A Homeward Flute in Chang’an

[Intro]

[Verse 1]

The tower's shadow presses the autumn water thin

The wind passes through my old clothes across my shoulders

A note from a bamboo flute falls behind the empty cup

Those still awake gain another half cup of sorrow

[Pre-Chorus]

The wings on the horizon know to head south

Yet I save my footsteps for next year

[Chorus]

Let the homeward longing loosen let the homeward longing loosen

Do not leave an old door waiting until the flowers fade

Never carved my name upon that lofty terrace

Let this travel-worn self have a place too

Let the homeward longing loosen let the homeward longing loosen

Let a lamplight wait for me to return

[Instrumental Interlude]

[Verse 2]

The old bowl still has a chip in its rim

Just enough to hold a full serving of the congee I long for

Each flower by the fence has an autumn of its own

Without asking where I once stayed

[Pre-Chorus]

The wings on the horizon know to head south

Yet I save my footsteps for next year

[Chorus]

Let the homeward longing loosen let the homeward longing loosen

Do not leave an old door waiting until the flowers fade

Never carved my name upon that lofty terrace

Let this travel-worn self have a place too

Let the homeward longing loosen let the homeward longing loosen

Let a lamplight wait for me to return

[Bridge]

If moss has already covered the path before the door

Then I will slowly brush away the old dust

If someone asks me about these past years

Please ask them to share a bowl of tea with me

[Final Chorus]

Let the homeward longing loosen let the homeward longing loosen

Do not leave an old door waiting until the flowers fade

Never carved my name upon that lofty terrace

Let this travel-worn self have a place too

Let the homeward longing loosen let the homeward longing loosen

Let a lamplight wait for me to return

[Outro]

The sky has brightened, the wind has yet to rest

I entrust my first step to the long street