An Autumn View from the Rocky Ridge

[Intro]

[Verse 1]

Cold leaves tap against the inn’s window

A thin quilt cannot cover the frost of a far journey

A bird in the night startles an old dream awake

Again I hear the water flowing before my door at home

[Pre-Chorus]

White hair arrives before word of homecoming

Chrysanthemums have counted how many cool autumns for me

[Chorus]

Is home just beyond Shiling

Is someone beyond the mountains waiting for my answer

I ask every gust of wind when I will return

Yet I write “take care” again and again

Let me cross the rocky ridge and take a look

Then I can walk the long road to its end again

[Instrumental Interlude]

[Verse 2]

In the empty hall, lamplit shadows slowly lengthen and thin

Yesterday's sand still clings to my soles

Remembering someone who likes to keep dinner warm for me

So I refuse to let weariness persuade me to stop

[Pre-Chorus]

White hair arrives before word of homecoming

Chrysanthemums have counted how many cool autumns for me

[Chorus]

Is home just beyond Shiling

Is someone beyond the mountains waiting for my answer

I ask every gust of wind when I will return

Yet I write “take care” again and again

Let me cross the rocky ridge and take a look

Then I can walk the long road to its end again

[Bridge]

If a mountain hides my hometown

There is still a road hidden in my heart

I don't ask the years to restore my youthful face

I only wish I could still call out Mom when I open the door

[Final Chorus]

Is home just beyond Shiling

Is someone beyond the mountains waiting for my answer

I ask every gust of wind when I will return

Yet I write “take care” again and again

Let me cross the rocky ridge and take a look

Then I can walk the long road to its end again

[Outro]

When a little morning light appears at the mountain pass

I follow the sounds of home toward the fragrance of cooking