The Legend of Clear Water River

This is based on a Chinese ballad about the same topic. The Youtube singing is me.

 

 

The Legend of Clear Water River

Sharp and pointed are the leaves of peach trees
The willow leaves spread over the entire sky
To the wise audience in their seats
I now relate a story which is not a lie
This story happened in Beijing’s west suburb
In the arsenal there is a Song the Third Guy

As for this Song the Third Guy
He and his wife opium did sell and buy
They had no male heir whatsoever
But got a girl nice as Moon Lady Chang Ehr
When the girl reached her sixteenth year
They gave her a name after the lotus flower

They gave her a name after the lotus flower
Because her face than any girl is prettier
Pity that the fresh flower none lays hand on
Like broken strings that can’t play a song
Restless the girl is like Diaochan missing her warrior
Or SongJiang’ wife thinking of her discrete lover

Down behind the hills the sun now has gone
The crickets stage a symphony of autumn song
Brother Six whom Big Lotus thinks of every day
Comes to propose a nightly date, what d’ye say?
Big Lotus, so shy, says nothing but happy in her heart
Tonight, she determines to play her part

As the Timekeeper announced Hour One
Big Lotus’s tears on her face did run
How hateful are my parents indulged in drugs
Ignoring my marriage prospect, a pair of thugs!
Youth slips away as fast as the flowing river
When old, how can I find a youthful lover?

As the Timekeeper announced Hour Two
Brother Six climbed up  the wall as he vowed to do
The move alerted Big Lotus in love, unaware of the sin
She hurriedly opened her chamber doors to lead him in
In the darkness she arms held her lover tightly
Resenting that they had’nt this rendezvous much early

As the Timekeeper announced Hour Five
The parents of Big Lotus knew they were in bad time
Shameless girl, shouted the father, you ruined my name
Today I will beat you up till you no longer are the same
He dipped his leather whip in cold water
Which made the whipping much severe

Having no course to defend herself, the daughter
Had no way out but jumped into the Clear Water River
The News reached Brother Six in great surprise
Who rushed to the riverside, and to his own demise
Said he to the river: you died for me, sister
Wait a moment, here comes your brother!

Autumn rains fell down incessantly
Shrouded in mist, the river was foggy
What a couple of youngsters deep in amor
Who braved everything and drowned together
For a girl and a boy who loved each other
Came this ballad about the Clear Water River