Lyrics · LT201

Short Lyrics

Short, delicate song lyrics under 58 characters.

546works

5dynasties

78authors

Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms

100 works

907–979

  1. Peace and Happiness · Spring Sorrow on the Southern LanesWei ZhuangWho plays a flute beside the bridge? He halts his horse and gazes west, heartsick.
  2. Peace and Happiness · Wild Flowers, Fragrant GrassWei ZhuangShe wakes to slanting moonlight on half the bed, and wind stirring the qin at the window.
  3. Peace and Happiness · Where Is the Girl Who Goes RoamingWei ZhuangShe lives in the shade of green locust trees, her gate by the bridge over the spring stream.
  4. Peace and Happiness · Orioles Sing to the Waning MoonWei ZhuangDo not sweep the fragrant dust from the road he took: sweep it, and he will be slow to come home.
  5. Wine Spring Song · Brows Resentful, Cheeks ShyGu XiongThe season of blossom is passing; alone, with no one near, she talks to herself.
  6. Mountain Flowers · The Silver-Marked Sheng Is Cold, Its Tune Drawn LongHe NingPretending to toy with a red-silk fly whisk, she flicks it at her darling.
  7. Mountain Flowers · Oriole Brocade, Cicada Gauze, Musk ScentHe NingHer spring longing mingles with the tender fragrant grass, lush and green.
  8. The Oriole's Joyful Move · The Crowds SurgeWei ZhuangIn the highest heaven the moon is hazy; we ride our horses up into the void.
  9. The Oriole's Joyful Move · The Street Drums SoundWei ZhuangA phoenix carries the golden list out through the clouds: a clap of thunder on level ground.
  10. Everlasting as Heaven · From the Jade Tower, the Spring Haze ClearsNiu QiaoMandarin ducks hold a silk love-knot together: two hearts under the late-night moon.
  11. Water Clock Song · The Stars Grow SparseNiu QiaoShe stitches words in brocade to record their love, wishing only that two hearts stay alike.
  12. Water Clock Song · The Spring Night WanesNiu QiaoYou have failed me, I regret loving you; I cry to heaven, and heaven does not hear.
  13. Water Clock Song · Feelings at the Southern ShoreNiu QiaoLetters go with the geese, dreams go home; on waking, the moon slants over the river.
  14. Everlasting as Heaven · An Oriole Sings in the Shade of Green LocustsWei ZhuangNight after night, wind and rain at the green window: do you believe my heart is breaking?
  15. Everlasting as Heaven · Half a Year Since We PartedWei ZhuangHard to meet, easy to part; once more the blossoms by the jade tower are like snow.
  16. Everlasting as Heaven · Her Pale Brows Hide What Is in Her HeartNiu QiaoDo not trust the words on his coloured notepaper, written to trick a heart into breaking.
  17. Immortal by the River · Crab-Apple Fragrance Fades on the Spring River at DuskHe NingShe points east across the blue waves, to red smartweed by the Yue king's terraces.
  18. Immortal by the River · Her Robe of Red Palace Brocade Sweeps the GroundHe NingHer skin is fine and soft as red jade; the glance of her eyes quietly sends a spring longing.
  19. Spring in the Jade Tower · Moonlight on the Jade Tower, the Spring Night HurriesGu XiongSad that the young man has gone off carousing, on her pillow she knits her fine green brows.
  20. Spring in the Jade Tower · Willows Shade the Jade Tower on a Late Spring DayGu XiongWhere is he, running wild? She resents him for keeping her near tears, brows never smooth.
  21. Spring in the Jade Tower · Bright Moon, Glittering Dew, Fine Window ShadowsGu XiongA fine night and its joys go to waste; she can do nothing with her wild, roving husband.
  22. Spring in the Jade Tower · Swallows Skim the Water in Pairs, Coming and GoingGu XiongShe stands alone all day until dusk, yet fears the night will bring him to her dreams again.
  23. River Tale · Where Is the Misty Rain?Wei ZhuangThe palaces of Jiangdu: the clear Huai's moon shines on the Maze Tower, a sorrow old and new.
  24. River Tale · Late SpringWei ZhuangGirls vie to press Linqiong wine on him, slender hands like willow strands brushing his face.
  25. River Tale · Brocade ShoreWei ZhuangJade whip in hand, he is lost in longing on the misty road, as orioles sing and sing.
  26. Beautiful Lady Yu · Dawn Orioles Break a Lovesick DreamGu XiongThe tryst is lost; weeds fill the yard, willows give shade, and spring's heart is let down.
  27. Beautiful Lady Yu · Brushing the Blind, the Wind Brings the Jingyang BellGu XiongGreen lotus fills the pond; dew is cool on pillow and mat, lotus scent drifts, regret lingers.
  28. Beautiful Lady Yu · Green Screen Half Closed, Pearl Blinds HangingGu XiongOld joys come back in dreams and startle her soul; she regrets having loved so much.
  29. Beautiful Lady Yu · Green Wutong Trees Shade the Gauze Window at DuskGu XiongTears stain her red silk sleeves; heartsick and silent, she leans at her door as dusk comes.
  30. Beautiful Lady Yu · Spring in the Inner Chamber Wearies Her ThoughtsGu XiongHer fair love still does not come home, sending her dreaming soul after the willow catkins, circling to the ends of the earth.
  31. Deva-Like Barbarian · Drink Deep TonightWei ZhuangWhen there is wine, just laugh aloud: how long can a human life last?
  32. Deva-Like Barbarian · Spring Light in LuoyangWei ZhuangSpring light is lovely in the city of Luoyang; the gifted man of Luoyang grows old in a strange land.
  33. Lotus Leaf Cup · A Peerless Beauty Hard to FindWei ZhuangThe blue sky has no road and letters cannot get through; grief lingers over the old rooms.
  34. The Daoist Priestess · Last Night at MidnightWei ZhuangWaking, I knew it was a dream, and could not bear the grief.
  35. Silk-Washing Stream · Autumn Rain at the Red Smartweed FerryXue ZhaoyunThe swallows have gone, the sails have vanished, and the water stretches vast.
  36. Silk-Washing Stream · A Mirror on Its Brocade RibbonXue ZhaoyunFor two years, day after day, her fair beauty has been wasting away.
  37. Silk-Washing Stream · Faint Tear Traces on Her PowderXue ZhaoyunShe remembers last year's Cold Food Day, the gilded wheels halted outside the Yanqiu Gate.
  38. Silk-Washing Stream · Clasping Hands on the River BridgeXue ZhaoyunA heart as full as the spring waters, a love as deep as the wine cup.
  39. Silk-Washing Stream · Three Bays Above the Temple WallXue ZhaoyunNow that love lies far away, as if in a land of immortals.
  40. Silk-Washing Stream · Mooring at a Riverside Inn in Clear AutumnXue ZhaoyunThe moon high, the frost white, and the river stretching to the sky.
  41. Silk-Washing Stream · A Beauty to Topple StatesXue ZhaoyunWu's hills and rivers hold only the setting sun; Yue's palace lies half in wild grass.
  42. Silk-Washing Stream · A Girl of Yue Panning for GoldXue ZhaoyunAs the peach blossoms fade, she remembers her absent love.
  43. The Oriole's Joyful Move · The Waning Moon SetsXue ZhaoyunLooking back, the dusty world seems a former life.
  44. The Oriole's Joyful Move · Dawn at the Golden GateXue ZhaoyunA joyful feast in the Apricot Garden by the Qujiang, and from now on the fair season is theirs.
  45. The Oriole's Joyful Move · The Qingming FestivalXue ZhaoyunThe sun slants and there is no way to linger; the road home is grass and mist.
  46. Little Layered Hills · Spring Comes to Changmen PalaceXue ZhaoyunTwisting her skirt sash she paces round the steps, longing keenly for her lord.
  47. Little Layered Hills · Autumn Comes to Changmen PalaceXue ZhaoyunEven now it still holds the scent of the imperial censer.
  48. The Daoist Priestess · Off to Seek ImmortalityXue ZhaoyunOn a still night under the wind in the pines, she worships at the altar of heaven.
  49. The Daoist Priestess · Cloud Gauze and Mist CrepeXue ZhaoyunJust then a messenger comes from her beloved, and she opens the jade-sealed letter.
  50. Silk-Washing Stream · A Fragrant Carriage on the Willow DykeZhang BiFull of feeling and without a word, she leans at the west side of the tower.
  51. Silk-Washing Stream · Lost in Thought on HorsebackZhang BiHow can he bear it: since they parted, another autumn has gone by.
  52. Silk-Washing Stream · Alone on the Cold StepsZhang BiNo road on earth leads to her immortal home; only dreams go seeking her to the far horizon.
  53. Silk-Washing Stream · Tidying Faded BrowsZhang BiWho understands this feeling, as she leans in the slanting sun?
  54. Silk-Washing Stream · The Kingfisher Screen OpensZhang BiApricot blossoms, heavy with sorrow, lean into the east wind.
  55. Silk-Washing Stream · Pillow Screen and Incense BurnerZhang BiIn heaven or on earth, where have you gone?
  56. Silk-Washing Stream · Flowers, Moon and Cold FragranceZhang BiWhen no one is watching, they still steal a few words.
  57. Silk-Washing Stream · A Flower Crown Worn AslantZhang BiThe last light-blue wisp of incense locks her sorrow deep.
  58. Silk-Washing Stream · Following a Fragrant Carriage into the CapitalZhang BiSlowly she turns her lovely eyes on him, all smiles.
  59. Silk-Washing Stream · A Snowy Day at the East Gate of the MarketZhang BiFlushed with wine and wordless, she stands before the gate.
  60. River Tale · Cloud and Water, Vast and DimZhang BiBehind the brocade screen the incense is cold; no sleep, and so many tears on the quilt.
  61. River Tale · Red Apricots in the East WindZhang BiThe slanting sun seems to be talking with the light of spring.
  62. Wine Spring Song · Spring Rain on the WindowZhang BiIn the old nest the new swallows chatter away in pairs.
  63. Wine Spring Song · Purple Lanes and the Green GateZhang BiFlowers in their caps, they ride over the fallen petals under a bright moon.
  64. Song of the South · Willow Shade Darkens the TowerZhang BiWhere the painted hall opens, a breeze from afar blows cool.
  65. Song of the South · Bank Willows Trail a Green HazeZhang BiA few cuckoo cries come in through the curtained window.
  66. Song of the South · Red Ducks on a Brocade MatZhang BiThe curtains all hang down, there is nothing to do, only the scent of turmeric perfume.
  67. River Town · A Small Court Beyond the Green RailingZhang BiUp from sleep, she rolls the blind with nothing to do; her face made up, she has no heart for anything.
  68. River Town · Meeting My Darling on Huanhua StreamZhang BiWith a laugh she answered: do not be so fond.
  69. Beautiful Lady Yu · Mandarin Ducks in the Warm Silver PondMao WenxiFar off he thinks of his love by the green Wu River, as if the Milky Way lay between them.
  70. Beautiful Lady Yu · A Pillow Worked with Mandarin DucksMao WenxiShe stands idle by the painted swing in the courtyard, under a bright spring sky.
  71. Grief at the Gauze Window · The Swallows Return in SpringMao WenxiThe moon shines on the gauze window, and the grief will not leave.
  72. Grief at the Gauze Window · Butterflies Dusted with PowderMao WenxiWith the falling petals the butterflies come to brush against her lapels.
  73. Willows Veiled in Mist · Willows on the Sui DykeMao WenxiBefore the songs had ended, turmoil rose like a flood, locking in the sorrow of spring.
  74. Willows Veiled in Mist · Willows by the River BridgeMao WenxiBetter to plant them by the Golden Gate, close to the emperor's favour.
  75. Willows Veiled in Mist · Willows of Zhangtai, Close by the Royal TasselsMao WenxiQuite unlike the willows by roads and rivers, they are spared the hands of parting travellers.
  76. Willows Veiled in Mist · Willows by the Palace Moat, Claiming SpringMao WenxiThe willows by the palace moat claim the greater share of spring.
  77. Drunk Among the Flowers · Do Not Ask MeMao WenxiDo not ask me; I dread being asked; asking only adds to my grief.
  78. Drunk Among the Flowers · Deep Remembering across the Silver RiverMao WenxiThe Silver River is a red wall, a single band that holds them far apart.
  79. Love Runs Deep · Drop by Drop the Bronze Clock SobsMao WenxiThe jewelled curtain about to open, too languid to rise: love runs deep.
  80. Love Runs Deep · Spring Rich in the Jade HallMao WenxiWine done and songs over, both are lost in feeling, and one smile moves his heart.
  81. Telling My Heart · Peach Blossoms Ripple on the StreamMao WenxiMaster Liu is gone, Master Ruan has left, and the sorrow will not be smoothed away.
  82. Telling My Heart · Mandarin Ducks Neck to NeckMao WenxiFacing them, the lonely wife starts in her heart and thinks of the frontier.
  83. Immortal by the River · Twelve Sheer Green Peaks and Yao Ji's PalaceNiu XijiEver since the King of Chu woke from his dream, there has been no road on earth to meet her.
  84. Immortal by the River · The Xie Family's Shrine on a Cloudy PeakNiu XijiA robe of rosy cloud still half hangs on the stone wall; the pine wind sounds like a zither.
  85. Immortal by the River · A Flute in the Jade Tower by the WeiNiu XijiFull of feeling and saying nothing, she plays the flute alone.
  86. Immortal by the River · The River Round Huangling TempleNiu XijiFlutes and drums fall sparse, incense ash grows cold, the moon maiden draws in her crescent.
  87. Immortal by the River · Spring Light on the Pale LuoNiu XijiTreading the waves in gauze stockings, her steps are light, so light.
  88. Immortal by the River · Willow Ribbons on the Han ShoreNiu XijiIn vain their slender hands untie their pendants as gifts for a lover.
  89. Immortal by the River · Dongting Waves under a Clear SkyNiu XijiOver ten thousand li of level lake the autumn is cold, and the stars hang clear reflections.
  90. Little Layered Hills · Spring Enters the Divine CapitalHe NingNow and then a fine rain washes the bright spring scene.
  91. Little Layered Hills · Xi Shen's Branch in the Capital's Full BloomHe NingThey claim every day at Qujiang Pond, their names on the new list reaching the vermilion steps.
  92. Beautiful Lady Yu · A Young Beauty Fairer than Jade BlossomsGu XiongWind gusts over the altar, apricots bloom sweet, and she longs to ride a phoenix to Master Liu.
  93. River Tale · Swallows Soar in Clear WeatherGu XiongRouge darkened by sorrow, tear stains lie heavy on her clothes.
  94. River Tale · A Winding Railing in Late SpringGu XiongHeartbroken, for the flowers' sake one must revel without restraint.
  95. River Tale · The Oars Rise, the Boat DepartsGu XiongAt the sky's edge the river sobs with parting grief, and the gibbons cry sharp.
  96. Immortal by the River · Late Spring at a Secluded Boudoir's RailingGu XiongWhy has her wayward man gone silent? Even the swallows under the beams come home.
  97. Immortal by the River · Moonlight through the Blind, Wind in the BambooGu XiongSo much melancholy, and all her heart is far away at the sky's edge.
  98. Silk-Washing Stream · Knotweed Banks and the Scent of OrangesSun GuangxianMy eyes follow the wild geese as they fly off into the distance; my thoughts go with the flowing water, vast and boundless.
  99. Silk-Washing Stream · Peach and Apricot Scent the Idle CurtainsSun GuangxianAnd I half suspect I am still wandering within a dream.
  100. Silk-Washing Stream · Flowers Thinning, Unable to Bear the WindSun GuangxianHer orchid-pure heart has no one anywhere to share it with.