"Bidding Farewell" - By Li Shutong - One Chinese old song made in 1915 - 送别 -李叔同

The history of this song

In 19th century , John Pond Ordway, American musician, created one song, namely "Dreaming of Home and Mother". Then this song spreads to Japan, the Japanese musician, いんどうきゅうけい、wrote the Japanese lyrics for this song in 1904. In 1905, Li Shutong (Wiki page of him), first time heard this song in Japan when he studied painting at that time. After he came back China, he became the first Chinese educator to use nude models in his painting classes, not to mention as the first teacher of Western music in China. During he worked in Zhejiang Provincial first normal school , he wrote the Chinese lyrics for this song in 1915 to teach students in the music class. Then this song is constantly being covered by many different singers, it also becomes the most famous song in China to express the feeling when people have to say goodbye. Many movies select this song as the background music; students also sing this song in their graduation ceremony.

I sing this old song following the most popular version spread in China. Here is my soundcloud link: https://soundcloud.com/victory622-192113604

Someone translated the Chinese lyrics into English, I cited it here for you understanding the meaning of this song.

Outside the long corridor, along the ancient road, the green grass seemed to connect with the sky.
Under the gentle night breeze, swung the willows and resonated the melancholic melody from an old flute, whilst the descending sun illuminated mountains by mountain.
At the edge of the sky and the corner of the land,
The friends in hearts have gone their separate ways.
If only we had a bottle of distilled wine to celebrate the rare reunion;
Then it wouldn't be so cold tonight.
To ask my friend, "When will you be back after we part ways this time?"
Please don't hesitate to drop by when you are here again.

The translated English version lyrics reference : http://www.china.org.cn/chinese/2013-02/05/content_27895474.htm

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