Willow Breeze

[Intro]

[Verse 1]

I moor the little boat in the shade of an ancient tree

The old tree’s roots, gather it close like a hand

The shade beneath the tree is deliciously cool

Moss grows soft and furry around the tree roots

The boat rocks gently on the water

Like a sleeping cradle, unhurried and calm

[Pre-Chorus]

Leaning on a goosefoot staff, I walk slowly

It supports me，each swaying step unhurried

[Chorus]

古木阴中系短篷 (In an old tree’s shade I moor my little canopied boat)

杖藜扶我过桥东 — My goosefoot staff supports me across the bridge to the east

Apricot-blossom rain touches my clothes, almost wetting them, but not quite

吹面不寒杨柳风 — The willow breeze brushes my face without a chill

I will be an idle old man for half a day

Spring’s beauty is given freely, not a single copper coin charged

[Verse 2]

The fields east of the bridge have turned green

Green with abandon and ease

Apricot blossoms fill the tree

Pale, pale white, like clouds falling into the branches' dreams

Walk a few steps and pause

There is more to see than my eyes can take in

[Pre-Chorus]

As I walk on, a light rain begins

So fine that no one feels like sheltering indoors

[Chorus]

古木阴中系短篷 (In an old tree’s shade I moor my little canopied boat)

杖藜扶我过桥东 — My goosefoot staff supports me across the bridge to the east

Apricot-blossom rain touches my clothes, almost wetting them, but not quite

吹面不寒杨柳风 — The willow breeze brushes my face without a chill

I will be an idle old man for half a day

Spring’s beauty is given freely, not a single copper coin charged

[Instrumental]

[Verse 3]

Rain falls on my clothes

Rain clings to my hem, adding a little weight

There is no need to open an umbrella at all

Let it dampen you, this is spring's gift

The air carries the scent of apricot blossoms

Even the raindrops carry a measure of rich sweetness

[Bridge]

The wind comes from the willow grove

Brushing my face, hazy as mist

It isn't cold, truly it isn't cold

So warm my heart softens, and my eyes grow red

I stand motionless on the bridge

Letting the wind blow through my whole being

How many roads I have traveled in seventy years

As though I were a child again

[Verse 4]

The sun leans a little farther west

Time to return to the boat, dusk is beginning to surge

One more glance east of the bridge

Take in all the apricot blossoms and willow trees

Untie the coiled mooring rope

Rowing along, listening to the evening temple bells

[Final Chorus]

古木阴中系短篷 (In an old tree’s shade I moor my little canopied boat)

杖藜扶我过桥东 — My goosefoot staff supports me across the bridge to the east

Apricot-blossom rain touches my clothes, almost wetting them, but not quite

吹面不寒杨柳风 — The willow breeze brushes my face without a chill

I will be an idle old man for half a day

Spring’s beauty is given freely, not a single copper coin charged

[Outro]

The apricot petals clinging to the bow

Keeping me company all the way to the lantern before the temple gate