Click each character to hear its pronunciation:
Click each character to hear its pronunciation:
Click each character to hear its pronunciation:
Click each character to hear its pronunciation:
Click each character to hear its pronunciation:
"" ("Red Bean Yearning") is a poignant composition by the renowned Chinese artist Zhang Delan, renowned for her emotive vocal delivery and profound pastoral themes. The song explores the concept of unrequited love and the deep yearning that accompanies it, symbolized through the imagery of the red bean, which is a traditional emblem of love and nostalgia within Chinese culture. This rich emotional core allows listeners to connect on a personal level, evoking feelings of longing and reminiscence, particularly in the context of relationships that are either frayed or distant.
The narrative woven through the lyrics expresses a longing for a connection that transcends physical presence, as the protagonist reflects on the beauty and pain of love. The lines depict a serene morning, yet the protagonist's heart is bruised by memories and an overwhelming sense of desire for a closer companionship. The red bean serves as a metaphor for the sweet yet troubling nature of love, as illustrated in the lines urging "" ("may you collect more [of these beans]")a plea for familiar hands to gather sentiments that signify shared emotion. It encapsulates the story of longing and regrets intertwined with the experience of love.
Musically, "" employs a delicate arrangement that complements its lyrical depth. Utilizing traditional Chinese instruments alongside soft melodies creates a soothing yet melancholic backdrop, evoking a sense of nostalgia throughout the song. Zhang Delan's vocal variations, from soft whispers to heartfelt crescendos, enhance the lyrical content, painting vivid pictures of the emotions being expressed. The use of repetition in phrases like "" ("yearning") emphasizes the cyclical nature of longing and heartache, inviting listeners to immerse themselves fully in the emotive atmosphere.
Culturally, the song resonates deeply with audiences, as the red bean is not only a romantic symbol but also reflects broader themes of memory and the passage of time in Chinese folklore. Love and longing are universal themes, yet the way they are expressed in this song is distinctly rooted in Chinese aesthetics and literary traditions, making it a cherished piece that transcends generations. "" stands as a timeless reflection of human emotion, encapsulating the essence of love's bittersweet nature and its resonance within cultural memory.