A Southern Branch Sent Far Away

[Intro]

[Verse One]

Spring reaches the south-facing branches as the rain lets up

A few red pearls weigh upon the branch

Since we parted that year no word has come

Again I see fresh red blossoms by the little tower

[Lead-in]

A single red bean, light as a dream

As I seal it, I still fear stirring fresh sorrow

[Chorus]

Pick up a red love bean and send it by a little boat

One seed of longing, how many autumns

If you ask what gift to give one who must depart

Spring's beauty has not faded on the south-facing branches

Mountains stretch far and waters wide, making word of you hard to seek

Keep this faint red in my palm for me

[Interlude]

[Verse 2]

A string of red beads hidden in a sleeve

A slender silken thread cannot hold back a boat

欲写平安三两字 — I long to write a few words to say I am well

Where the brush tip pauses lies the sorrow of parting

[Lead-in]

A single red bean, light as a dream

As I seal it, I still fear stirring fresh sorrow

[Chorus]

Pick up a red love bean and send it by a little boat

One seed of longing, how many autumns

If you ask what gift to give one who must depart

Spring's beauty has not faded on the south-facing branches

Mountains stretch far and waters wide, making word of you hard to seek

Keep this faint red in my palm for me

[Verse 3]

If you open this letter from the south

A thousand miles of spring light held in my palm

I ask not for a day of return, only to be remembered

I'll stay beside you through spring days and clear autumns

[Bridge]

The world’s grasses and trees readily flourish and wither

Only longing refuses to drift with the current

May you gather the meaning held upon the branch

Do not wait until the flowers fade to lean in vain from the tower

[Final Chorus]

Pick up a red love bean and send it by a little boat

One seed of longing, how many autumns

If you ask what gift to give one who must depart

Spring's beauty has not faded on the south-facing branches

Mountains stretch far and waters wide, making word of you hard to seek

Keep this faint red in my palm for me

[Outro]

The little red bead says not a word

Keep one forever in your sleeve