in a split second
Amidst a game of lies and manipulations, whose words dare I trust
Where in this world can I call home?




*****

Translator's comment:

I like how the lyrics in this song describe the adventures of an assassin. It evokes much imagination for the reader, reminiscent of the historical fiction I loved, so I thought it'd be fun to do a translation on it.

The Fish Gut Dagger (鱼肠剑) has an interesting story behind it. During the Spring and Autumn period of China, there was a certain Prince Guang in the kingdom of Wu who wanted to get rid of his baseborn uncle, King Liao of Wu (who was born of a concubine instead of the queen) and claim his right to the throne. Minister Wu Zixu recommended Zhuan Zhu to the prince, having known the butcher's outstanding courage and strength. Prince Guang treated Zhuan Zhu with the utmost respect and generosity to win this man over. Zhuan Zhu took to master the king's favorite dish, grilled fish. On the day of the assassination, Zhuan Zhu hid the dagger by sliding it into the mouth of the fish to slip it past the royal guards. Nobody suspected a thing when he served the dish to the king. Alas, when he approached the king's table, he pulled out the dagger and stabbed the king through three layers of armor. King Liao died on the spot, but the assassin was killed by the guards shortly after. Prince Guang ascended the throne as planned and became King Helü of Wu. That was how the name "Fish Gut Dagger" came about.

The term "成王败寇" literally means "The winner is king, the loser made the villain/bandit". Therefore, I phrased it as "history is told by the winners", which is the essence of this saying.

There's also a line that I didn't do a full translation because I was a little confused, which is "晨曦 掂量枝桠". "掂量" means measuring or pondering or weighing, "枝桠" means branches. So... pondering branches? I mean, I get that the narrator is hiding within branches, but I couldn't find a way to incorporate it gracefully into the translated text, so I left it out.

Anyway, that's it for this song. From the lyrics, what kinds of stories can you dream up?

[English translation] 眉間雪 - Snow Between Brows

[Music video]

原曲/ Original music：吳雨霏《生命樹》(Kary Ng “Sheng Ming Shu / Tree of Life”) 

填詞/ Lyrics：陸菱紗 (Lu Ling Sha)

原唱/ Original vocal：晴愔 (Qing Yin)

翻唱/ Cover：HITA

後期/ Post production：Mr.魚 (Mr Fish / Mr Yu)

文案：

彼时年少不知事 牵着师父的袖子 就天不怕地不怕

后来鲜衣怒马少年意气 不懂她可有可无的陪伴有何意义

然而江湖如潮

终于携手同去 策马独归

恍然想起那一年她在窗前仰头任雪花落满眉目

等着他抬袖去拂

所谓的江湖路

不过是她撑着伞 走向年幼的他

道一句 初心莫负

Story: 

As a child, he knew little of the world. So long as he held on to his master’s sleeve, he was utterly fearless. 

Later, he blossomed into a handsome young man, full of youthful pride. Failing to understand the significance of her company, he thought it more or less expendable. 

The world comes and goes like the tides. 

Alas, they set off hand-in-hand, yet he returned on his horse alone. 

A recollection struck, of her lifting her head by the windows, letting snow sprinkle over her brows, waiting for him to sweep them away with his sleeve. 

So called the worldly path, is nothing but her holding up an umbrella, walking towards the little boy, with only one simple line. “Don’t lose your heart.” 

师父：俯首作辑谢师恩，呐，我喝了你的茶，就是你师父了。江湖险恶，咱们师徒一心，同去同归。

徒弟：嗯。

师父：我先去给你买包包和糖葫芦，你等着我！怎么了？一个人害怕？

徒弟：才没有！

师父：那你为何拽着我的衣角？

徒弟：我…… 

师父：不怕，师父跟着你。

“Pay obeisance as a gesture of thanks. Alrighty! Now that I’ve accepted your tea offering, I’ve become your master. The world’s full of perils, so we master and disciple have to be as one. We set off together, and return together!” 

“En.” 

“I’ll first buy you a bag and sugared hawsticks, you wait for me! Why now? Are you scared being alone?” 

“N-No.” 

“Then why are you tugging my sleeve?” 

“I...…” 

“Don’t be scared now, master will follow you.” 

是不是 每種感情都不容沉溺放肆 

交心淡如君子 

只道是 那些無關風花雪月的相思 

說來幾人能知

Is it true, for every sort of relationship, there’s no room for indulgence and recklessness 

Keep them calm and reserved, that’s the gentleman's way 

I’ll only say, it’s got nothing to do with trivial longings 

How many can truly understand 

徒弟：都跟你说别跟着我了，你怎么还跟着！

师父：…… 

徒弟：干嘛不说话！

师父：你不是嫌我吵么？

徒弟：我……不是那个意思。

师父：马上就要出师了，我给你准备了新衣裳， 你试试？

徒弟：你做的衣服太丑了，穿着这么丑的衣服我怎么名扬天下？

师父：【直接把糖葫芦塞他嘴里】

徒弟：唔……呸，都跟你说了我不吃糖葫芦 

“I told you not to follow me, why are you still following?” 

“......” 

“Why don’t you speak!” 

“Thought you said I was noisy.” 

“I… That’s not what I meant.” 

“You’re almost graduating. I made you new clothes, want to try it out?” 

“The outfits you make are too ugly, how am I supposed to make a name for myself wearing such an ugly outfit?” 

She stuffed a sugared hawstick in his mouth. He spat it out. 

“I told you I don’t eat sugared hawsticks!” 

院內冬初 昔年與你栽的桃樹

葉落早做塵土

新雪來時 又將陳酒埋了幾壺

盼你歸來後對酌

At the start of winter, from the peach tree I planted with you in the yard many years ago 

The leaves shed had long turned to dust and dirt 

When fresh snow arrives, how many urns of old brew are buried 

While I hope to toast with you when you return

徒弟：喂，你一直在这，都没去过别处，是不是在等着谁？

师父：我谁也没等。谁也不会来。

徒弟：你一个人这么久，就没想过去别的地方看看？

师父：我…… 

“Hey, you’ve been here all along, never gone to other places. Are you waiting for someone?” 

“I’m waiting for no one. Nobody will come.” 

“You’ve been alone for so long, haven’t you thought of exploring other places?” 

“I……”

穿過落雁修竹 看過月升日暮

你說有一日總會名揚天下實現你抱負

那時低頭替你劍穗纏著新流蘇

心願未聽清楚

We’ve passed through flocks of geese and forests of bamboos, seen the moonrise and sunset

You said, one day you’ll make a name for yourself and realize your ambitions

I had been busy tying a new tassel on your sword hilt then

And hadn’t heard your wish clear enough

還掛著流蘇 是否應該滿足

也為你縫好冬衣寄去書信一兩句叮囑

該慶幸至遠至疏你我還未至陌路

是時光從來殘酷 

The tassel hung still, should I have contented myself there? 

I’ve also delivered winter clothes sewn for you, attaching a letter with an advice or two 

I should be happy that though we’ve drifted apart, we’ve not turned complete strangers 

But time had always been cruel

最害怕 酒肆閑談時候聽見你名字 

語氣七分熟識 

回過神 笑問何方大俠姓名竟不知 

笑容有多諷刺

I fear most, to catch your name during casual conversations over drinks 

Uttered with a tone so familiar 

Snapping back to reality, I asked “why hadn’t I known the name of such a hero?” 

Smiling, with such stinging irony 

徒弟：你又输了。

师父：知道了知道了，徒弟还是长大了啊。

徒弟：这下你不用一直跟在我后面，担心我被人欺负了吧。

师父：你这身新衣服不错呀，看起来像名扬天下那么回事儿。

徒弟：师傅，你的亲友呢？

师父：这是你的小马驹吗？挺帅的嘛！你记得要每天刷洗，这样它长大了毛色会——

徒弟：这些我知道。

师父：对了！我这还有些上好的马草！

徒弟：不用了，我都有。

“You lost again.” 

“I know I know." My disciple’s all grown up.

“Now you don’t have to shadow me all the time, worried that I’d be bullied.” 

“The new outfit’s not bad. You look almost like the real deal, becoming famous and all.” 

“Master, where are your friends and family?” 

“Isn’t this your colt? Looking pretty handsome! Remember to brush him everyday, then when he grows up his fur will-” 

“That I know.” 

“Oh, right! I still have some quality hay over here-” 

“No need, I have them all.” 

斟酒獨酌 細雪紛紛覆上眉目 

清寒已然入骨 

還憶最初 有你扯過衣袖輕拂 

笑說雪融似淚珠

Pouring wine I down myself, light snow crowded upon my brows 

Its chill already seeped into my bones 

I still remember at the very beginning, I swept them off with the sleeve you used to tug 

And said, with a smile, that the melting snow looked like teardrops

曾經相伴相護 說著初心不負 

想起某一日陪你策馬同游鬧市中漫步 

那時正逢揚州三月桃花鋪滿路 

神情難免恍惚

We used to watch over one another, and promised not to lose our heart 

I remembered that day I drove a horse with you, that day we strolled through the bustling market 

It was March in the Province of Yang, where peach blossoms paved our way 

I can’t help falling into a bleary-eyed trance

江湖的盡頭是否只剩孤獨 

都怪我玲瓏心思執念太過以塵網自縛 

前方太遼闊若問此去應去向何處 

把來路當做歸途

Is it true that at the end of the world, the only thing left is loneliness 

Perhaps it’s my own fault for my delicate thoughts, for these obsessions I cocooned myself in 

The path ahead is far too vast, how should I decide where to go 

So I can only take the path I came from 

桃樹下 那年落雪為你唱一段樂府 

信了人不如故 

只如今 茫茫大雪之中等著誰回顧 

明知無人回顧 

誰能初心不負

Under the peach tree, I sang you a poem while it snowed that year 

I’ve come to believe that people do change 

Only now, in the endless stretch of snow, who am I waiting to look back 

I already know nobody will 

Who can keep their heart still

徒弟的徒弟：师傅，你在等谁？

徒弟：我谁也没等。谁也不会来。

徒弟的徒弟：你一个人，就没想过去别的地方看看？

徒弟：我…… 

徒弟：你一个人这么久，就没想过去别的地方看看？

师傅：我怕我一转身，连你也不见了。

师傅：看，下雪了

徒弟的徒弟：看，下雪了

“Master, who are you waiting for?” 

“I’m waiting for no one. Nobody’s going to come.” 

“You’ve been alone for so long, haven’t you thought of exploring other places?” 

“I…...” 

***

“You’ve been alone for so long, haven’t you thought of exploring other places?” 

“I’m scared that once I turn my back, even you will disappear.” 

***

“Look, it’s starting to snow.”

[English translation] 江山雪 - Snow over Rivers and Mountains

作曲/編曲//Composer/arrangement: KIDE

後期//Post production: E

作詞//Lyrics：荀夜羽 (Xun Ye Yu)

原唱//Original vocal：小愛的媽 (Xiao Ai’s mom/Xiao Ai De Ma)

特邀念白//Narrators：阿冊 (A Ce), 柒夜 (Qi Ye)

演唱//Vocal (cover)：蚊香 (Wen Xiang)

混音//Mix：Mr曾經 (Mr Ceng Jing)

Other covers:

小爱的妈：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iabciSZbXag

西國海妖：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IyuAwXcqyM

(And many more available on Youtube)

Instrumental: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xaupzsshzy8&t=218s 

***

純則粹 陽則剛 天行健 兩儀遵道恆長 故有長久者不自生方長生之講
Pure in essence, stark in strength
Heaven runs diligently, two states in constant obedience of nature’s law Hence there’s the saying, longevity favors those who do no egoistic self-preservation


百丈峰 松如浪
地勢坤 厚德載物之像
故君子不爭炎涼

Pine trees rose like waves upon peaks a hundred meters tall The earthy landscape contains within itself all virtues and matters Like so, a gentleman does not concern himself with trifles


混沌開 分陰陽
輪轉更迭萬物始蒼蒼
觀其微妙於九天之下六合八荒

Primordial chaos split into Yin and Yang
Only through its changes in cycles can all lives flourish
Do observe its intricacies, under the heavens, in this universe


自春生 入秋藏
天之道四時更迭有常
若有常為何晨曦比這夜還涼

Birthed in spring, hidden in autumn
Heaven’s law changes with a rhythm of certainty
If there should be certainty, why is dawn colder than this very night?


若無常 為何我總會想
與你 守月滿空山雪照窗

If there naught be certainty, why am I constantly drawn to the thought
Of waiting on the moon with you, snow reflecting light through our windows in the vacuous mountains?


[Narration]
大道無形，生育天地；大道無情，運行日月；大道無名，長養萬物。

Dao is shapeless, birthing heaven and earth; Dao is loveless, moving both sun and moon; Dao is nameless, nurturing all lives.


一念坐忘 趁月光
聽 清風追逐流雲纏綿飛舞的癡狂
交錯的剎那 生怕洩露心頭沉淪的慌
微漾

I thought of meditating while the moon still shines
And listen to winds chase the streaming clouds, entwined in a dancing frenzy
At the moment we intersected, I feared that the panic from my heart’s fall would be revealed
As a subtle ripple


[Narration]

吾不知其名，強名曰道。
夫道者：有清有濁，有動有靜；天清地濁，天動地靜； 降本流末，而生萬物。
清者，濁之源，動者，靜之基；人能常清靜，天地悉皆歸。

Its name I know not, Dao is the name assumed.

Dao, defined as such: it encompasses the clear and the murky, the moving and the still; heaven is clear while the earth murky, heaven moves while the earth is still; it descends from its source and flows to its end, thus birthing lives in tens of thousands.

The clear is the source of the murky; the moving, foundation of the still; should one stays oft in clarity and stillness, heaven and earth shall be his to own.


未曾忘 蒙昧時授我出世方（君卻重入塵浪）
如何渡暖意 才能化盡你眼底 千山月下霜（將眷戀深藏）
揮劍 斬痴念萬丈（已決意相忘）
卻 輸給回眸一望

I’ve never forgotten, in my ignorant days, who taught me the way out of mortal’s entanglements (yet you returned to its tumbling dust)
How shall this warmth be delivered, to melt away mountain frost under the moon, beneath your eyes (hiding all your longings deep within)
I raised my sword, and severed my overwhelming lengths of obsession (already decided to forget one another)
Yet my defeat was spelled, when you cast a glance back at me


曲中全 直藏枉
盛世於斯須間興亡
有誰能與天數相抗
逆轉世態炎涼

Wholesomeness within the crooked, vanity concealed in the righteous
The glorious world rises and falls in passing moments
Who can oppose heaven’s will
And reverse the state of this world?


都說
心欲靜 更難放
何時起光陰 與心意
放縱如 白駒
不肯收韁

It’s been said
The heart yearning stillness finds it harder to let go
Since when, time itself, together with my heart
Bolted like a white colt
Still I refuse to draw its reins


[Narration]
情不敢至深 恐大夢一場
卦不敢算盡 畏天道無常

Love I dare not let run deep, fearing it should be merely an elaborate dream
Entirety of my fortunes I dare not predict, fearing heaven’s uncertainty


時有序 世滄桑
天地將傾時誰保 誰無恙
指上訣 念念入心藏

There is order in time, and vicissitudes in the world
When heaven and earth topple, who can promise whose safety
Incantations upon my fingers, I chanted till it’s kept by heart


君為刃 吾便以此身 為盾防
仗劍鎮山河護 你無恙

If you shall be a blade, then this body of mine I’ll make the shield
Wielding a sword to surmount the land, so that I may protect you, safe and well


***

Translator’s comment:

I did this because I happen to enjoy dropping boulders directly above my feet.

Also, I’m in my pop culture Taoism phase. And I can’t say I don’t enjoy a bit of a challenge.

This is really not an easy one to work with. Lots of references to Taoist literature, so I try to go back to the sources and translate to the best of my ability. Some philosophical concepts are difficult to convey in full. E.g. For “the earthy landscape” (地勢坤), the word “坤” is a somewhat nebulous concept. It’s one of the symbols of the Ba Gua (Eight Diagrams) from the earliest surviving Chinese literature, the I Ching. It can mean the earth (as oppose to the heavens), or the feminine (as opposed to the masculine), or the southwest direction.

Downside number two: I’m not very well-read in Taoist literature and doctrine, so I only know some of the more superficial aspects of it.

This song contains a mix of pop culture Taoism. It was originally composed as an homage to a Chinese MMORPG (劍俠情緣叁 or 剑网三). One of the sects, the Chun Yang Sect (纯阳), takes inspiration from Taoism, and the characters are modeled after Taoist priests and priestesses. (The song “A Taoist Nun Friend of Mine” is also inspired by events in the same game, by the way.) So the first line “纯则粹 阳则刚” probably serves more as a reference to the game than providing much actual meaning.

I especially like these lines from the original sources:

天行健，君子以自强不息。
地势坤，君子以厚德载物。
——《周易》

"Like the diligence of heaven, a gentleman should be relentless in improving one self.
Like the nurturing earth, a gentleman should cultivate good virtues and be accepting of all matters."
- I Ching