Lyrics of "Farewell" by Li Shutong

Outside the pavilion, beside the ancient road, the green grass reaches the sky. The evening breeze carries the faint sound of willow flutes, and the sun sets outside the mountains.

At the end of the sky, in the corner of the earth, there are only a few close friends. A pot of turbid wine has exhausted all the joy, don’t sleep in the cold tonight.

Outside the long pavilion, beside the ancient road, the green grass reaches the sky. I asked you when you were going to come. Don't linger when you come.

At the end of the sky, in the corner of the earth, there are only a few close friends. Life is rarely filled with joyous gatherings, but with many separations.

"Farewell", the tune is taken from the American song "Dream of Home and Mother" composed by John P. Ordway. During Li Shutong's stay in Japan, Japanese lyricist Inudo Qiu Kei filled in the lyrics of a song called "Traveler's Sorrow" using the melody of "Dream of Home and Mother".

The "Farewell" written by Li Shutong in 1915 was based on "Traveler's Sorrow" by Goutong Qiuxi. Nowadays, "Traveler's Sorrow" is still sung in Japan, while "Farewell" has become an indispensable classic in Lige in China.

Li Shutong (1880-1942), also known as Li Xishuang, Li An, Li Liang, was given the birth name Wentao, his childhood name Chengqi, his scientific name Guanghou, his courtesy name Xishuang, and his nickname Shutong. Li Shutong is a famous musician, art educator, calligrapher, drama activist, and one of the pioneers of Chinese drama. After returning from studying in Japan, he worked as a teacher and editor. Later he was ordained as a monk. His Buddhist name was Yanyin, and his nickname was Hongyi. Later, he was also known as Wanqing Laoren. He was later revered as Master Hongyi.