Holding Fragrance on the Branch

[Intro]

[Verse 1]

When all the flowers bloom in spring

I did not crowd into that sea of red blossoms

I have my own season

Only when autumn deepens, do the colors grow rich

There is a reason for taking things slowly

Those that bloom late, can withstand the cold wind

[Pre-Chorus]

A sparse fence will do, then

Coming and going alone feels easier after all

[Chorus]

花开不并百花丛 — It blooms apart from the throng of flowers

独立疏篱趣未穷 — Standing alone beside a sparse fence, with delight still unspent

I would rather stay on the branch, holding my fragrance until death

何曾吹落北风中 — When has it ever been blown down by the north wind

My composure lies in keeping clear of the bustle

Standing alone, I still stand with dignity

[Verse 2]

Frost falls time after time

Day by day, the green retreats into the roots

The north wind comes to urge surrender too

Saying that fallen in the mud, I could weather winter just the same

I merely shook my head

Holding its fragrance close, yielding not an inch

[Pre-Chorus]

North wind, listen closely

Blow if you must, I hold my fragrance and stand firm

[Chorus]

花开不并百花丛 — It blooms apart from the throng of flowers

独立疏篱趣未穷 — Standing alone beside a sparse fence, with delight still unspent

I would rather stay on the branch, holding my fragrance until death

何曾吹落北风中 — When has it ever been blown down by the north wind

My composure lies in keeping clear of the bustle

Standing alone, I still stand with dignity

[Instrumental]

[Verse 3]

The petals dry, one by one

Withered, yet still clasping the stem

Fragrance is the chrysanthemum's bones

However strong the wind, it cannot scatter this lingering scent

Other flowers scatter when they fade

I insist on withering into, a peak upon the branch

[Bridge]

What would happen if I fell

Once fallen to the ground, its fragrance fades away completely

To die on the branch, holding fast to its fragrance

At least my integrity, remains whole

Flowers that died upon the branches

To wither standing is an honor too

North wind, remember this

This chrysanthemum has never bowed

[Verse 4]

When the spring breeze passes next year

It will see the withered branches, still pointing at the sky

That is where I once stood

From blooming to withering, they stand perfectly straight

If those who come later should ask

Say it held its fragrance close, and withered into eternity

[Final Chorus]

花开不并百花丛 — It blooms apart from the throng of flowers

独立疏篱趣未穷 — Standing alone beside a sparse fence, with delight still unspent

I would rather stay on the branch, holding my fragrance until death

何曾吹落北风中 — When has it ever been blown down by the north wind

My composure lies in keeping clear of the bustle

Standing alone, I still stand with dignity

[Outro]

The north wind is still blowing

It cannot shake, a chrysanthemum’s heart