Lyrics · LT201

Short Lyrics

Short, delicate song lyrics under 58 characters.

546works

5dynasties

78authors

Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms

100 works

907–979

  1. Silk-Washing Stream · Silent at the Mirror, Close to TearsSun GuangxianA courtyard of thin rain soaks her spring sorrow.
  2. Silk-Washing Stream · Treading Her Long Skirt, She Walks with GraceSun GuangxianWith no word from her at all, how is the heart to bear it?
  3. Silk-Washing Stream · Fresh from an Orchid Bath by the Winding RailingSun GuangxianThe way she looks at this moment, who could help but adore her?
  4. Silk-Washing Stream · The Wind Carries Lingering Scent from the BlindSun GuangxianHow could she help suspecting there is something more?
  5. Silk-Washing Stream · Swallows' Mud Falls on the Silver ZitherSun GuangxianShe cannot bear to be shut all day in the inner chamber.
  6. Silk-Washing Stream · Black Cap Aslant, Fish Tally Upside DownSun GuangxianHead bowed, she shyly asks about the verses on the wall.
  7. River Tale · The Son of Heaven in Peaceful TimesSun GuangxianBrocade sails flare red against the mist and sky, and souls are lost in the Daye years.
  8. River Tale · Willows Trail Threads of GoldSun GuangxianDragon and tiger fought to split the central lands, and the people were left without a lord.
  9. River Tale · Petals Fall by the Pools of the Xie HouseSun GuangxianTears wet her collar, and no one knows this heart of hers.
  10. River Tale · Wind Ruffles the Lotus PondSun GuangxianHis body has gone home, but his heart has not.
  11. Deva-Like Barbarian · Moonlight like Water over the Fragrant StepsSun GuangxianThis very place is Gaotang, and behind the screen the autumn dream runs long.
  12. Deva-Like Barbarian · The Cock Beats Its Wings on the WallSun GuangxianHand in hand she sees him off at dawn, her gold-threaded robe half trailing behind her.
  13. Deva-Like Barbarian · Fallen Blossoms Unswept in the Small CourtyardSun GuangxianSpring is late and no letter comes; at the edge of the sky, where is she to look for him?
  14. Deva-Like Barbarian · Green Cliffs after Morning RainSun GuangxianAs the red sun sinks in the west, far off in the mist she unties the pendant at her waist.
  15. Deva-Like Barbarian · Kapok Blossoms by the Grove ShrineSun GuangxianFrom the far shore she looks back again and again, endless sorrow on the misty waves.
  16. The River God · The Fen River Flows GreenSun GuangxianThe imperial banners left and never came back; the temple gate closes on the slanting light.
  17. The River God · Lush Grass on the RiverSun GuangxianNo news of the boat and its two oars; on the far sandbar the mandarin ducks rise now and then.
  18. Beautiful Lady Yu · Silence behind the Red WindowSun GuangxianGone to the edge of the sky without a word, he is all she thinks of, all day long.
  19. Beautiful Lady Yu · A Fair Wind Lifts the BlindSun GuangxianNowhere to send her longing: flowers fall, the promised day passes, and no one knows.
  20. Rear Courtyard Flowers · The Jingyang Bell RingsSun GuangxianLong-browed, languid beauties attend the carved carriage to a new feast in the rear court.
  21. Rear Courtyard Flowers · Stone City UnchangedSun GuangxianThe jade blossom has withered and who would know her now? Wild crab-apples grow thick.
  22. Hawthorn Fruit · Lonely behind the Vermilion GateSun GuangxianShe waits for a moment with no one about, to lean close to him and whisper of private things.
  23. Hawthorn Fruit · Riding a Dappled Horse on a Warm DaySun GuangxianThe young rider with the jade whip is driven wild: she is so near, yet out of sight and sound.
  24. Hawthorn Fruit · Wutong Leaves Fall by the Golden WellSun GuangxianThe jade censer cold, the incense burnt out, just as the emperor's favour has ended.
  25. Immortal by the River · Frost Strikes the Wutong by the WellSun GuangxianHer mirror case stays shut; she has no wish to face the lone phoenix in the glass.
  26. Immortal by the River · Cold Evening Rain on a Closed CourtyardSun GuangxianHer one fear is the dawn, when he will leave to follow the drifting clouds of Chu.
  27. Wine Spring Song · Boundless Empty DesertSun GuangxianHorses neigh and neigh, men go on and on, and the clouds over Long are sad.
  28. Wine Spring Song · Winding Railings, a Little TowerSun GuangxianShe opens the screen to the Xiao and Xiang waters in vain, ten thousand li before her eyes.
  29. Wine Spring Song · Composed before the WindowSun GuangxianHer slender fingers brush her brows, and in the mirror she pouts as they look in together.
  30. Peace and Happiness · A Sorrowing Heart near BreakingSun GuangxianShe trusts the east wind to carry her dream, so that she may wander with him all day long.
  31. Peace and Happiness · Idle and SilentSun GuangxianAt dusk by the vermilion gate: the horse with the embroidered saddle comes back in vain.
  32. Water Clock Song · Listening to the Cold Night WatchSun GuangxianA heart like orchids, and a love as deep as the rivers and the sea.
  33. Water Clock Song · Tonight We Meet, Tomorrow We PartSun GuangxianTonight we meet, tomorrow we part: face to face, there is nothing left but sorrow.
  34. The Daoist Priestess · Orchid Wind and Fungus DewSun GuangxianHer rank lies beyond the Wu Gorge; her name is entered among the stars of Ziwei.
  35. The Daoist Priestess · Pale Flower, Slender JadeSun GuangxianDo not take her for a flute-playing companion; she is not of that kind.
  36. The Romantic · A Thatched Cottage by the StreamSun GuangxianListen to the weaving: quick and clacking, the shuttle sounds through the house.
  37. The Romantic · A Tower over the Long Avenue at DuskSun GuangxianWordless and listless, she trails her silk skirt slowly away.
  38. The Romantic · Gold Bridle, Jade Bit, a Neighing HorseSun GuangxianThe pleasure over, he heads home, still out in the city streets deep in the night.
  39. Settling the Western Tribes · Riders before Mount JiluSun GuangxianThe magpie-faced bow leaves its short case; drawn back, it is almost a full moon.
  40. Settling the Western Tribes · An Autumn Night by the Princess's PillowSun GuangxianThinking of the Han passes ten thousand li away, her tears run freely.
  41. Cup for the Road · Hasty Farewell at the Parting PavilionSun GuangxianYan and Song, Qin and Wu, thousands of li apart: do not refuse one last drink.
  42. Cup for the Road · The Parting Oar LingersSun GuangxianTurning to part, the sail fades from sight, and the river waves are white as snow.
  43. Longing for Yue · The Old Terrace Lies LevelSun GuangxianThe beauty has left only a thousand years of regret; where can anyone seek her now?
  44. Longing for Yue · Islet Lotuses WitheredSun GuangxianA whole place of romance that breaks the heart: the soul melts, the eyes strain for Xizi.
  45. Willow Branch Song · Warm Wind at Chang GateSun GuangxianFlying all over the river city, a snow that is never cold.
  46. Willow Branch Song · Mist over Every Pool and PavilionSun GuangxianAs if someone checked them always, they stand in ranks facing the spring wind.
  47. Willow Branch Song · Rooted by the Muddy RiverSun GuangxianThough rooted by a muddy river, it stands all day near the sound of pipes and song.
  48. Willow Branch Song · Ten Thousand Withered Trees Lament the SuiSun GuangxianTen thousand withered trees lament the fallen Sui, each drooping as if to mourn the Wu terrace.
  49. Fisherman's Song · Lush Grass, Rippling WavesSun GuangxianYellow swans call, white gulls sleep: who is as free and easy as I am?
  50. Fisherman's Song · Drifting FirefliesSun GuangxianPast the Zha River, across the Song River: all these days and months are mine.
  51. Immortal by the River · Golden Locks on the Layered GatesLu QianyiThe misty moon, unaware the world has changed, still shines into the deep palace late at night.
  52. Immortal by the River · A Dawn Oriole Breaks the DreamLu QianyiTwisting her skirt sash in her fingers, she leans without a word against the cloud screen.
  53. Beautiful Lady Yu · Powder Melting, a Lotus Pod BurstingYan XuanSleepless in late autumn as the night watches lengthen, she turns it all over in her mind.
  54. Beautiful Lady Yu · A Waist Slim as Chu'sYan XuanOn so fine a night she cannot be with you, and her grief will not rest.
  55. Immortal by the River · Rain Stops over Lotus and Water-ChestnutYan XuanLotus blossoms strung with drops, like sweat beading on her powdered face.
  56. Immortal by the River · Twelve High Peaks Cold beyond the SkyYan XuanApes cry as the bright moon shines on the empty shoal.
  57. Immortal by the River · Lotus Once More in the PoolYin EIn years gone by, here by this pool, I kept my sweetheart company.
  58. Immortal by the River · A Cold Late-Autumn NightYin EOn the wutong leaves, dewdrops fall one by one.
  59. Silk-Washing Stream · Orioles before the Steps in Late SpringMao XizhenFallen petals cover the ground like broken jewelled hair ornaments.
  60. Silk-Washing Stream · Fragrant Red at the Flower PavilionMao XizhenA pair of purple swallows twitter sweetly in broken notes.
  61. Silk-Washing Stream · Rising Late in the Red ChamberMao XizhenSnow-fair and fragrant, she speaks like a flower, lovely beyond bearing.
  62. Silk-Washing Stream · A Single Hairpin SlippingMao XizhenDrowsy and wordless, her longing is as deep as ever.
  63. Silk-Washing Stream · A Silk Skirt Thin as CloudMao XizhenShe pretends not to glance at anyone, demure for nothing.
  64. Silk-Washing Stream · A Light Cap of Green JadeMao XizhenHow can she bear it when their promised meetings sometimes fail?
  65. Silk-Washing Stream · Half Drunk on the Embroidered CushionMao XizhenAn ivory comb tilts in her hair like a moon rising from clouds.
  66. Immortal by the River · The Southern Qi Emperor's FavouriteMao XizhenSlender-waisted and graceful, she stepped across lotus flowers of gold.
  67. Immortal by the River · Orioles at Dawn in the Quiet ChamberMao XizhenShe muses on an idle dream: where has it gone, drifting after the clouds?
  68. Water Clock Song · Clear Autumn ColoursMao XizhenThe water clock sobs, crickets chirp sharp, and frost lies white as snow in the courtyard.
  69. Water Clock Song · Cold Misty MoonMao XizhenShe always remembers the night she met him in secret, stolen fragrance and whispered words.
  70. Bamboo Branch Song · White Duckweed on the Spring WaterSun GuangxianA trader's woman passes as the river darkens, and scatters her scraps to feed the sacred crows.
  71. Bamboo Branch Song · A Tangled Cord of a Thousand KnotsSun GuangxianWillow threads hang heavy with feeling; when the lotus blooms fall, the lotus heart shows.
  72. The Daoist Priestess · Jade Peach and Red ApricotMao XizhenSurely she seeks, in secret, a companion who plays the flute.
  73. The Daoist Priestess · Long Brows and a Lovely FaceMao XizhenWith slender hands she gently tends the incense in the jade censer.
  74. Song of the South · Sorrowful Brows like Distant HillsMao XizhenShy and coy, she loves to ask the names of the tunes.
  75. Song of the South · Regret upon RegretMao XizhenShe secretly thinks of the cloud goddess, who surely loved the powdered young man.
  76. Rear Courtyard Flowers · Orioles Sing, Swallows ChatterMao XizhenA heartbreaking moon like a jade tablet over palace halls locked and idle.
  77. Rear Courtyard Flowers · The Graceful DancerMao XizhenWith a slender hand she smooths her rouged cheek and, smiling, touches her gold beauty spot.
  78. Rear Courtyard Flowers · Little Sleeves of Yue SilkMao XizhenLeaning on the railing without a word, she waves a light fan that half hides her powdered face.
  79. Wine Spring Song · Lying Idle behind Embroidered CurtainsMao XizhenWith an orchid-pure heart, her soul toiling in dreams, she knits her moth-feeler brows.
  80. Wine Spring Song · The Inlaid Mirror CaseMao XizhenThe sun just risen and the blind half rolled, she sits before her fading make-up.
  81. Deva-Like Barbarian · Pear Blossoms Fill the CourtyardMao XizhenThe slanting moon shines on the curtains; longing for you, even my dreams of you grow rare.
  82. Deva-Like Barbarian · The Embroidered Blind over the PondMao XizhenThe seasons quietly hurry one another on, and before one knows it autumn has come again.
  83. Deva-Like Barbarian · The Sky Holds the Last of Its BlueMao XizhenLonely before the painted hills of her screen, she longs for him between wine and dreams.
  84. Deva-Like Barbarian · A Thin Silk Skirt Dyed Autumn-Wave BlueWei ChengbanWhen we met at the brocade feast, we both knew in secret how deep the feeling was.
  85. Deva-Like Barbarian · Gold-Paint Patterns Faint on a Silk RobeWei ChengbanMusk smoke sinks behind the embroidered curtain; who knows the two hearts?
  86. Spring in the Jade Tower · Swallows on the Beams of a Silent HallWei ChengbanFine days and cool moons all wound the heart, because her jade-like man is so long unseen.
  87. Spring in the Jade Tower · Brows Lightly Knit, White Teeth ShowingWei ChengbanEach clear, far note stops the passing clouds; in the hush, dust stirs on the painted beams.
  88. Telling My Heart · Songs Done, the Feast Over, the Moon WaxingWei ChengbanThinking of you, helpless, I sleep and wake again, with layered city walls between us.
  89. Telling My Heart · Late Spring, Flowers Crowding the Little TowerWei ChengbanAs he leaves she holds his hand and charges him again and again, a thousand times.
  90. Telling My Heart · Clear Skies over the Silver RiverWei ChengbanHow can I bear to walk alone by the pond, facing the mandarin ducks?
  91. Telling My Heart · Autumn Wind through the Green Window GauzeWei ChengbanHow many times in dreams have I circled the edge of the world to reach your house?
  92. Telling My Heart · Spring Desire in Her Eyes, Cheeks Like Red SilkWei ChengbanNow the wind in the leaves rustles again; the regret stretches far away.
  93. Hawthorn Fruit · Misty Rain Clearing at DuskWei ChengbanHard to tell the heart at this hour; the swallows on the beams come and go in pairs.
  94. Hawthorn Fruit · The Painted Hall Lonely and EmptyWei ChengbanLook, spring is coming again, and still everything is long forlorn.
  95. Pounding Silk · Autumn Boudoir: The Deep Courtyard Is StillLi YuThe night is long and sleep will not come; a few beats reach the curtains with the moon.
  96. Silk-Washing Stream · Summer Calls for Light Make-upLi XunWe meet without a word, yet regret remains; how often I give her up, then think of her again.
  97. Silk-Washing Stream · Viewing Crab-Apple Blossom in the Quiet CourtLi XunWhat is she quietly thinking, standing there in the last of the sun?
  98. Silk-Washing Stream · Seeking Old Haunts, Grieving at PartingLi XunHow could I waste a Brocade River spring? Meet the flowers with wine, and never refuse.
  99. Silk-Washing Stream · Red Lotus Scent at the RailingLi XunOld joys are like a dream, and every word and trace of her is gone.
  100. Fisherman's Song · Green Are the Hills of ChuLi XunWine fills the cup, clouds fill the hut, and the world's honour and disgrace are out of sight.