Song Lyrics

This book is an anthology of Song lyrics from the "Essential Classics for Young Readers" series, compiled by the series editorial board and published by Henan Science and Technology Press in October 2013, 223 pages. The compilers selected widely circulated and artistically accomplished masterpieces from the Song dynasty lyric tradition, arranged by poet, from the early Northern Song figures Qian Weiyan, Kou Zhun, Liu Yong, Fan Zhongyan, Zhang Xian, Yan Shu, Song Qi, and Ouyang Xiu, down through the later graceful and heroic works of subsequent masters. The selections include well-known pieces such as "Magnolia Flower," "Treading on Grass," "Bells in the Rain," "Butterflies Love Flowers," "Eight Beats of Ganzhou," "Pride of Fishermen," "Waterbag Dance: Remembering the Past," "Silk-Washing Stream," and "Gathering Mulberries." The book organizes works by tune title and poet, preserving the original "long and short lines" form of Song lyrics, so that young readers may experience in recitation the different charms of the genre—now delicate and graceful, now broad and heroic. Song lyrics and Tang poetry are celebrated as the twin jewels of classical Chinese poetry. This book offers young readers a moderately sized, classically selected primer for Song lyrics, suitable as an extension of classroom study of classical poetry and as material for extracurricular recitation.