記承天寺夜遊

By 蘇軾

Lyrics - Practice Pronunciation
元豐六年十月十二日夜

The night of October 12th, in the year of Yuan Yuan.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

jyun4
fung1
luk6
nin4
sap6
jyut6
sap6
ji6
mik6
je6
解衣欲睡 月色入户 欣然起行

She was sleeping in the moonlight and was happy.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

haai5
ji3
juk6
seoi6
jyut6
sik1
jap6
wu6
jan1
jin4
hei2
hong6
念無與樂者 遂至承天寺尋張懷民

And they went up to the temple, and found a people to be with them.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

nim6
mou4
jyu6
ngok6
ze2
seoi6
zi3
sing4
tin1
zi2
cam4
zoeng3
waai4
man4
懷民亦未寢 相與步於中庭

And the people didn't even get along in court.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

waai4
man4
jik6
mei6
cam2
soeng2
jyu6
fau6
wu1
zung1
ting4
庭下如積水空明 水中藻荇交橫

The garden is like a waterfall, and the seaweed is just crossing the floor.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

ting4
haa6
jyu4
zik1
seoi2
hung3
ming4
seoi2
zung1
zou2
gaau1
waang6
蓋竹柏影也

And the shade of bamboo.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

koi3
zuk1
paak3
jing2
jaa5
何夜無月 何處無竹柏

What night without moon, where there was no bamboo?

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

ho6
je6
mou4
jyut6
ho6
syu3
mou4
zuk1
paak3
但少閒人如吾兩人耳

But we're both as dumb as ears.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

daan6
siu3
haan4
jan4
jyu4
ngaa4
loeng5
jan4
ji5
About This Song

"" is a reflective and serene piece composed by the renowned Song Dynasty poet Su Shi (). The song captures the essence of contemplative night walks under the moonlight, embodying themes of solitude, friendship, and the beauty of nature. Through the lens of a specific night in October of the sixth year of the Yuanfeng reign, the narrator's feelings of joy in the simplicity of life and companionship resonate powerfully. The emotional core is steeped in a sense of tranquility, illustrated by serene images of the moonlight illuminating the surroundings and the peacefulness of the night.

The narrative unfolds as the poet prepares for sleep, only to be awakened by the enchanting glow of the moon entering his chamber. Driven by the desire for connection in a night devoid of music and merriment, he seeks out his friend Zhang Huaimin at Cheng Tian Temple. This quest reflects an intrinsic human longing for camaraderie, particularly in moments of stillness and silence. Together, they traverse the courtyard, engaging with the surrounding landscapea world marked by still waters and shadowy reflections, evoking a deep sense of harmony within the natural world.

The song employs vivid imagery and lyrical techniques that enhance its reflective quality. Key elements include the juxtaposition of light and shadow, with phrases describing the moonlights clarity and the shimmering water creating a visual musicality that carries the listener. The use of simple yet profound language allows for deep emotional connections while emphasizing the poetic nature of everyday experiences. Rhythmic patterns mirror the serene movements of the characters, seamlessly intertwining the lyrical flow with the tranquil setting.

Culturally, "" holds significance within the Chinese literary canon, reflecting the confluence of nature, poetry, and philosophy characteristic of the Song Dynasty. Su Shi's work is indicative of the era's appreciation for mindfulness, the celebration of simplicity, and the profound contemplation of one's existence amidst the vastness of the universe. The song serves as an enduring reminder of the power of friendship and the natural beauty surrounding us, resonating with listeners across generations and cultures.

Song Details
Singer:
蘇軾
Total Lines:
8