送别 (Farewell)

This popular Chinese song originated from a 19th-century American melody, "Dreaming of Home and Mother," composed by John P. Ordway in 1868. This melody made its way to Japan, where music educator Kyūkei Inudō wrote Japanese lyrics for it, creating the song "Ryoshū" (Melancholy of Travel). Then in 1915, while studying in Japan, the renowned Chinese artist Master Hong Yi was inspired by "Ryoshū," adopting its melody to new Chinese lyrics.

The song circulated in the early 20th century as part of cultural reform movements in China, and has appeared in numerous classic films and television productions since. It was even performed at the closing ceremony of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

长亭外古道边
芳草碧连天
晚风拂柳笛声残
夕阳山外山

天之涯地之角
知交半零落
一觚浊酒尽余欢
今宵别梦寒

情千缕，酒一杯
声声离笛催
问君此去几时来
来时莫徘徊

Outside the pavilion by the ancient trail,
Lush green grass stretches to the horizon.
Willows are waving with lingering flute,
The sun is setting down the hill.

To the ends and corners of the earth,
Gone are the friends and acquaintances.
Take a cup of farewell with kind wishes,
Leaves the heart with cold dreams.

A thousand threads of feeling, a cup of wine
Sound upon sound, the farewell flute urges
I ask you, when will you return?
When you return, do not hesitate.

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