People have their joys and sorrows, partings and reunions, just as the moon waxes and wanes.
此事古难全。
cǐ shì gǔ nán quán.
This has been hard to perfect since ancient times.
但愿人长久,千里共婵娟。
dàn yuàn rén cháng jiǔ, qiān lǐ gòng chán juān.
May we live long, and share the beauty of the moon from afar.
Song Interpretation
Short Summary
This timeless piece expresses deep longing and universal truths about human connections, using the moon as a symbol of continuity and shared experiences despite distance and separation.
Detailed Insights
"但愿人长久" ("May We All Live Long") by Teresa Teng is a classic that blends Su Shi's ancient poetry with a modern melody, creating a poignant reflection on the fleeting yet enduring nature of life and relationships. The lyrics revolve around the imagery of the moon, a universal symbol of longing and reunion, to explore themes of impermanence and hope.
Through its poetic verses, the song contemplates the cyclical nature of joy and sorrow, union and separation, paralleling these with the phases of the moon. It acknowledges the inevitability of imperfection in life but emphasizes the beauty of shared moments and the hope for lasting connections, even across great distances.
Teresa Teng's emotive delivery enhances the song's lyrical depth, resonating with listeners across generations. The phrase "但愿人长久,千里共婵娟" ("May we live long, and share the beauty of the moon from afar") encapsulates the song's central message: finding solace in shared experiences and enduring bonds despite life's uncertainties.