Lyrics · LT201

Short Lyrics

Short, delicate song lyrics under 58 characters.

546works

5dynasties

78authors

Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms

31 works

907–979

  1. Fisherman's Song · Reed Flowers in AutumnLi XunWine fills the cup, books fill the shelf, and fame and profit never weigh on the heart.
  2. Fisherman's Song · Willows Hang Their ThreadsLi XunDown past the long sandbar to the shallow ford, a line of sand egrets startled into flight.
  3. Fisherman's Song · Mount Jiuyi and the Three Xiang WatersLi XunDrifting east or west with no fixed stop, judging no one in the world sober or drunk.
  4. A Cloud over Mount Wu · A Traveller Passes the Wu GorgeLi XunLooking back in the west wind, overcome with grief, as evening rain falls on the empty shrine.
  5. A Cloud over Mount Wu · The Old Temple by Green PeaksLi XunWhy must the gibbons cry so near the lonely boat? The traveller has sorrow enough of his own.
  6. Immortal by the River · The Little Pavilion in the PoolLi XunHow many times has she stolen another look at the letter he sent?
  7. Immortal by the River · Orioles Herald the Warm Red SunLi XunOld joys are gone, and nowhere is there a trace of them to follow.
  8. Song of the Southland · Thick Mist and Chill RainLi XunWhere homesickness strikes, the tide ebbs, the water lies level and spring fades into dusk.
  9. Song of the Southland · Orchid Oars RiseLi XunCome and feast together: one cup of green wine, and a flush rises to the face.
  10. Song of the Southland · The Way Home Is NearLi XunLocked deep in mist, cardamom flowers hang in their thousands.
  11. Song of the Southland · Riding a Painted BoatLi XunVying to look their loveliest, they snap off round lotus leaves against the evening sun.
  12. Song of the Southland · Pour the Green-Ant WineLi XunIdly at play, while on both banks red lychees dip into the water.
  13. Song of the Southland · Clouds Bring RainLi XunWho will share the drink? He moors his little boat and sleeps beneath the awning.
  14. Song of the Southland · The Sands Lie Still under the MoonLi XunMoon still on the sands, mist light on the water, a night boat through the scent of lotus.
  15. Song of the Southland · The Fish Market DispersesLi XunA traveller waits for the tide at dusk and hears apes cry in the steamy southern rain.
  16. Song of the Southland · Gathering Her Cloud-Like HairLi XunWarm spring wind below the King of Yue's Terrace, and flowers crowding the banks.
  17. Song of the Southland · Where We MetLi XunShe leaves a pair of kingfisher ornaments, then, her back to me, rides her elephant first across the water.
  18. The Daoist Priestess · Stars High, Moon at MidnightLi XunThe chant of pacing the void drifts faint and far, and the thoughts it stirs linger.
  19. The Daoist Priestess · Spring Hills Quiet at NightLi XunWhere are Liu and Ruan now, and why do no more letters come?
  20. Wine Spring Song · The Lonely Green TowerLi XunPast days come back faint as a dream, and tears lie on cheeks red as dewy peaches.
  21. Wine Spring Song · Rain-Soaked, the Blossoms FallLi XunThe feeling in the tune and the words on the strings are more than she can bear to hear.
  22. Wine Spring Song · Endless Autumn RainLi XunHow hard to hear the autumn rain at the pillow late at night, just as the wine wears off.
  23. Wine Spring Song · The Lovely Autumn MoonLi XunCold moonlight through flowers and bamboo, printed on the heart of the pool.
  24. Gazing into the Distance · Slow Spring Days, Lonely ThoughtsLi XunThe love knot still tied at her old skirt's waist, and fine spring nights let slip alone.
  25. Gazing into the Distance · Dew in the Quiet Court as Leaves FallLi XunCrickets chirp on and off, and moonlight at the window finds the curtains empty.
  26. Deva-Like Barbarian · Wind Ripples the Winding PondLi XunThe last of the sun on the level wilds, and partridges flying in pairs.
  27. Deva-Like Barbarian · Idly Letting Spring Go ByLi XunAfternoon sun slanting on the railing, and the cuckoo crying among falling flowers.
  28. Deva-Like Barbarian · Paired Swallows beyond the BlindLi XunThe incense burnt out behind the painted screen, and old joys nowhere to be found.
  29. River Tale · Going, GoingLi XunIs my grieving heart any different from a knotted clove bud? Because we parted, letters from home have ceased.
  30. River Tale · Parting at Spring's EndLi XunToo hard to look back: the islets already lie between them, and the sound of the oar fades.
  31. Huajian JiZhao Chongzuo (comp.)They carve jade and cut gems, matching nature's craft and turning it more skilful; they trim flowers and snip leaves, outdoing spring in freshness.

Song

69 works

960–1279

  1. Silk-Washing Stream (A Cup of Wine with a New Song)Yan ShuHelplessly blossoms fall away; seeming familiar, swallows return.
  2. Butterflies Lingering over Flowers (How Deep the Courtyard)Ouyang XiuWith tearful eyes asking blossoms, the blossoms speak not; flying red petals swirl past the garden swing.
  3. Sheng Cha Zi (Lantern Festival)Ouyang XiuWhen the moon ascended above willow tips, lovers met after dusk.
  4. Immortal at the Magpie Bridge (Slender Clouds Weave Wonders)Qin GuanIf mutual love is steadfast and enduring, what need is there to cling together morning and night?
  5. Song of Divination (Dwelling at Dinghui Temple in Huangzhou)Su ShiPicking through all cold branches refusing to roost, resting alone on cold, lonely sandbars.
  6. Green Jade Cup (Lantern Festival)Xin QijiSearching for her thousands of times in the crowd; suddenly turning my head, that person is right there, where lantern lights are dim and waning.
  7. Chou Nu Er (Inscribed on the Wall on the Way to Boshan)Xin QijiNow having known all sorrow's bitter taste, wishing to speak yet holding back. Wishing to speak yet holding back, I only say: 'What a crisp, cool autumn day!'
  8. Phoenix Hairpin (Pink Delicate Hands)Lu YouThough mountain vows endure, silk letters are impossible to send. Cease, cease, cease!
  9. Song of Divination (Ode to the Plum Blossom)Lu YouEven if withered into mud and ground to dust, its fragrance endures as of old.
  10. Magnolia Blossom, Shortened · Spring MelancholyZhu ShuzhenWalking alone, sitting alone, chanting alone, answering alone, and sleeping alone. Standing still in desolation, helpless against the biting chill. Who perceives this heartache? Tears wash away half the faded makeup; grief and ailment intertwine, trimming down cold lamp wicks while dreams never form.
  11. Tune: Ru Meng Ling — I Often Recall Dusk at the Stream PavilionLi QingzhaoRow hard, row hard to get through, and up from the shallows startle gulls and egrets.
  12. Tune: Xi Jiang Yue — Walking the Huangsha Road at NightXin QijiIn the fragrance of rice blossom there is talk of a good harvest; listen, a whole field of frogs is croaking.
  13. Tune: Su Zhong Qing — Years Ago I Went Ten Thousand Li Seeking a FiefLu YouThe invaders not yet destroyed, my temples already autumn-grey, my tears flow in vain.
  14. Tune: Zui Hua Yin — Thin Mist, Dense Clouds, a Long Day of SorrowLi QingzhaoDo not say this does not wound the soul: when the west wind rolls up the curtain, I am thinner than the yellow chrysanthemums.
  15. Tune: Pu Sa Man — Written on the Wall at Zaokou, JiangxiXin QijiThe green hills cannot hold it back; in the end it flows away east.
  16. Spring at Wuling — The Wind Has Stilled, the Dust Is FragrantLi QingzhaoI only fear the tiny grasshopper boats of Twin Creeks could not carry so much sorrow.
  17. Ru Meng Ling · Last Night the Rain Was Sparse and the Wind GustyLi QingzhaoI asked the maid who was rolling up the blind; she said the crabapple was just as before.
  18. Little Layered Hills · Last Night the Autumn Crickets Chirped Without CeaseYue FeiI would entrust my heart's concerns to the jade-inlaid zither.
  19. Spring in the South: The Waves Are VastKou Zhunduckweed fills the sandbars, and he has not come home.
  20. Butterflies Love Flowers · A Winding Railing by Green TreesYan Shu (traditionally attributed)Woken from deep sleep by chattering orioles, my sweet dream is broken, nowhere to be found.
  21. Treading the Grass · Red Grows Sparse on the Little PathYan ShuThe spring wind does not know how to hold back the willow down, which drifts thick and strikes the faces of passers-by.
  22. Magnolia Blossom · Orioles Chatter Above the City WallQian WeiyanOnce, often ill, I shunned the fragrant cup; now I only fear the cup is not full enough.
  23. Deva-Like Barbarian · A Plaintive Zither Plays the Xiang River TuneZhang XianWhen she reaches the heartbreaking part, her brows, dark as spring hills, sink low.
  24. Drunk with the Whip Hanging · Twin Butterflies on a Silk SkirtZhang XianYesterday, as dusk darkened the tangled hills, she came with clouds on her clothes.
  25. Song of the Green Gate · Suddenly Warm, Then Chill AgainZhang XianHow can I bear it, when the bright moon sends the shadow of the swing over the wall?
  26. Silk-Washing Stream · This Brief Life and Its Measured YearsYan ShuBetter to cherish the one before my eyes.
  27. Peace and Happiness · Small Characters on Red NotepaperYan ShuThe wild goose is in the clouds, the fish in the water: sadly, this love cannot be sent.
  28. Peace and Happiness · The Autumn Wind Blows SoftYan ShuThe paired swallows long to leave; last night behind the silver screen came a slight chill.
  29. Magnolia Blossom · After Swallows and Geese, the Orioles LeaveYan ShuHow long does it last, longer than a spring dream? It scatters like autumn clouds, nowhere to be found.
  30. Magnolia Blossom · Green Pond Water, a Warm BreezeYan ShuOf those who shared the flowers with me then, count them now: not half remain.
  31. Magnolia Blossom · Green Willows on the Road by the Long PavilionYan ShuThe unfeeling do not suffer as those who feel; a single inch of heart becomes ten thousand threads.
  32. Treading the Grass · Farewell Songs at the Parting FeastYan ShuEndless, boundless is the sorrow of parting; my thoughts search to the ends of the earth.
  33. Magnolia Blossom · The East City Grows LovelySong QiOn the red apricot boughs spring is in uproar.
  34. Gathering Mulberry Leaves · West Lake After the Flowers Are GoneOuyang XiuI let down the curtains; a pair of swallows comes home through the fine rain.
  35. Telling My Heart · At Dawn the Curtain Rolls Up on Light FrostOuyang XiuAbout to sing she composes herself; wanting to smile she frowns: that breaks the heart most.
  36. Treading the Grass · Plum Blossom Fades at the Wayside InnOuyang XiuThe sorrow of parting grows endless the farther I go, stretching on and on like the waters of spring.
  37. Magnolia Blossom · Not Knowing How Far You AreOuyang XiuFarther and farther, fewer and fewer letters; the waters are wide, the fish have sunk: where can I ask?
  38. Waves Washing the Sand · Raising My Cup to the East WindOuyang XiuThis year's flowers are redder than last year's; alas, next year's will be finer still, but who will I share them with?
  39. A Youth's Wandering · Slow Horse on the Old Chang'an RoadLiu YongPleasure has lost its zest, the drinking friends are scattered; it is not like the old days.
  40. Peace and Happiness · Spring Will Not StayWang AnguoRefusing painted halls and vermilion doors, the willow catkins drift free in the spring wind.
  41. Immortal by the River · Towers Locked After the DreamYan JidaoAmong falling petals a person stands alone; in the fine rain, swallows fly in pairs.
  42. Partridge Sky · Coloured Sleeves and a Jade CupYan JidaoDancing until the moon sank low over the willow-girt tower, singing until no breeze stirred beneath the peach-blossom fan.
  43. Hawthorn Fruit · Long Dreams of the Frontier PassesYan JidaoParting is truly hard; it is nothing like the joy of meeting again.
  44. Magnolia Blossom · The East Wind's Heartless SchemeYan JidaoNow the golden cup must be deep: once the flowers have all fallen, how often can we be drunk?
  45. Magnolia Blossom · Dusk on a Courtyard with a SwingYan JidaoThe bay horse still knows the old trail, neighing along the road east of the painted bridge.
  46. Peace and Happiness · She Could Not Make Him StayYan JidaoWillows at the ferry, green and green: every branch and every leaf a parting.
  47. Master Ruan Returns · Old Scent and Faded PowderYan JidaoEven a dream of him would be empty; how to bear it when even the dream is gone?
  48. Master Ruan Returns · Dew Turns to Frost on the Golden PalmsYan JidaoI would trade sorrow for deep drunkenness; let the clear singing not break my heart.
  49. Beautiful Lady Yu · A Sky Like Water Beyond the RailingYan JidaoShe took the moon for their promised meeting, and watched each full moon for him to return.
  50. Keeping Spring · A Painted Screen at the Edge of the SkyYan JidaoIn the sound of the parting waters below the tower are the tears I shed up there that day.
  51. Longing for One Far Away · Red Leaves and Yellow FlowersYan JidaoWriting on to the parting, at the depth of this feeling, the red notepaper loses its colour.
  52. Magnolia Blossom, Shortened · An Old Sorrow at the World's EdgeQin GuanWeary, I lean on the high tower; the geese fly past, each one a written word of sorrow.
  53. Silk-Washing Stream · A Light Chill Climbs the Small TowerQin GuanFree-flying petals, light as dreams; endless threads of rain, fine as sorrow.
  54. Master Ruan Returns · Wind and Rain under the Xiang SkyQin GuanAt Hengyang geese still carry letters; at Chenyang there are not even geese.
  55. Peace and Happiness · The Spring Wind as BeforeZhao LingzhiTo wear away a whole life in grief, how many dusks does it take?
  56. Beautiful Lady Yu · The Lotuses All FallenShu DanOld friend, when you climb the high terrace, send me a plum branch, the spring of the south.
  57. Song of Divination · I Live Where the Yangtze BeginsLi ZhiyiDay after day I think of you and do not see you, yet we drink from the same river.
  58. Passes and Rivers · Autumn Gloom Turning to DuskZhou BangyanThe wine has worn off; how shall I get through this long night?
  59. Night Roaming in the Palace · Falling Leaves and Sunset on the WaterZhou BangyanI leave my single quilt again and again; who knows it is to write one letter to her?
  60. Silk-Washing Stream · Spring Does Not Tire of the OldHe ZhuOnly in drunkenness are the feelings of things true.
  61. Silk-Washing Stream · A Wisp of Rosy Cloud Fades from the TowerHe ZhuMy fair one picks plum blossom by the light of the moon.
  62. Green Willow Tips · A Few Cries of the ShrikeCai ShenIt is simply that, like Xiuwen, I am full of feeling; wind and moon have nothing to do with it.
  63. Partridge Sky · A Lamp Burning LowZhou ZizhiRain at the third watch on the parasol leaves: every leaf, every sound is parting.
  64. Treading the Grass · Love Like Drifting GossamerZhou ZizhiMisty willows by the stream hang ten thousand threads, yet none can tie the orchid boat fast.
  65. Remembering the Prince · Lush Fragrant GrassLi Jia (traditionally attributed)Dusk is coming on; rain beats on the pear blossoms, and the door is shut deep.
  66. Happy Event Drawing Near · By the Old Ningbi PondHan YuanjiThe apricot blossoms cannot escape spring sorrow; they too bloom beside the wild mist.
  67. Remembering the Lady of Qin · Where the Tower's Shadow BreaksFan ChengdaA moment's spring dream, and the sky over the land south of the river opens wide.
  68. Frosty Sky, Dawn Horn · Evening Clears and the Wind DropsFan ChengdaOnly two lines of low-flying geese know that someone leans in the moonlight of the painted tower.
  69. Little Layered Hills · Willows Dark, Flowers Bright, Spring DeepZhang LiangnengThere is no old haunt that cannot be found again; the only thing not to be found is the heart of youth.