Lost Somewhere Deep in the Clouds

[Intro]

[Verse 1]

松下问童子，言师采药去 — Beneath the pine I ask the boy, who says his master has gone to gather herbs

As the boy speaks, his eyes are like dewdrops

I ask him where his master is

A little hand points toward the ancient tree on the mountain

Then he shakes his head again

Saying the clouds are too deep, even he cannot say where

[Pre-Chorus]

I follow that direction with my gaze

White clouds wrap the mountain path, layer upon layer

[Chorus]

只在此山中，云深不知处 — Somewhere on this mountain，but the clouds are too deep to know where

Master went gathering herbs at dawn, stepping into the mist

White clouds are like a curtain, hanging down

The boy says it is here, in this mountain valley

I looked for so long, and saw only emptiness

Seeking without finding is also a kind of understanding

[Verse 2]

I wait beneath the pine

Pine needles cover the ground, like old keepsakes

The young attendant brewed a bowl of tea

A coarse porcelain bowl, billowing steam

The tea was picked in the mountains

Taste in the drink, the pure bitterness of grass and trees

[Pre-Chorus]

Wait until the sun leans west

The mountain shadows are heavy, like a book about to close

[Chorus]

只在此山中，云深不知处 — Somewhere on this mountain，but the clouds are too deep to know where

Master went gathering herbs at dawn, stepping into the mist

White clouds are like a curtain, hanging down

The boy says it is here, in this mountain valley

I looked for so long, and saw only emptiness

Seeking without finding is also a kind of understanding

[Instrumental]

[Verse 3]

What kind of person is your master

The boy says he, makes the clouds his home

Going out in spring to gather medicinal herbs

When he returns, his robes, are covered in frost and dew

Ask nothing of worldly affairs

Caring only for the mountains', every blade of grass and every tree

[Bridge]

I did not find the person I came seeking

Yet I find my heart, still as a lake

Perhaps the recluse knew long ago

Somewhere unknown in the deep clouds, that is home

He is not avoiding me

I have yet to reach, the heights where he stands

I make my way down the mountain

The mountain wind sees me off, like a word of counsel

[Verse 4]

The boy sees me off as far as the pine

He waves like a grown-up, yet still with a child's simple innocence

I said if he asks

Just say a visitor came to ask the way

I shoulder my little pack

To my surprise, my heart feels especially content

[Final Chorus]

只在此山中，云深不知处 — Somewhere on this mountain，but the clouds are too deep to know where

Master went gathering herbs at dawn, stepping into the mist

White clouds are like a curtain, hanging down

The boy says it is here, in this mountain valley

I looked for so long, and saw only emptiness

Seeking without finding is also a kind of understanding

[Outro]

只在此山中，云深不知处 — Somewhere on this mountain，but the clouds are too deep to know where

May he enjoy his quiet blessings, deep among the clouds