A Sprig of Distant Longing

[Intro]

[Verse 1]

The familiar scent of pastries drifts through the city again

In my guesthouse I turn the calendar's pages, lighting up thoughts of home

My brothers must be arranging to climb the hills today

Who will complain as in years past that the road is a little long

[Pre-Chorus]

I picture you all fastening the little sprigs of fragrant herbs

It feels as though the mountain wind has touched my lapel too

[Chorus]

Save a place on the mountaintop

Let me sit beside you all despite the long road between us

If, as you raise your cups, you mention the name of the one absent

Please say he is gazing toward home

On this day, longing burns hotter than usual

I carefully write reunion into the baggage for my next journey

[Instrumental Interlude]

[Verse 2]

I remember how we once vied to carry that jug of wine for someone

Reaching the heights, we sent our laughter ringing far

Now beyond my window lie streets and lanes I do not know

A single phrase in my native dialect can bring tears to my eyes

[Pre-Chorus]

I picture you all fastening the little sprigs of fragrant herbs

It feels as though the mountain wind has touched my lapel too

[Chorus]

Save a place on the mountaintop

Let me sit beside you all despite the long road between us

If, as you raise your cups, you mention the name of the one absent

Please say he is gazing toward home

On this day, longing burns hotter than usual

I carefully write reunion into the baggage for my next journey

[Bridge]

A foreign land gave me a place to settle into life

My hometown taught me how to hold my loved ones in my heart

I will remember to send letters and ask how you have been

Let longing live beyond the evenings of festivals

[Final Chorus]

Save a place on the mountaintop

Let me sit beside you all despite the long road between us

If, as you raise your cups, you mention the name of the one absent

Please say he is gazing toward home

On this day, longing burns hotter than usual

I carefully write reunion into the baggage for my next journey

[Outro]

If the mountain wind could pass my window

Carry word for me that all the brothers are well