一水隔天涯

By 鄧麗君

Lyrics - Practice Pronunciation
妹愛哥情重 哥愛妹丰姿

She was very affectionate, and she was very good.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

mui2
oi3
go1
cing4
zung6
go1
oi3
mui2
fung1
zi1
為了心頭願 連理結雙枝

And to make a wish, connect the two branches.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

wai6
liu4
sam1
tau4
jyun6
lin4
lei5
lit3
soeng1
zi1
只是一水隔天涯 不知相會在何時

It's just a day at a time, and you never know when it's going to happen.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

zi2
si6
jat1
seoi2
gaak3
tin1
ji4
fau2
zi3
soeng2
wui6
zoi6
ho6
si4
綣戀驚迴夢 醒覺夢依稀

Dreams of terror are rare.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

hyun2
lyun5
ging1
wui4
mung6
sing2
gok3
mung6
ji1
hei1
獨語痴情話 聊以寄相思

I'm a lonely person, and I'm talking and I'm thinking.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

duk6
jyu6
ci1
cing4
waa6
liu4
jyu5
gei3
soeng2
soi1
只為一水隔天涯 不知相會在何時

You're just going to be in the water for a day, and you don't know when.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

zi2
wai6
jat1
seoi2
gaak3
tin1
ji4
fau2
zi3
soeng2
wui6
zoi6
ho6
si4
小別相逢多韻味 長別無期那不悲

It's a little bit of a pain, and it's a little bit of a pain.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

siu2
bit6
soeng2
pung4
do1
wan6
mei6
zoeng6
bit6
mou4
kei4
no6
fau2
bei1
往日歡笑難忘記 你不歸來我不依

I'm always smiling and forgetting that you're not coming back to me.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

wong5
mik6
fun1
siu3
no4
mong6
gei3
nei5
fau2
kwai3
loi6
ngo5
fau2
ji1
預計歸來日 哥卻未知歸

He was supposed to come back, but he didn't know.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

jyu2
gei3
kwai3
loi6
mik6
go1
koek3
mei6
zi3
kwai3
舊約煙雲逝 勞燕各分飛

The old clouds of smoke are gone, and the hard work is gone.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

gau6
joek3
jin1
wan4
sai6
lou6
jin3
gok3
fan6
fei1
只恨一水隔天涯 不知相會在何時

I hate a water every day, and I don't know when it's going to happen.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

zi2
han6
jat1
seoi2
gaak3
tin1
ji4
fau2
zi3
soeng2
wui6
zoi6
ho6
si4
不知相會在何時

I don't know when it will be.

Click each character to hear its pronunciation:

fau2
zi3
soeng2
wui6
zoi6
ho6
si4
About This Song

"," or "Separated by Waters, Worlds Apart," is a poignant love ballad performed by the beloved Taiwanese singer Teresa Teng (). This song captures the essence of longing and separation, resonating deeply with the theme of love prevailing despite physical distance. The emotional core of the song lies in its exploration of the heartache faced by individuals who are separated by circumstances yet remain bound by deep affection. The repeated notion of being separated by a river, or , epitomizes how close and yet how far lovers can feel from one another, evoking feelings of nostalgia and yearning.

The narrative unfolds through the lens of a romantic relationship characterized by deep devotion and commitment, as illustrated in the lyrics: " " (Sister loves Brother deeply; Brother admires Sisters beauty). However, the sorrow of separation is palpable, as both parties grapple with the uncertainty of their future together, reflected in the line "" (Not knowing when we will meet again). This evokes a relatable modern-day dilemma, highlighting how love can evolve amid lifes unpredictable turns, making it universal for listeners across cultures and eras.

Musically, the song is rich with emotive melodies, featuring traditional Chinese musical elements alongside contemporary balladry, which enhances its emotional intensity. Tengs vocal delivery is soft yet powerful, embodying the pain and beauty of love through her expressive phrasing. Lyrically, the song utilizes nature as a metaphor, portraying the distance of a river to signify emotional separation, thus creating vivid imagery that resonates with listeners. Rhetorical devices such as repetition reinforce the themes of longing and hope, drawing the audience deeper into its narrative.

Culturally, "" holds a cherished place in Mandarin pop music, symbolizing the romantic ideals prevalent in many East Asian cultures, where love is often associated with both beauty and sadness. The song reflects a significant emotional landscape that many people can identify with, regardless of their backgrounds. Teresa Teng's timeless renditions remain popular, reflecting her impactful legacy in bridging emotional expression with musical artistry.

Song Details
Singer:
鄧麗君
Total Lines:
12