Qian Ying sings ‘探故知’ with a gentle warmth. Lyricist 十七 writes poetic words about longing and old letters. The musician DJ Lucky Xiaoyang creates a sentimental melody for this modern ballad.
Released: October 19, 2023
探故知
Qian Ying
探故知 Lyrics Translation – Qian Ying
The poet tells a story about writing under lamplight and dreaming of someone far away. Seventeen writes ‘I whisper your name under the lamplight’s shadow, perhaps I’m just too stubborn.’ He mentions ink strokes turning into poetry as memories fill every phrase.
Wuren kezhi chuanghan mengshiNobody knows the dreams born at this cold window.
Zai yiqi bielishi bujin xinshiEndless thoughts linger, whether we’re together or miles apart.
Lianghang jiuci jiduo xiangsiThese two lines of old words hold so much longing,
Rutong jinxiao zuori nianzhiit’s as if I’m clinging to yesterday’s letters again tonight.
Qingfeng shang nanzhiThe gentle breeze brushes against the southern branch.
Mengzhong reng xiangsiEven in my dreams, I’m still longing for you.
Deng qiugao kan shanshiI wait for the autumn air to clear, so I can see the mountains,
Zai tan guzhiand sigh over these old letters once more.
Sanliangbi zhuomo chichi buwei jishi suishou bian chengshiWith a few strokes of ink, I hesitate to record the time, yet it simply turns into poetry.
Manfu xinshi cishi xunni yu juziMy heart is full of memories, searching for you within every single phrase.
Dengying xia ninan ni mingzi huoxu shi wo tai pianzhiI whisper your name under the lamplight’s shadow; perhaps I’m just too stubborn.
Wanhua kaibian buji ni guishiEven ten thousand flowers blooming can’t compare to your return.
Wuren kezhi chuanghan mengshiNobody knows the dreams born at this cold window.
Zai yiqi bielishi bujin xinshiEndless thoughts linger, whether we’re together or miles apart.
Lianghang jiuci jiduo xiangsiThese two lines of old words hold so much longing,
Rutong jinxiao zuori nianzhiit’s as if I’m clinging to yesterday’s letters again tonight.
Qingfeng shang nanzhiThe gentle breeze brushes against the southern branch.
Mengzhong reng xiangsiEven in my dreams, I’m still longing for you.
Deng qiugao kan shanshiI wait for the autumn air to clear, so I can see the mountains,
Zai tan guzhiand sigh over these old letters once more.
Sanliangbi zhuomo chichi buwei jishi suishou bian chengshiWith a few strokes of ink, I hesitate to record the time, yet it simply turns into poetry.
Manfu xinshi cishi xunni yu juziMy heart is full of memories, searching for you within every single phrase.
Dengying xia ninan ni mingzi huoxu shi wo tai pianzhiI whisper your name under the lamplight’s shadow; perhaps I’m just too stubborn.
Wanhua kaibian buji ni guishiEven ten thousand flowers blooming can’t compare to your return.
Sanliangbi zhuomo chichi buwei jishi suishou bian chengshiWith a few strokes of ink, I hesitate to record the time, yet it simply turns into poetry.
Manfu xinshi cishi xunni yu juziMy heart is full of memories, searching for you within every single phrase.
Dengying xia ninan ni mingzi huoxu shi wo tai pianzhiI whisper your name under the lamplight’s shadow; perhaps I’m just too stubborn.
Wanhua kaibian buji ni guishiEven ten thousand flowers blooming can’t compare to your return.
探故知 Music Video
This Chinese ballad finds beauty in quiet yearning. The translation of ‘探故知’ lyrics explores the ache of waiting and the comfort found in written words.