關山月

By 李白

Lyrics - Practice Pronunciation
關山月 李白

The Moon is at the top of the mountain.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

gwaan1
saan1
jyut6
lei5
baak6
明月出天山 蒼茫雲海間

Next month, the sky is clear, the sea is clouded.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

ming4
jyut6
ceot1
tin1
saan1
cong2
mong4
wan4
hoi2
haan4
長風幾萬裏 吹度玉門關

Tens of thousands of strong winds blowing through the gate.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

zoeng6
fung3
gei2
maak6
leoi5
ceoi3
dou6
juk6
mun4
gwaan1
漢下白登道 胡窺青海灣

We're going down the White Canyon and we're going to see the Yellow Sea.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

hon3
haa6
baak6
dang1
dou6
wu2
kwai1
cing1
hoi2
waan4
由來征戰地 不見有人還

And so, they went to war, and nobody came back.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

jau4
loi6
zing1
zin3
deng6
fau2
jin6
jau6
jan4
waan4
戍客望邊邑 思歸多苦顏

The visitors looked at the city and thought it was in a bitter color.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

syu3
haak3
mong6
bin1
jap1
soi1
kwai3
do1
fu2
ngaan4
高樓當此夜 嘆息未應閒

The tower was not in mourning that night.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

gou1
lau2
dong3
ci2
je6
taan1
sik1
mei6
jing3
haan4
About This Song

"" (The Moon Over the Mountain Pass) is a poignant poem by the famed Tang dynasty poet Li Bai, known for his deep emotional expressions and vivid imagery. In this piece, Li Bai transmits a profound sense of melancholy and longing as he gazes at the moon shining brightly over the distant mountains and the vast seas of clouds. The central theme revolves around the feelings of solitude and nostalgia that arise from separation, particularly for those away from their homeland or loved ones. Li Bai encapsulates this universal emotion through the metaphor of the moon, representing both a physical beacon in the night sky and an emotional symbol of connection over distance.

The narrative within the poem conveys the experience of a soldier stationed at a remote frontier, reflecting on the hardships of life away from home. As the soldier gazes at the moon, he is filled with longing for his hometown and loved ones. The poem touches on historical contexts of warfare and the struggles faced by travelers in unfamiliar lands, illustrating how such experiences resonate through time. The recurring thoughts of homesickness amidst duty reveal the internal conflict between loyalty and desire for personal connections. This emotional depth strikes a chord with anyone who has experienced similar feelings of alienation or yearning for family.

Musically, "" can be seen as embodying elements of traditional Chinese court music, often featuring melodic lines that evoke a sense of spaciousness, aligning with the imagery of vast landscapes in the lyrics. The lyrical techniques employed include vivid imagery and natural symbolism, which not only enhance the emotional landscape of the poem but also allow listeners to visualize the scenery described. Furthermore, the use of classical Chinese diction and structure adds an aesthetic quality, inviting audiences to appreciate the rhythm and flow of the language in addition to the underlying sentiments.

Culturally, "" holds significant importance as it bridges personal emotion with historical context, reflecting the perennial themes of love for ones homeland and the trials of separation faced by individuals throughout Chinese history. Li Bai's work captures the essence of Tang dynasty poetry, often characterized by its exploration of nature, life, and human emotion, making it a cherished piece that resonates throughout Chinese literature and music history.

Song Details
Singer:
李白
Total Lines:
7