One Vast Expanse of Water

[Intro]

[Verse 1]

At dusk, carriage dust passes over the old ridge

蘅皋系马对斜阳 (Tethering my horse on a fragrant riverbank, I face the setting sun)

一川秋水分明镜 (A river of autumn water spreads like a clear mirror)

Secluded orchids along half the bank send out a subtle fragrance

Who dances like light snow whirling in the wind

One startled-wild-goose glance settles in my heart

[Pre-Chorus]

I long to entrust the ripples with my tender feelings

Before I have spoken, I am already lost in hesitation

[Chorus]

Across a vast stretch of water Across moonlight on two shores

You hide your unspoken affection in the heart of the water

I unfasten my jade pendant You give me bright earrings in return

Even knowing each other's hearts cannot bridge the realms of mortal and divine

If in this life we are not destined To watch the long years together

May this heart follow the Luo River and honor that one lingering gaze

[Verse 2]

Light steps skim the waves and stir the robes

I long to go yet linger, the night is far from over

I fear our old vows will scatter like a dream

You entrust your long sigh to passing time

Words held unspoken, the wind falls still first

A moment's meeting treasured for a lifetime

[Pre-Chorus]

Deep love alone cannot cross to the other shore

Only then do I learn that holding hands can also become a wound

[Chorus]

Across a vast stretch of water Across moonlight on two shores

You hide your unspoken affection in the heart of the water

I unfasten my jade pendant You give me bright earrings in return

Even knowing each other's hearts cannot bridge the realms of mortal and divine

If in this life we are not destined To watch the long years together

May this heart follow the Luo River and honor that one lingering gaze

[Instrumental]

[Verse 3]

The cloud chariot recedes, water and sky stretching far

Looking back with love, tears drench my robes

I thought only that the shadowy depths would keep us from meeting again

Yet still you send your little heart to my side

[Bridge]

I journey upstream along the great river in search of old shadows

A boatful of stars shines upon the empty river

霜湿衣襟天欲晓 — Frost dampens my robes as dawn approaches

My heart follows the flowing water, not the reins

Even if a thousand mountains divide us hereafter

Do not let those who know each other fall into oblivion

[Final Chorus]

Across a vast stretch of water Across moonlight on two shores

You hide your unspoken affection in the heart of the water

I remember our first meeting and still keep the bright jade earrings

Even knowing each other's hearts cannot bridge the realms of mortal and divine

If in this life we are not destined To watch the long years together

May this heart follow the Luo River and honor that one lingering gaze

[Outro]

About to head east toward home, I still look back

The Luo River is silent beneath the boundless sky