ENGSUB | Su Mu Zhe | Description below

Su Mu Zhe is the name of a poem composed in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Later on, it had been extended; there were many versions. Su Mu Zhe regained its popularity in the Song dynasty (960-1279). It was used in Chinese Opera performances at a theater during this time.

“Autumn leaves sway vividly amid dangling clouds
Hills sunbathe where the edges of the sky and stream are bound
At dawn, a dancing meadow flaunts its fragrance around
As somber settles down, awaits the night of sleep and sound
There found a lonely frame on top of the tall tower
Drinking the liquor that turns into tears of desolation dripping to the ground”

This verse was of Chinese Opera and was adapted from a poem written by Fan Zhongyan during the Song dynasty. It is about a detainee who misses his hometown and thus illustrates the nature of it.

The song discusses the unrequited love of a dancer at the theater. She has to work every day, even though her heart is broken. Every night, she drinks liquor to forget the love and instructs her juniors that they should not evolve romantic relationships with customers as it is hard for a dancer to have true reciprocal love.

I’d like to express special thanks to the founders of ​⁠​⁠‪@JUJUFANSUB‬ and ​⁠​⁠‪@athitasiri2912‬ YouTube Channels for the Thai translation and the knowledge background of the song, most importantly, the inspiration for me to translate it. Also, I’d like to thank the illustrator for the beautiful art.

Hope you enjoy listening :)

Song Name: Su Mu Zhe
Singer: Zhang Xiao Tang
Composer: Jin Zhi Wen
Lyrics: Bian Jiang
Original music: Na Zhan Cha
Release date: 8 Oct 2012