Fragrance at Ease

[Intro]

[Verse 1]

The daytime heat is unbearable

Sweat keeps pouring down

At dusk I take up my walking stick

I go out to find a cool place

I hear that over by the willows

There is a whole basket more wind here than anywhere else

[Pre-Chorus]

There is an open patch south of the painted bridge

A folding couch is already set up there，waiting for me to lie down

[Chorus]

The moonlight shines clear, boat whistles sound at uneven intervals

风定池莲自在香 (The wind stills; the pond's lotuses give off fragrance at ease)

携杖来追柳外凉 — With staff in hand, I seek the cool beyond the willows

画桥南畔倚胡床 — South of the painted bridge I recline on a folding chair

This evening, there is nothing I need to rush about

Even time slows its steps for a while

[Verse 2]

Leaning back on a folding stool

Coolness rises from my soles to my shoulders

Willow branches sway overhead

More fitting than any fan someone might wave

All the day’s frustrations

All lay down their arms and surrender now

[Pre-Chorus]

The moon has risen above the bridge

The water gleams, as though spread with silver frost

[Chorus]

The moonlight shines clear, boat whistles sound at uneven intervals

风定池莲自在香 (The wind stills; the pond's lotuses give off fragrance at ease)

携杖来追柳外凉 — With staff in hand, I seek the cool beyond the willows

画桥南畔倚胡床 — South of the painted bridge I recline on a folding chair

This evening, there is nothing I need to rush about

Even time slows its steps for a while

[Instrumental]

[Verse 3]

The boats on the river have their lamps lit

Joining into a distant string of light

I do not know which boat

First a flute note drifts out, clear and bright

Then the second, then the third

Singing along in high notes and low

[Bridge]

Later the wind stopped completely

The water lies so flat that not a ripple stirs

Just at this very moment

The lotus releases the fragrance it has gathered all day

No wind carries it onward

The fragrance wanders all around the pond on its own

So carefree it makes others envious

Even the flowers live with such dignity

[Verse 4]

I lie on the folding chair until midnight

The flute notes have faded, the moon still hangs overhead

Lying here like this tonight

Making up for a whole summer’s heat

Tomorrow will still be hot if heat is due

But tonight's coolness is already stored within my heart

[Final Chorus]

The moonlight shines clear, boat whistles sound at uneven intervals

风定池莲自在香 (The wind stills; the pond's lotuses give off fragrance at ease)

携杖来追柳外凉 — With staff in hand, I seek the cool beyond the willows

画桥南畔倚胡床 — South of the painted bridge I recline on a folding chair

This evening, there is nothing I need to rush about

Even time slows its steps for a while

[Outro]

On the way home after rising to leave

My sleeves cradle a fragrance unwilling to fade