觀刈麥

By 白居易

Lyrics - Practice Pronunciation
田家少閒月 五月人倍忙

The Tenda family is less busy in May.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

tin4
ze1
siu3
haan4
jyut6
ng5
jyut6
jan4
bui3
mong4
夜來南風起 小麥覆隴黃

The south wind blows in the night and the wheat is yellow.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

je6
loi6
naam4
fung3
hei2
siu2
mak6
fuk1
lung5
wong4
婦姑荷簞食 童稚攜壺漿

The women's food was a childish meal.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

fu5
gu1
ho6
daan1
zi6
tung4
zi6
kwai4
wu4
zoeng1
相隨餉田去 丁壯在南岡

He went with the people of the land and lived in South Okinawa.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

soeng2
ceoi4
hoeng2
tin4
heoi3
zang1
zong6
zoi6
naam4
gong1
足蒸暑土氣 背灼炎天光

It's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, and it's hot, it's hot, it's hot, and it's hot, it's hot and it's hot, and it's hot and it's hot and it's hot and it's hot and it's hot and it's hot and it's hot and it's

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

zuk1
zing1
syu2
tou2
hei3
bui6
zoek3
jim4
tin1
gwong1
力盡不知熱 但惜夏日長

It's hot, but it's summer.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

lik6
zeon6
fau2
zi3
jit6
daan6
sik1
haa6
mik6
zoeng6
復有貧婦人 抱子在其傍

And there was a poor woman with her baby next to her.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

fuk6
jau6
pan4
fu5
jan4
pou5
zi2
zoi6
kei4
pong4
右手秉遺穗 左臂懸弊筐

The right hand is with the thorn and the left hand is with the thorn.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

jau6
sau2
bing2
wai6
seoi6
zo2
bei3
jyun4
bai6
聽其相顧言 聞者為悲傷

Listen to the others, and the audience is sad.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

teng1
kei4
soeng2
gu3
jin4
man6
ze2
wai6
bei1
soeng1
家田輸税盡 拾此充飢腸

He's been paying taxes and collecting his hungry intestines.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

ze1
tin4
syu1
zeon6
sip3
ci2
cung1
gei1
coeng2
今我何功德 曾不事農桑

I'm not a farmer.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

gam1
ngo5
ho6
gung1
dak1
zang1
fau2
si6
nung4
song1
吏祿三百石 歲晏有餘糧

And the chief of the staff gathered three hundred stones, and the chief of the staff had leftovers.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

lei6
luk6
saam3
mak6
sek6
seoi3
ngaan3
jau6
jyu4
loeng4
念此私自愧 盡日不能忘

I'm so sorry for myself, and I'll never forget it.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

nim6
ci2
si1
zi6
kwai5
zeon6
mik6
fau2
toi4
mong6
About This Song

The song "" (Watching the Harvest) by the renowned Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi is a poignant reflection on the life of peasants during the wheat harvest season. The main theme revolves around the tireless labor and struggles of rural workers, highlighting their dedication amidst the oppressive heat and demanding work. At the emotional core of the piece, there exists a deep sense of empathy and humility, as the narrator contemplates the hardships faced by those engaged in agriculture, contrasting their efforts with his own life of relative ease.

Throughout the lyrics, Bai Juyi crafts a vivid narrative interspersed with imagery that illustrates the communal nature of harvests. He describes the scene: families coming together, children helping, and the toil that envelops them under the sweltering sun. Particularly striking is the portrayal of a poor woman with a child, conveying a heartbreaking moment where her struggle to support her family becomes apparent. This juxtaposition of laborers striving to make ends meet against the backdrop of abundance in the narrator's own life ultimately conveys a message about social responsibility and awareness of those less fortunate.

Musically, the song may be accompanied by traditional Chinese instruments that enhance its lyrical beauty. Bai Juyi employs various poetic techniques, such as alliteration and parallelism, to create a sense of rhythm and to reinforce emotional undertones. The use of simple yet evocative language makes the sentiments accessible and relatable, fostering a connection between the reader and the lived experiences of the characters within the poem.

Culturally, "" holds significant relevance as it highlights agrarian life, a vital aspect of Chinese civilization. It serves as a reminder of the importance of the agricultural class, particularly in a historical context where agriculture was the backbone of society. Today, the poem resonates with contemporary discussions around labor rights, social equity, and the dignity of work, making it a timeless piece reflecting eternal human conditions.

Song Details
Singer:
白居易
Total Lines:
13