Lyrics · LT201

Short Lyrics

Short, delicate song lyrics under 58 characters.

546works

5dynasties

78authors

Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms

100 works

907–979

  1. Willow Branches · Deepest in Colour in the King of Wu's PalaceNiu QiaoResenting Su Xiaoxiao of Qiantang, who led her lover beneath the pines to tie the love knot.
  2. Willow Branches · The Thawing Wind Greens the TipsNiu QiaoFor no reason it sways by the highway, dancing travellers on their way all its life.
  3. Willow Branches · Thousands of Boughs North and South of the BridgeNiu QiaoA rider on a white horse, gazing in the wind, knows it as Jingwan's slender waist.
  4. Willow Branches · Wild Snow Flies against the HorsesNiu QiaoDo not let it be moved into Linghe Hall, or three thousand palace women will envy it again.
  5. Willow Branches · Swaying Green Wrapped in MistNiu QiaoBy Zhanghua Terrace and on the Sui embankment, it has won so very much of the spring wind.
  6. Dreaming of the South · The Swallow Carrying MudNiu QiaoIt has found a safe spot on the apricot beam; light of body, it alone wins its master's love.
  7. Dreaming of the South · A Red Embroidered QuiltNiu QiaoNot that among birds I favour you alone, but because you sleep neck to neck on the south pond.
  8. Song of the Southland · The Painted Boat Rests Its OarsOuyang JiongLooking back, she laughs and points: she lives in the banana grove.
  9. Willow Branches · Soft Green Swaying in MistHe NingEver green, the lord of romance waves its gold threads, waiting for the Goddess of the Luo.
  10. Willow Branches · A Blue-Green Gauze Skirt, a Gold-Threaded WaistHe NingTipsy, she bites her new forehead ornament and clings to her lover, all playful charm.
  11. Willow Branches · The Magpie Bridge Newly BuiltHe NingHad he not climbed the cassia tree in years past, how could he court Chang'e in the moon?
  12. Lotus Leaf Cup · Spring Ends, Petals Fall in the Little CourtGu XiongLeaning on the rail she knits her brows: must longing for the promised day make her ill?
  13. Lotus Leaf Cup · From Whose Feast the Song RisesGu XiongThe ache of parting lingers on; the orchid lamp turned away, the moon above the tower.
  14. Lotus Leaf Cup · Slender Willows, Fair Flowers All in BloomGu XiongA young man on the lane, orchid and musk all over him, the scent rushing at passers-by.
  15. Lotus Leaf Cup · I Remember When We MetGu XiongHair loosened, limbs gone soft, she clings without a word and will not raise her head.
  16. Lotus Leaf Cup · Late at Night the Song Turns PlaintiveGu XiongChrysanthemums cold, the dew falling fine; soon it will soak through her gold-threaded robe.
  17. Lotus Leaf Cup · I Long for Your PoemsGu XiongEvery word goes to the heart; on red notepaper I write back to show how deep my feeling runs.
  18. Lotus Leaf Cup · Golden Duck Incense, Mandarin-Duck QuiltGu XiongA small topknot crowded with flower pins, a waist like a slender willow, a face like a lotus.
  19. Lotus Leaf Cup · Butterflies over the Winding StepsGu XiongFlowers in bloom, willows trailing: the flowers like her cheeks, the willows like her waist.
  20. Lotus Leaf Cup · Gone, and the Promise Broken AgainGu XiongMoss has spread over the whole courtyard; twisting her sash, she paces alone.
  21. Eight Beats of the South · Clouds Lock the Tender YellowYan XuanThe season is more than her sorrow can bear; walking or sitting, her dark brows stay knit.
  22. Eight Beats of the South · Sorrow Locks Her Dark BrowsYan XuanHaggard, she cannot say what is the cause; when people ask, she says spring does not agree with her.
  23. Song of the Southland · Tender Grass Like MistOuyang JiongMandarin ducks bathe; the waters far, the hills long, the eye never has its fill.
  24. Song of the Southland · Whose Home at the Cave MouthOuyang JiongRed-sleeved girls stroll off to the southern shore, laughing and chatting in the spring breeze.
  25. Song of the Southland · Sixteen, with Flower OrnamentsOuyang JiongGold earrings strung with green gems, a close rosy dress, she laughs and hails travellers.
  26. Song of the Southland · The Road into the Deep SouthOuyang JiongThey gather red beans: beneath the trees, slender pale hands reach up.
  27. Song of the Southland · Sleeves of Mermaid SilkOuyang JiongThey spread palm-leaf mats; among the cardamom flowers the evening sun slips down.
  28. Song of the Southland · Kingfishers and HeronsOuyang JiongReed flowers flutter; where will the few fishing boats lodge tonight?
  29. The Heavenly Immortal · Gazing Sadly Back at the Tryst of an Earlier DreamWei ZhuangOnly the tender-hearted Song Yu could know.
  30. The Heavenly Immortal · Coming Home Late at Night, Dead DrunkWei ZhuangAnd keeps saying: how long can a life last?
  31. The Heavenly Immortal · Moonlight and Frost, One in the NightWei ZhuangThe moment I sleep, as before, I dream of you.
  32. The Heavenly Immortal · Waking from a Dream, the Cloud Screen Still EmptyWei ZhuangTears cut two red lines down my lotus cheeks.
  33. The Heavenly Immortal · Robes like Gold, Bodies like JadeWei ZhuangLiu and Ruan do not return, and the spring sun sinks to dusk.
  34. The Heavenly Immortal · A Willow-Green Robe with Gold-Thread PhoenixesHe NingAll this spring longing, with whom can she share it?
  35. The Heavenly Immortal · At the Cave Mouth, Spring Reds Fall RustlingHe NingWhy does young Ruan not come back? Too listless to light the gold censer or the jade incense.
  36. Song of Ganzhou · A Censer of Dragon Musk beside the Brocade CurtainGu XiongOn the carved pillow, whispers sweet with the scent of lip balm.
  37. Song of Ganzhou · On Every Clear Night and Fine DawnGu XiongOn the carved pillow, a few tear stains, still fresh.
  38. Song of Ganzhou · Like Liu and Ruan Seeking the ImmortalsGu XiongOn the carved pillow, forever dreading the morning bell.
  39. Song of Ganzhou · Deep in a Little Tower among Dewy Peach BlossomsGu XiongDeep in a little tower among dewy peach blossoms, a jade cup in hand, listening to the zither.
  40. Song of Ganzhou · By the Red Brazier at Midnight, Tipsy, Tuning the Reed PipeGu XiongOn the carved pillow, the lamp turned away, her eyes ripple sidelong.
  41. Longing for the Capital · Her Cloud Chignon SlipsWei ZhuangThey have said everything of the human world and of heaven; two hearts know.
  42. Telling My Heart · Incense Out, Curtains Down, the Spring Night LongGu XiongHeartbroken, she can find him nowhere; he has failed her springtime heart.
  43. Longing for the Capital · A Spring Day's OutingWei ZhuangOn a spring day's outing, apricot blossoms blow all over my head.
  44. Telling My Heart · Candle Burnt Down, Incense Spent, Curtain Half DrawnWei ZhuangDust gathers unseen on her dancing dress, and spring's longing goes to waste.
  45. Telling My Heart · Green Pool, Red Blossoms, Still Misty RainWei ZhuangA lovers' dream cut off by the bridge of stars, far, far away.
  46. He Manzi · Letters Written without EndHe NingInstead I envy the little duck censer, which stays forever within the screens.
  47. River Town · Deep Love, Much Tenderness, Feelings Easily HurtWei ZhuangBefore her red lips even move, he senses the scent of her lip balm.
  48. River Town · Hair Awry, Long Dark BrowsWei ZhuangCold dew, a waning moon, no one awake: she cannot make him stay, and a thousand tears fall.
  49. River Town · Pond Herons Rise East of the CityNiu QiaoThe palaces of the King of Yue now stand among duckweed and lotus flowers.
  50. He Manzi · Just SixteenHe NingI love her blue gauze skirt, and envy it for always clasping her slender waist.
  51. River Town · Mist Clears on the Far ShoreNiu QiaoAt the ferry the willow catkins fly like wild snow, left to the wind.
  52. Telling My Heart · Through the Long Night, Where Have You GoneGu XiongExchange my heart for yours, and only then would you know how deep my longing is.
  53. Silk-Washing Stream · Made Up at Clear Dawn on Cold Food DayWei ZhuangFrowning, saying nothing, she grieves that spring is waning.
  54. Silk-Washing Stream · About to Mount the Swing, Her Limbs Are LanguidWei ZhuangBeyond the wall the snow of pear blossom glows again.
  55. Silk-Washing Stream · Wistful After the Dream, the Mountain Moon SlantsWei ZhuangIn secret I wonder: what is her jade face like? A spray of plum blossom frozen in spring snow.
  56. Silk-Washing Stream · Green Trees Hide the Orioles, the Orioles Are SingingWei ZhuangAn embroidered saddle, a dappled horse, a single neigh.
  57. Silk-Washing Stream · Night After Night of Longing, the Water Clock Runs DownWei ZhuangThe painted hall a step away is deep as the sea; when memories come, I can only take out your old letters to read.
  58. Deep Gratitude · Two Streaks of Rouged TearsNiu QiaoIf only she could win his heart, so he would think of home and hurry back.
  59. Silk-Washing Stream · Falling Catkins, Fading Orioles, MiddayOuyang JiongAt this moment, at whose side does her heart linger?
  60. Silk-Washing Stream · A Sky-Blue Gauze Robe Sweeping the GroundOuyang JiongA sky-blue gauze robe sweeps the ground, all the lovelier on the beauty who has just put it on.
  61. Silk-Washing Stream · Now We Meet, Speak No More of TearsOuyang JiongAt such a moment, is there still any grudge against a fickle lover?
  62. Silk-Washing Stream · Spring Bewitches, and Grief Runs LongGu XiongBehind a small screen, wild dreams run to the ends of the earth.
  63. Silk-Washing Stream · Red Lotus, Cold Fragrance, a Level Green IsletGu XiongIn jewelled curtains the last musk grows cold; dust gathers unseen on the gold-threaded robe.
  64. Silk-Washing Stream · A Light Breeze over Lotus and Water ChestnutGu XiongTears set on both her cheeks, gleaming like the lotus on the islet.
  65. Silk-Washing Stream · A Year Since I Parted from Xie NiangGu XiongNo blue bird comes with her brocade letters; where has the goddess locked her orchid chamber?
  66. Silk-Washing Stream · Yellow Chrysanthemums Drift, the Jade Dew Is HeavyGu XiongWaking on the pillow, the lovers dread the sound of the dawn bell.
  67. Silk-Washing Stream · Thin Clouds, High Wind, Leaves FlyingGu XiongMandarin ducks circle in vain across her painted gauze robe.
  68. Silk-Washing Stream · Geese Cry in the Far SkyGu XiongA cool mat and a cold pillow, and more longing than she can bear.
  69. Silk-Washing Stream · White Dew, a Bright Moon, Autumn AgainGu XiongThinking quietly of what is past brings more sorrow than can be borne.
  70. The Drunken Young Lord · Pale Autumn Clouds Spread WideGu XiongA few cicada notes from the withered willows, and her heart melts just as it did last year.
  71. The Drunken Young Lord · Bank Willows Hang Threads of GoldGu XiongSleeves gathered and brows knit: how hard it is for them to meet.
  72. Cup for the Road · Fragrant Grass on the Spring Banks at BalingWei ZhuangOne song of parting, and the heart breaks inch by inch.
  73. Cup for the Road · White Horse, Jade Whip, Golden BridleWei ZhuangA brimming cup is pressed on him, offered with tears.
  74. Deep Gratitude · Since We Parted at the Southern ShoreNiu QiaoBowing to the moon and praying to heaven, she asks only that he know her heart.
  75. Spring Light Is Fair · Warm at the Gauze WindowHe NingJade fingers cut silk ornaments; on a golden plate she shapes little hills of cream.
  76. The Daoist Priestess · A High Chignon of Green CloudNiu QiaoWatching her, he fears she will melt away; his soul sways, longing to follow.
  77. The Daoist Priestess · Misty Waters of the Brocade RiverNiu QiaoWhere the willows darken and the orioles sing, she knows her lover's house.
  78. The Daoist Priestess · Starry Crown and Rosy CapeNiu QiaoLet the bluebird carry her heart's secret, sent to Master Liu.
  79. The Daoist Priestess · Flying in Pairs, Dancing in PairsNiu QiaoThe brocade letter is sealed, but the geese are slow to cross the Milky Way.
  80. Spring Light Is Fair · Duckweed Leaves SoftHe NingSpring water with no wind and no waves; a spring sky half rain and half sun.
  81. Wine Spring Song · A Silk Sash Threaded with GoldGu XiongHow often her tears have fallen on the mandarin-duck quilt: where has the heartless one gone?
  82. The Daoist Priestess · Phoenix Tower and Jade TreesLu QianyiIn the grotto her sorrow knots in vain; from the world of men no word can be found.
  83. The Daoist Priestess · On the Altar of Pacing the VoidLu QianyiHeavy dew wets the white tablets; a strong wind blows the feathered robes aside.
  84. Returning Home from Afar · Spring Is Nearly OverWei ZhuangLooking south, how far is the road he took? I ask the flowers, and the flowers do not speak.
  85. Returning Home from Afar · Golden KingfisherWei ZhuangSilk curtains, embroidered hangings, the mandarin-duck quilt: old joys are as if in a dream.
  86. Returning Home from Afar · Spring Is Almost GoneWei ZhuangIdly leaning by the Boshan censer she sighs long; her tears run down and wet her white wrists.
  87. Wine Spring Song · Willows Dance in the WindGu XiongDust gathers on the mirror, pearly tears fall, and her looks waste away.
  88. Wine Spring Song · Sun Slanting on the Little RailingGu XiongSince they parted her feelings grow harder to cast off; she watches her young face grow old.
  89. Deva-Like Barbarian · The Dancing Skirt, Warm and Scented, with Gilt PhoenixesNiu QiaoWhere is far Liaoyang? Behind the brocade screen the spring day is long.
  90. Deva-Like Barbarian · Where Willow Catkins Fly, the Orioles Sing FastNiu QiaoTonight he seeks her in his dreams, but dreams can hardly reach her tower.
  91. Deva-Like Barbarian · Wind Stirs the Spring Pennant on Her Jade HairpinNiu QiaoWhere is one who truly knows her? She envies the bride whose brows are newly painted.
  92. Deva-Like Barbarian · Layer on Layer, the Painted Screen Holds the Green of Mount WuNiu QiaoThe mountain moon shines on mountain flowers; waking from the dream, the lamplight slants.
  93. Deva-Like Barbarian · Swallows Dance by the Wind-Blown Blind, Orioles Sing in the WillowsNiu QiaoAgain and again he drops his golden whip, turning back until his eyes ache with looking.
  94. Deva-Like Barbarian · Golden Sparrows Fly on Her Cloud-Dark HairNiu QiaoTear-streaked powder stains her silk robe as she asks when her man will come home.
  95. Deva-Like Barbarian · Jade Tower, Cool Mat, Brocade of Mandarin DucksNiu QiaoI would stake my whole life on it to give you all your joy today.
  96. Wine Spring Song · Brows Faint, Rouge DeepGu XiongA letter a year old, a thousand tears, a grief too heavy to bear.
  97. Wine Spring Song · She Covers Her Water-Chestnut MirrorGu XiongThe silver lamp turned from the curtain, she sleeps deep in a dream as geese fly south.
  98. Wine Spring Song · Green Water, Fresh BreezeGu XiongHow hateful the wanderer who never comes home, leaving only a knotted silk sash.
  99. Paying Homage at the Golden Gate · The Spring Water Clock HurriesWei ZhuangIdly holding her pipa, she searches out old tunes, her brows green as distant hills.
  100. Paying Homage at the Golden Gate · Longing in VainWei ZhuangThe courtyard is full of fallen flowers, spring is silent; heartbreaking, the green of the fragrant grass.