蜀相

By 杜甫

Lyrics - Practice Pronunciation
蜀相 杜甫 唐

The picture is by Duong Dong.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

suk1
soeng2
dou6
pou3
tong4
丞相祠堂何處尋

Where is the camera room?

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

sing4
soeng2
ci4
tong4
ho6
syu3
cam4
錦官城外柏森森

Officer Berkson outside the city.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

gam2
gun1
sing4
oi6
paak3
sam1
sam1
映階碧草自春色

The floors are green.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

joeng2
gaai1
bik1
cou2
zi6
ceon1
sik1
隔葉黃鸝空好音

The yellow leaves are empty.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

gaak3
sip3
wong4
hung3
hou3
jam1
三顧頻煩天下計

I'm always worried about the weather.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

saam3
gu3
pan4
faan4
tin1
haa6
gei3
兩朝開濟老臣心

I opened my heart to the Jedi.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

loeng5
zyu1
hoi1
zai3
lou5
san4
sam1
出師未捷身先死

The master died before he could.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

ceot1
si1
mei6
jit6
jyun4
sin3
si2
長使英雄淚滿襟

The heroes were tears in their eyes.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

zoeng6
si2
jing1
hung4
leoi6
mun6
gam1
About This Song

"," composed by the renowned Tang Dynasty poet (Du Fu), is a poignant lyrical tribute that reflects on loyalty, the burden of leadership, and the sorrow of unfulfilled ambitions. The emotional core of this poem lies in the deep reverence for the historical figure of Zhuge Liang, the famous prime minister of the Shu Han kingdom. Du Fu grapples with the timeless themes of loss, devotion, and the tragic fate of leaders who strive for their people yet often meet untimely deaths. The underlying sentiment of the poem resonates with feelings of nostalgia and respect, as Du Fu mourns the greatness of Zhuge Liang and the circumstances surrounding his life and death.

The narrative of "" is intricately woven into the folds of Chinese history, as it encapsulates the essence of Zhuge Liang's life and his legacy during a turbulent period in the Three Kingdoms. The poem opens with a poignant inquiry into the location of Zhuge Liang's memorial, establishing a powerful connection to the past. Throughout the verses, Du Fu reflects on the selfless service and strategic genius of Zhuge Liang while acknowledging the heavy toll of leadership, encapsulated in lines that speak to the heroic sacrifices made, often without reward. The message is clear: even the most brilliant minds can meet with tragedy, and their sacrifices should never be forgotten.

Musically, the poem, though primarily a written work, can evoke a sense of rhythm and mood through its use of traditional Chinese poetic techniques. The imagery created by Du Fus use of natural elementslike the lush greenery and the song of the orioleserves to enhance the emotional landscape of the poem. The lyrical structure employs parallelism and alliteration, enriching the text's auditory quality and making it more resonant. The reflective tone and the carefully crafted imagery create a somber yet respectful atmosphere, tantalizing readers and listeners alike to contemplate the complexities of loyalty and the nature of human endeavor.

Culturally, "" holds significant importance as it not only memorializes Zhuge Liang as a celebrated figure in Chinese history but also demonstrates Du Fus literary genius and his ability to intertwine personal grief with broader historical narratives. This poem serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of Chinese literature and the values it upholdsnamely the virtues of diligence, loyalty, and the deep respect for the sacrifices made by those who lead and protect their people. By preserving such themes, Du Fu contributes to the ongoing dialogue about heroism and legacy in Chinese culture.

Song Details
Singer:
杜甫
Total Lines:
9