Newly Composed 100 Song Lyrics of the Song Dynasty - (Illustrated Text)

Author: Jiang Xiaoqing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: "Dian Jiang Chen Yu Hun Yun Chou, Jiang Nan Ji You Cheng Jia Li ①. Shui Cun Yu Shi, Yi Lu Guo Yan Xi ②. Tian Ji Zheng Hong ③, Yao Ren Xing Ru Zhui ④. Ping Sheng Shi, Ci Shi Ning Dui ⑤, Shi Huo Ping Lan Yi!"
Annotations
① Jiang Nan: Refers to the southern part of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Jia Li: Means beautiful scenery.
② Guo Yan: Refers to the cooking smoke in fishing villages. "Guo" and "Xi" both indicate that there is very little smoke.
③ Zheng Hong: Wild geese. Geese are migratory birds. They travel north and south with wings spread, embarking on long journeys.
④ (hang) Ru Zhui: Forming a line, as if linked together.
⑤ Ning Dui: Gazing intently.
Explanation: The tune "Dian Jiang Chen" was named after the line "Bai Xue Ning Qiong Mao, Ming Zhu Dian Jiang Chen" from Jiang Yan's "Ode to a Beauty on a Spring Outing" during the Liang Dynasty. Later, it was also known as "Dian Tao Yao," "Shi Ba Xiang," "Sha Tou Yu," "Nan Pu Yue," "Xun Yao Cao," and "Wan Nian Chun." Wang Yu Fu's "Dian Jiang Chen" was likely written during his exile in Huangzhou, around the same time as the writing of "San Chu Fu." The grievances and sorrows of exiled officials are generally subtle, avoiding direct expressions. However, the talented often show a sense of freedom and a graceful demeanor. Wang Yu Cheng's "Dian Jiang Chen" can be considered a masterful work by a master. The opening highlights the words "hun" (grief) and "chou" (sorrow) without making it obvious. The rest of the piece showcases the beautiful scenery of Jiang Nan. The poem expresses emotions through scenery, especially embodying the contrast between nature and self. It conveys the author's longing and desolate mood. Wang Yu Fu (954–1001), styled Yuan Zhi, was from Ju Ye (now part of Shandong). Born into a farming family, he passed the imperial examination in the eighth year of the Taiping Era (983) of Emperor Taizong of Song and held positions such as Magistrate of Changzhou and Academician of the Hanlin Academy. Known for his loyalty and courage in speaking his mind, he often discussed contemporary politics and criticized court officials, leading to three exiles. He wrote "San Chu Fu" to express his sentiments. In literature, Wang Yu Fu opposed the frivolous style of the Five Dynasties. He advocated prose in the style of Han Yu and Liu Yuxi, and poetry in the style of Li Bai and Du Fu. His writings were simple, elegant, and classical, making him an important figure in shaping literary trends in the early Song Dynasty. He left behind works such as "Xiao Chu Ji," and only one of his lyrics survives.
P1 "Chang Xiang Si"
Wu Shan Qing ①, Yue Shan Qing ②, Liang Ban Shan Qing Xiang Dui Ying. Shi Zhao Li Fei Qing ③. Jun Lei Ying, Qie Lei Ying, Luo Dai Tong Xin Jie Wei Cheng ④. Jiang Bian Chao Yi Ping ⑤.
Annotations
① Wu Shan: Refers to the mountains on the northern bank of the Qiantang River, which were part of the ancient Wu Kingdom.
② Yue Shan: Refers to the mountains on the southern bank of the Qiantang River. The ancient Yue Kingdom was centered around Shaoxing, and the region was known as Yue.
③ This line is also interpreted as "Zhen Ren You Li Qing."
④ Luo Dai: Silk ribbons. Tong Xin Jie: A knot tied from a ribbon symbolizing mutual love.
⑤ Chao Yi Ping. The tide has risen to meet the shore, indicating that the boat is about to set sail.
Explanation: "Chang Xiang Si" was a tune from the Tang Dynasty's music bureau, with a double meter of 36 characters. It was also known as "Xiang Si Ling," "Shuang Hong Dou," "Shan Jian Qing," "Wu Shan Qing," "Qing Shan Xiang Ying Song," and "Yi Duo Jiao." Lin Fu's "Chang Xiang Si" is a lyric poem about a woman bidding farewell to her lover. It uses objects to inspire the theme, repeating "Shan Qing" to depict the lush mountains and clear waters of the Wu and Yue regions. It also employs personification to introduce the theme of sorrowful separation. The poem then directly portrays the lovers' emotions—being unable to be together is a great sorrow in life, especially when the tide is calm by the river, urging the departure of the boat. The entire poem has a folk song flavor while deeply embodying the elegance and depth of literary lyrics. It is clear, flowing, and concise, making it an excellent example of early Song scholars learning from folk songs. Lin Fu (967–1028), styled Jun Fu, was from Qiantang (now Hangzhou, Zhejiang). He wandered through Jianghuai and later lived in seclusion on Mount Gu Shan in Hangzhou for 20 years, rarely stepping into cities. He loved planting plum blossoms and raising cranes, earning him the nickname "Plum Wife and Crane Husband." After his death, Emperor Renzong of Song posthumously honored him as "He Jing Mr.," and he was later known as Lin Chu Shi. Lin Fu was skilled in poetry and lyrics. His plum blossom poems were famous, one of which was later set to music as the lyric for "Rui Zhai Gu." His lyrics are clear, refined, and profound, reflecting his character. He wrote "He Jing Ji" and left behind three surviving lyrics.
P2