吴文南客家山歌英译
𠊎
牵手双双情意长(Goodman and Goodwife clasp hands singing a loving song)
英译：吴文南
九月初九是重阳，
The Double Ninth Festival falls on the lunar ninth of September.
秋风吹来阵阵凉。
The gust of autumnal wind is blowing cooler and cooler.
手拿风筝放长线，
Goodman and Goodwife fly the kite with the thread long.
牵手双双情意长。
Goodman and Goodwife clasp hands singing a loving song.
有花不怕路头长(They despise the distance for flowers mellow)
英译：吴文南
韭菜开花心里黄，
Yellow is the heart of the leek flower.
蜂子采花口含糖。
Bees collects pollen sucking the sugar.
阿哥好比黄蜂子，
Goodman is like the bees yellow.
有花不怕路头长。
They despise the distance for flowers mellow.
恋妹莫怕路头长（No roads can hinder Goodman’s loving dream）
英译：吴文南
八月十五尝月光，
August Fifteen enjoys the moonlight.
看到鲤鱼腾水上。
Up the stream carps soar into sight.
鲤鱼唔怕长流水，
Carps are not afraid of the stream.
恋妹唔怕路头长，
No roads can hinder Goodman’s loving dream.
不怕山高水又深(No mountains can be higher or water deeper)
英译：吴文南
阿哥有情妹有情，
Goodman and Goodwife love each other.
不怕山高水又深。
No mountains can be higher or water deeper.
山高自有人开路，
The high mountains will see path blazers.
水深自有撑船人。
The deep water will witness the boaters.
因为心肝想心肝(Sweethearts miss sweethearts)
英译：吴文南
因为心来因为肝，
Because of heart and love.
因为心肝想心肝。
Hearts render the loving dove.
因为心肝心肝想，
Sweethearts miss sweethearts.
为想心肝脱心肝。
Missing sweethearts loses hearts.
同甘共苦莫断情(Both share sweetness and bitterness without stoppers)
英译：吴文南
妹子送条花手巾，
Goodwife presents an embroidered towel right.
朝晨洗脸夜洗身。
Goodman washes face in the morning and body at night.
手巾绣有七个字，
On the towel are embroidered seven Chinese characters.
同甘共苦莫断情。
Both share sweetness and bitterness without stoppers.
同盆洗脚同上床(Both wash feet in the same basin and rest together)
英译：吴文南
嫁郎要嫁出门郎，
Goodman is none but an outgoer.
出门郎子有排场。
The outgoer is a wealth owner.
三年两载归一趟，
He returns home every two or other year.
十担行李九担箱。
Nine of the ten luggage are boxes dear.
嫁郎莫嫁出门郎，
Goodman can be anyone but an outgoer.
漂洋过海难思量。
The overseas outgoer is not a good lover.
还是嫁个作田佬，
Goodwife would rather marry a farmer.
同盆洗脚同上床。
Both wash feet in the same basin and rest together.
难舍阿哥这条情(Goodwife can’t afford to lose Goodman’s love old)
英译：吴文南
郎送耳环值千金，
Goodman presents the expensivie earring.
失手跌落河中心。
They fall into the river by mistaking.
千两黄金𠊎舍得，
Goodwife can afford to lose a thousand liang gold.
难舍阿哥这条情。
Goodwife can’t afford to lose Goodman’s love old.
百万家财妹不要(Millionaires are not Goodwife’s dream)
英译：吴文南
太阳出来红彤彤，
The sun rises crimsonly and scarletly.
老妹心里想老公。
Goodwife misses Goodman secretly.
百万家财妹不要，
Millionaires are not Goodwife’s dream.
只要亲郎情义重。
So long as Goodman is a friendly team.
穷妹愿嫁穷老公(Poor Goodman poor Goodwife will prefer)
英译：吴文南
铁对铁来铜对铜，
Iron matches iron and copper with copper.
苦对苦来穷对穷。
Poor matches poor and bitter with bitter.
穷人更知穷人心，
The poor know the heart of the poor better.
穷妹愿嫁穷老公。
Poor Goodman poor Goodwife will prefer.
有情有义结姻缘(Love and friendship sing a nuptial song)
英译：吴文南
你要恋来𠊎要恋，
Goodwife and Goodman woo for honey.
两人要恋莫谈钱。
Goodwife and Goodman don’t run after money.
银钱交情不长久，
Money-based partnership doesn’t last long.
有情有义结姻缘。
Love and friendship sing a nuptial song.
虽然皮皱肉里甜(It is wrinkled but sweety)
英译：吴文南
别人有钱去有钱，
Goodwife doesn’t adore others’property.
阿哥穷苦𠊎不嫌。
Goodwife doesn’t resent Goodman’s poverty.
阿哥可比荔枝样，
Goodman is like the litchi.
虽然皮皱肉里甜。
It is wrinkled but sweety.
别人叫苦𠊎叫甜(It tastes sweet for me but bitter for another)
英译：吴文南
咸菜泡汤不用盐，
The pickles make the soup without salt.
两人合意没得嫌。
Goodwife loves Goodman without halt.
手摘苦瓜来煮汤，
For soup, Goodwife picks gourd bitter.
别人叫苦𠊎叫甜。
It tastes sweet for me but bitter for another.
苎麻纺线放纸鹞(The kite is flied by the Ramie-weaving thread)
英译：吴文南
有钱有势𠊎不挑，
Goodwife won't adore the power or property.
阿哥再穷𠊎不笑。
Goodwife won't ridicule Goodman's poverty.
苎麻纺线放纸鹞，
The kite is flied by the ramie-weaving thread.
长情长意望郎高。
Goodwife's love and wish will spread.
无盐无油也清甜(It is tasty without salt or oil to pair)
英译：吴文南
别人富贵𠊎不贪，
Goodwife doesn't greed for others' property.
你家贫穷𠊎不嫌。
Goodwife doesn't resent Goodman's poverty.
无耳铁锅当天煮，
The earless iron wok boils in the open air.
无盐无油也清甜。
It is tasty without salt or oil to pair.
阿妹不嫌阿哥穷(Goodwife accepts Goodman's poverty)
英译：吴文南
阿妹不嫌阿哥穷，
Goodwife accepts Goodman's poverty.
阿哥好比岭上松。
Goodman has the ridge pine's similarity.
虽然无人淋勺水，
Though it gets not a ladle of water.
年年枝叶都咁浓。
Evey year it grows the leaves thicker.
等到春来叶就浓(The coming spring renders the leaves thicker)
英译：吴文南
妹子不嫌阿哥穷，
Goodwife accepts Goodman's poverty.
阿哥好比月月红。
Goodman has China rose's similarity.
九冬十月霜雪大，
The frost and snow are thick in the deep winter.
等到春来叶就浓。
The coming spring renders the leaves thicker.
老妹不贪有钱人(The rich man is not Goodwife's honey)
英译：吴文南
大风一吹月出云，
With the wind comes out the moon.
声声嘱哥莫挂心。
Goodman is advised not to worry soon.
虽然阿哥手头紧，
Even though Goodman is short of money.
老妹不贪有钱人。
The rich man is not Goodwife's honey.
不贪钱多谷满仓(Money or food is not Goodwife's worship)
英译：吴文南
旧楼旧屋嵌花窗，
Old houses are inlaid with the floral window.
妹子望郎配成双。
Goodwife and Goodman are to be a match mellow.
只贪𠊎郎情义好，
Goodwife adores only Goodman's partnership.
不贪钱多谷满仓。
Money or food is not Goodwife's worship.
枯木逢春会还阳(Spring will bring dead trees a new life sunny)
英译：吴文南
日头落山心莫慌，
With the sunset, Goodman should not flurry.
夜里无油点松光。
At night, there is no oil for light piny.
不怕阿哥日子苦，
Goodwife doesn't worry about Goodman's poverty.
枯木逢春会还阳。
Spring will bring dead trees a new life sunny.
南蛇蜕壳会变龙(The sloughing boa turns into a dragon surely)
英译：吴文南
阿哥不是命该穷，
Goodman is not doomed to poverty.
不是命歪运不通。
It is not ill fate but not so lucky.
肯做总有出头日，
Hardwork will bring Goodman prosperity.
南蛇蜕壳会变龙。
The sloughing boa turns into a dragon surely.
云开就可见日头(The sun comes out of the sky cloudy)
英译：吴文南
心肝老妹你莫愁，
Dear Goodwife should not worry.
总有春光在后头。
Here will come the days happy.
落雨也有天晴日，
After the rain come the days sunny.
云开就可见日头。
The sun comes out of the sky cloudy.
安乐日子在后头(The leisurely days will flock)
英译：吴文南
阿哥贫穷不用愁，
Goodman should not worry about poverty.
总有云开见日头。
There will be time to see the sun clearly.
水清河中见石子，
The clear river reveals the rock.
安乐日子在后头。
The leisurely days will flock.
郎打竹板妹挽筒(Goodman claps bamboo and Goodwife tubes handy)
英译：吴文南
甘心嫁郎不怕穷，
Goodwife marries Goodman despite poverty.
郎打竹板妹挽筒。
Goodman claps bamboo and Goodwife tubes handy.
年三十日无来煮，
For Spring Festival Eve, unavailable is life necessity.
牵手谈笑赛仙公。
Their hand-in-hand chatting is more enjoyable than deity.
甘心同郎不怕穷(Goodwife shares Goodman’s poor lot)
英译：吴文南
红米煮粥满锅红，
Red rice porridge renders the red pot.
甘心同郎不怕穷。
Goodwife shares Goodman’s poor lot.
只要两人情义好，
If Goodman and Goodwife love each other.
郎打竹板妹挽筒。
Goodwife shoulders the bamboo tube and Goodman clapper.
不怕住庙睡凉亭(A temple or a pavilion is good for the dweller)
英译：吴文南
郎有情来妹有情，
Goodman and Goodwife love each other.
不怕住庙睡凉亭。
A temple or a pavilion is good for the dweller.
只要两人心甘愿，
If Goodman and Goodwife are willing.
黄连落肚也甘心。
Goldthread in the stomach is sweetening.
咸盐配粥心也甘(Even porridge with salt will taste better)
英译：吴文南
住好住坏𠊎不嫌，
Goodwife is not particular about the dwelling.
穿绸穿缎𠊎不贪。
Goodwife doesn’t go after embroidery clothing.
只要两人情义好，
If Goodman and Goodwife love each other,
咸盐配粥心也甘。
Even porridge with salt will taste better.
有食无食情就有(With food or not, love holds actually)
英译：吴文南
引水要引水长流，
The irrigating water should be long.
天不落雨圳里有。
Without rain, the ditch gurgles along.
恋哥要恋真心个，
Goodman should be loved truly.
有食无食情就有。
With food or not, love holds actually.
白手同郎来交情(Goodwife and Goodman associate as a pure lover)
英译：吴文南
白衫白裤白毛巾，
White shirts, white pants and white towels go together.
白手同郎来交情。
Goodwife and Goodman associate as a pure lover.
妹今恋哥不贪财，
Goodwife loves Goodman not for money.
只爱阿哥一片心。
Goodwife loves Goodman for pure honey.
甘愿住个烂屋场(Goodman would rather live in the shed shabby)
英译：吴文南
富家有米𠊎不尝，
Goodman won’t eat the rice of the rich gown.
情愿借谷出外乡。
Goodmanwould rather borrow rice and leave hometown.
三堂四厅𠊎不爱，
Goodman won’t adore the compound fancy.
甘愿住个烂屋场。
Goodman would rather live in the shed shabby.
黄连猪胆𠊎说甜(Love renders goldthread and pig gall sweety)
英译：吴文南
哥无钱财𠊎不嫌，
Goodwife likes not Goodman’s money.
黄连猪胆𠊎说甜。
Love renders goldthread and pig gall sweety.
灯草跌入盐水钵，
The rush falls into the water bowl salty.
入骨入心赛神仙。
Bone and heart are love-smitten more than deity.
愿当和尚披袈裟(Goodman would rather be a monk in cassock)
英译：吴文南
愿当和尚披袈裟，
Goodman would rather be a monk in cassock.
不敢恋你有钱侪。
Goodman would dare not to love thy rich stock.
黄蜂飞入花园内，
The wasp flies into the garden inner.
不敢采你牡丹花。
He dares not to suck thy peony flower.
乌鸦飞过凤凰来(Pheonixes flock but crows flee)
英译：吴文南
桃花不开李花开，
Either peach or plum blossoms blow.
妹不贪你多钱财。
Goodman is adored not for money flow.
门前种有梧桐树，
At the frontgate is the sycamore tree.
乌鸦飞过凤凰来。
Pheonixes flock but crows flee.
杉树剥皮是光棍(The peeled fir tree is a bare-stick bachelor)
英译：吴文南
锡打茶壶嘴弯弯，
The tin tea pot has a curved spout.
讲银讲钱哥不谈。
Talking about money leaves Goodman out.
杉树剥皮是光棍，
The peeled fir tree is a bare-stick bachelor.
哥无开有金银山。
Goodman has no mountains of either gold or silver.
白手交情你肯么(Will Goodwife accept a poor kin)
英译：吴文南
爱银爱钱𠊎就无，
Goodman has no money whatever.
若爱人情𠊎就有。
Goodman has compassion however.
杉树剥皮是光棍，
The fir tree is bare without the skin.
白手交情你肯么？
Will Goodwife accept a poor kin?
新打灶头要上灰(The newly-built cooking range needs plaster)
英译：吴文南
新打灶头要上灰，
The newly-built cooking range needs plaster.
妹心不正钱财衰。
Goodwife’s ill heart renders wealth slimmer.
郎今钱财也难赚，
Nowadays Goodman makes money difficultly.
还是拿来养爷娭。
The money is used for supporting parents suitably.
恋妹莫恋贪财妹(Goodwife should not be a money worshipper)
英译：吴文南
耕田莫耕河边田，
The riverside field is no good for a plower.
一次大水一次淹。
It will always be flooded over and over.
恋妹莫恋贪财妹，
Goodwife should not be a money worshipper.
次次来到讲银钱。
Every time she will come and be a money talker.
爱讲银钱莫相攀(Goodman will not go after a worshipper of money)
英译：吴文南
新打茶壶嘴弯弯，
Curved is the spout of teapot made newly.
爱讲银钱莫相攀。
Goodman will not go after a worshipper of money.
老妹是个贪财女，
If Goodwife is a Mammon follower.
哥也没有开金山。
Goodman is not a gold mountain owner.
交情要交好人才(Goodwife’s partner should be one with fidelity)
英译：吴文南
交情要交好人才，
Goodwife’s partner should be one with fidelity.
嘱妹恋郎莫贪财。
Goodman should not be loved for money.
隔村有个贪财妹，
One money-loving girl is a neighboring villager.
恋来恋去无人睬。
Promiscuous love renders her no steady partner.
真心之人讲情义(The true heart holds friendship highly)
英译：吴文南
三月桃花树树鲜，
In March, peach blossoms blow gorgeously.
恋妹恋心最为先。
Goodman loves Goodwife with heart firstly.
真心之人讲情义，
The true heart holds friendship highly.
假心之人讲银钱。
The fake heart goes after money only.
有心相好莫讲钱(Goodman and Goodwife love not for money)
英译：吴文南
月亮弯弯在半天，
The cresent moon hangs in the sky lowly.
有心相好莫讲钱。
Goodman and Goodwife love not for money.
云遮月光无长久，
The cloud can’t shadow the moon for long.
真情实意万万年。
Goodman and Goodwife’s love is a millennial song.
重病轻病都好哩(Either serious or slight illness heals internal)
英译：吴文南
听讲妹病哥就惊，
Goodman is shocked to hear Goodwife’s illness.
拿起电筒连夜行。
Goodman hurries out with the flashlight in darkness.
双手掀起花纹帐，
Goodman pulls open the floral mosquito net two-handedly.
声声问妹病重轻。
Goodman checks with Goodwife’s illness repeatedly.
重不重来轻不轻，
Neither serious nor slight is Goodwife’s illness.
难为阿哥连夜行。
It is hard for Goodman to hurry out in darkness.
阿哥一到𠊎欢喜，
Goodwife is happy to see Goodman’s arrival.
重病轻病都好哩。
Either serious or slight illness heals internal.
跟踪追影也会来(Goodwife will come on heels, thou believe)
英译：吴文南
想起恋妹真艰难，
Goodman misses Goodwife badly.
一日想妹三两番。
Goodman misses Goodwife constantly.
阿妹好比月中桂，
Goodwife is like the moon laurel.
看就容易攀就难。
It is easy to see but hard for arrival.
家有爷娘难出来，
Parents set Goodwife’s leaving difficulty.
𠊎哥心头要想开。
Goodman should think positively.
妹若家中脱得手，
Once Goodwife gets the chance to leave.
跟踪追影也会来。
Goodwife will come on heels, thou believe.
郎爱妹来妹爱郎(Goodman and Goodwife love each other)
英译：吴文南
郎爱妹来妹爱郎，
Goodman and Goodwife love each other.
胜过伯虎点秋香。
They surpass Bohu and Qiuxiang together.
胜过牛郎配织女，
They surpass Cowboy and Weaver surely.
胜过陈三与五娘。
They surpass Chen San and WuLiang certainly.
白糖泉水合起来(White sugar and spring water gather together)
英译：吴文南
白糖咁甜潮州来，
From Chaozhou Prefecture comes sweet white sugar.
泉水咁甜石缝来。
From stone cracks gurgles the sweet spring water.
妹是白糖哥是水，
Goodwife is the white sugar while Goodman water.
白糖泉水合起来。
White sugar and spring water gather together.
只怨石头坏心肠(Only the stone is to blame for its wicked ham)
英译：吴文南
哥妹牵手下山岗，
Goodman and Goodwife walk down the ridge hand in hand.
眼睛看在郎身上。
Goodwife fixes her eyes on Goodman all along the land.
因看𠊎郎踢脚趾，
Goodwife kicks her toes due to her attention on Goodman.
只怨石头坏心肠。
Only the stone is to blame for its wicked ham.
鳌煎过后共盘装(After boiling and frying, they are on the same plate)
英译：吴文南
郎这岗来妹那岗，
Goodman is on this t ridge while Goodman another.
郎是日头妹月光。
Goodman is the sun while Goodwife moonlight however.
郎是葱花妹是蛋，
Goodman is chopped green onion while Goodwife the egg mate.
熬煎过后共盘装。
After boiling and frying, they are on the same plate.
吓得𠊎郎走了去(Goodman is frightened all away)
英译：吴文南
门前狗子叫汪汪，
The dog barks and barks at the front gate.
不咬贼古咬𠊎郎。
It bites not thieves but Goodman for date.
吓得𠊎郎走了去，
Goodman is frightened all away.
天光捉你破肚肠。
Dawn will see it be killed and pay.
好比芙蓉配牡丹(Goodman and Goodwife are lotus and peony in teen)
英译：吴文南
橄榄好食嘴里甘，
Olives are sweet and palatable.
橄榄放在桌中间。
Olives are on the middle of the table.
两人对着橄榄坐，
Goodman and Goodwife sit with olives in between.
好比芙蓉配牡丹。
Goodman and Goodwife are lotus and peony in teen.
等到郎榄就回家(Goodwife returns together to Goodman’s farm)
英译：吴文南
榄树开花花榄花，
Olive trees bloom with flower upon flower.
郎在榄上妹榄下。
Goodman is in olive trees with Goodwife under.
妹掀衫尾等郎榄，
Goodwife pulls up the skirt for Goodman’s arm.
等到郎榄就回家。
Goodwife returns together to Goodman’s farm.
阿哥出门往南洋（Goodman goes out to Nanyang）
李福渊版， 英译：吴文南（唱歌版）
阿哥出门往南洋，
Goodman goes out /to Nanyang.
漂洋过海出外乡。
Cross the ocean/ to strange throng.
嘱哥身体爱保重，
Goodman has/ a body strong.
保重身体得安康，
Body is/ safe and sound.
人争口气佛争香。
Men breath, Buddha/ incense found.
阿哥出门往南洋，
Goodman goes out/ to Nanyang.
两人情份爱久长。
Our love is/long and long.
亲哥到了南洋后，
At Goodman’s/ Nanyang arrival.
书信快快寄回乡，
Letters hurry/ to hometown.
免得老妹挂心肠。
Save Goodwife’s /worries strong.
阿哥出门往南洋，
Goodman goes out /to Nanyang.
妹有言语问亲郎。
Goodwife has words /for so long.
亲哥何时动身转，
When will Goodman/ come back home?
妹在码头等阿郎，
Goodwife at th’ dock / waits long.
合家团圆喜洋洋。
All guys gather/, for so long.
八月十五月光光(August 15, moonlight is strong)
词曲：曾龙城 英译：吴文南（歌唱版）
八月也十五那月光光，
August /15, moonlight is strong.
阿姆同𠊎呀拜也拜月光，
Mama and I/, sing a moonlight song,
阿姆就问𠊎一声，
Mama asks me a question
故乡在哪方啊，
Where hometown is found?
月光啊月光光，
Moonlight and moonlight,
你呀照四方，
Moonlight shines around.
请你讲𠊎知呀，
Will thou tell me,
哪里系𠊎的故乡。
Where is my hometown?
八月也十五那月光光，
August /15, moonlight is strong.
阿姆同𠊎呀拜也拜月光，
Mama and I /, sing a moonlight song,
阿姆就讲𠊎知呀，
Mama tells me this,
故乡就在唐山。
My hometown is Tangshan.
月光啊月光光，
Moonlight and moonlight,
你照呀照四方，
Moonlight shines around.
阿姆就讲𠊎知呀，
Mama tells me this,
唐山系𠊎的故乡。
Tangshan is my hometown.
白(Aside)：
𠊎还细的时候，
When I was a kid,
阿姆就对𠊎讲，
Mama told me this,
𠊎兜的老家在唐山，
Tangshan ,our hometown is,
阿公从细就出南洋，
Grandpa has gone to the Southeast Asia as a kid,
如今日日都思恋故乡，
Now he misses the hometown daily.
啊故乡，故乡，
Where my hometown is?
但愿人长久，千里共月光。
Long live us, the moonlight shares the trip.
八月也十五那月光光，
August 15/, moonlight is strong.
阿姆同𠊎呀拜也拜月光，
Mama and I/ , sing a moonlight song,
阿姆就讲𠊎知呀，
Mama tells me this,
故乡就在唐山。
My hometown is Tangshan.
月光啊月光光，
Moonlight and moonlight,
你照呀照四方，
Moonlight shines around.
阿姆就讲𠊎知呀，
Mama tells me this,
唐山系𠊎的故乡。
Tangshan is my hometown.
一双鲤鱼丢入水(A pair of carps are cast into the river)
英译：吴文南
竹篙落水两边开，
The falling bamboo spar splashes water on two sides.
问妹去了几时来？
Goodman checks with Goodwife when to return for rides.
一双鲤鱼丢入水，
A pair of carps are cast into the river.
怎得重逢腮并腮。
How can their cheeks reencounter?
八月十五月光光(August 15th sees the moonlight bright)
词曲：曾龙城 英译：吴文南
唱(Singing)：
八月也十五那月光光，
August 15th sees the moonlight bright.
阿姆同𠊎呀拜也拜月光，
Mama and I worship the moonlight.
阿姆就问𠊎一声，故乡在哪方啊，
Mama asks me where our hometown is in sight?
月光啊月光光，你呀照四方，
The moonlight shines in all the direction right.
请你讲𠊎知呀，哪里系𠊎的故乡。
Please tell me, where is my hometown night?
白(Aside)：
𠊎还细的时候，
When I was a kid,
阿姆就对𠊎讲，
Mama told me this,
𠊎兜的老家在唐山，
Tangshan ,our hometown is,
阿公从细就出南洋，
Grandpa has gone to the Southeast Asia as a kid,
如今日日都思恋故乡，
Now he misses the hometown daily.
啊故乡，故乡，
Where my hometown is?
但愿人长久，千里共月光。
Long live us, the moonlight shares the trip.
八月也十五那月光光，
August 15th sees the moonlight bright.
阿姆同𠊎呀拜也拜月光，
Mama and I worship the moonlight.
阿姆就讲𠊎知呀，唐山系𠊎的故乡。
Mama says that Tangshan is my hometown in sight.
月光啊月光光，你照呀照四方，
The moonlight shines in all the direction right.
阿姆就讲𠊎知呀，唐山系𠊎的故乡。
Mama says that Tangshan is my hometown in sight.
日落西山不晓归(The setting sun serves as no homegoing order)
英译:吴文南
二胡拉起和吊规，
Erhu accompanies Diaogui string instrument.
深山锦鸡配画眉。
Forest pheasants match thrushes excellent.
有情歌妹来相会，
Goodman and and Goodwife date each other.
日落西山不晓归。
The setting sun serves as no homegoing order.
怎奈阿哥水般软(But Goodman is as soft as the water)
英译:吴文南
妹子爱断郎不断，
Goodwife wants to quit against Goodman’s willingness.
你是食硬不食软。
Goodwife can endure hardness but not softness.
妹子虽然硬过铁，
Goodwife is more than the iron tougher.
怎奈阿哥水般软。
But Goodman is as soft as the water.
好久不曾到这窝(Goodwife hasn’t visited this grove for long)
英译:吴文南
好久不曾到这窝，
Goodwife hasn’t visited this grove for long.
这窝树子大咁多。
The trees in this grove is more than strong.
好久不曾见哥面，
Goodwife hasn’t seen Goodman for ages.
不知阿哥好呀么？
Goodwife has no idea Goodman’s life pages.
天上乌云堆打堆(In the sky, the dark clouds cluster)
英译:吴文南
天上乌云堆打堆，
In the sky, the dark clouds cluster.
无陈大风吹不开。
To unlock them needs a wind bluster.
阿哥心头十八结，
Goodman has eighteen heart knots.
无𠊎老妹解不开。
Nobody but Goodwife unknots.
想拿笠麻拿簸箕(Instead of the dustpan, Goodman wants the bamboo hat)
英译:吴文南
想拿笠麻拿簸箕，
Instead of the dustpan, Goodman wants the bamboo hat.
心中想妹妹不知。
Goodman misses Goodwife but she can’t guess at.
写信妹又不晓看，
Goodman wants to write but Goodwife can’t read letters.
口信又怕旁人知。
Goodman wants to send messages but afraid of nosy others.
梦中见郎心花开(In her happy dream, Goodwife and Goodman encounter)
英译:吴文南
檀香烧尽变成灰，
The sandalwood incense is burned into dust.
一心等郎郎不来。
Goodwife is waiting for Goodman full of trust.
手攀栏杆琢目睡，
Goodwife dozes off, leaning on the banister.
梦中见郎心花开。
In her happy dream, Goodwife and Goodman encounter.
扒烂心肝好苦情(Goodman is missed bitterly)
英译:吴文南
一树柑子半树青，
Half a tree of oranges are green.
𠊎今想你想入心。
Goodman is missed in bitter spleen.
𠊎今想你不敢讲，
Goodman is missed secretly.
扒烂心肝好苦情。
Goodman is missed bitterly.
郎咁晕来妹咁晕(Goodman and Goodwife are both giddy)
英译:吴文南
郎咁晕来妹咁晕，
Goodman and Goodwife are both giddy.
火烟上天当作云。
The smoke is taken as the cloud wrongly.
猫公当作擦桌布，
The tom-cat is used as the cleaning rag.
鸡窝当作炉灶门。
The chicken coop is used as stove gap.
想同妹聊路又弯(Goodman wants to chat but for the winding uphill)
英译:吴文南
阿妹砍柴对门山，
Goodwife cuts firewood at the frontgate hill.
想同妹聊路又弯。
Goodman wants to chat but for the winding uphill.
想变黄蜂飞过去，
Goodman wants to be a wasp to fly over.
又怕蜘蛛网来拦。
Goodman is afraid of the spider web to hinder.
钟表拿来吞入肚(The timepiece Goodwife will swallow)
英译:吴文南
不搭信来情怕断，
No relayed messages render loveforlorn worry.
搭信又怕人看穿。
Relayed messages make date others’curiosity.
钟表拿来吞入肚，
The timepiece Goodwife will swallow.
时刻挂念𠊎心肝。
Goodwife misses Goodman with hourly flow.
双手洗来眼看郎(Goodwife ogles Goodman with hands busy)
英译:吴文南
井边打水洗衣裳，
The well water is fetched for the laundry.
双手洗来眼看郎。
Goodwife ogles Goodman with hands busy.
失手浆槌打手指，
By mistake, the washing pestle hits the finger.
口骂浆槌心想郎。
With Goodman at heart, Goodwife curses the pestle louder.
死到阴间倒转来(Even from Hades, Goodwife will return)
英译:吴文南
河水咁大涌前来，
The river gushes forwards torrentially.
咁好阿哥恋到来。
Goodman is so nice to be my lovely.
咁好阿哥恋不到，
If Goodman can’t come to my turn.
死到阴间倒转来。
Even from Hades, Goodwife will return.
踢了脚趾倒转来(Goodman kicks his toe to turn his way)
英译:吴文南
阿哥要归归哩来，
Goodman should return home right away.
踢了脚趾倒转来。
Goodman kicks his toe to turn his way.
老妹没开药材店，
Goodwife has not a herb medicine shop.
撕块衫角包起来。
A slip of shirt corner is torn as wrapping prop.
阿哥难舍有情人(Goodman is inseparable from his adorer)
英译:吴文南
热天难舍大树荫，
The big tree shade is inseparable to the hot weather.
寒天难舍炭火盆。
The cold weather is inseparable from the brazier.
皇帝难舍金銮殿，
The throne room is inseparable for the emperor.
阿哥难舍有情人。
Goodman is inseparable from his adorer.
好久未曾进菜园(Goodman has not entered the garden for long)
英译:吴文南
好久未曾进菜园，
Goodman has not entered the garden for long.
苦瓜豆角藤牵藤。
Vines of bitter gourds and beans form a throng.
好久未曾见妹面，
Goodwife is out of sight for a long time.
百般心事讲不完。
Goodman has a long story for a rime.
又解渴来又充饥(His speech quenches both thirst and hunger)
英译:吴文南
上岭来到岭顶企，
Goodwife stands at the hilltop finally.
嘴干舌燥肚又饥。
Goodwife is both thirsty and hungry.
好在情哥言语好，
Luckily Goodman is a nice speaker.
又解渴来又充饥。
His speech quenches both thirst and hunger.
两人冷热一般同(Both in the same hot or cold gown)
英译:吴文南
新买扇子画条龙，
The newly bought fan has a drawn dragon.
手捏扇子扇清风。
Goodman fans the cool breeze handon.
妹子咁热郎摇扇，
Goodman fans to cool Goodwife down.
两人冷热一般同。
Both in the same hot or cold gown.
阿妹不食𠊎唔尝(Goodwife doesn’t eat and Goodman touches no fork)
英译:吴文南
四两猪肉煮碗汤，
Goodman prepares the soup with 4liang pork.
阿妹不食𠊎唔尝。
Goodwife doesn’t eat and Goodman touches no fork.
阿妹不眠𠊎不睡，
Goodwife does’t sleep and Goodman is awake.
阿妹心痛𠊎断肠。
Goodman is heartbroken for Goodwife’s heartache.
有心要买鸳鸯枕(Mandarin duck pillows are Goodwife’s need)
英译:吴文南
送哥送到屋角头，
To the house corner, Goodwife follows.
嘱咐亲哥买枕头。
Goodman is advised to buy a pair of pillows.
有心要买鸳鸯枕，
Mandarin duck pillows are Goodwife’s need.
莫买单枕不共头。
A single pillow cannot be shared indeed.
赛过洋参蒸鸭嫲(It is better than mother duck with ginger)
英译:吴文南
日头咁大无笠麻，
Without a bamboo hat, the sun is sultry.
口里咁渴又无茶。
Without tea, Goodman is thirsty.
阿妹拿来凉井水，
Goodwife fetches the cool well water.
赛过洋参蒸鸭嫲。
It is better than mother duck with ginger.
藤断自有篾来接(Broken vines are mended by the thin bamboo strip)
英译:吴文南
有忧有愁想开来，
Worries are dissolved in life philosophy.
莫为老妹急心怀。
Goodman should not burn with anxiety.
藤断自有篾来接，
Broken vines are mended by the thin bamboo strip.
船到滩头水路开。
The beachhead reveals the river for the boat to trip.
阿哥好比退冬树(Goodman is like an after-winter tree)
英译：吴文南
𠊎今嘱郎要想开，
Goodman is advised to take things philosophically.
人穷还有情义在。
Goodman is poor economically but rich spiritually.
阿哥好比退冬树，
Goodman is like an after-winter tree.
一到交春叶就来。
The coming spring renders leaves in glee.
个个都为读书郎(All the rocks are for Goodman’s education)
英译：吴文南
岭岗脚下盖学堂，
The school is built at the hillfoot.
石头砌脚瓦盖墙。
The wall is tile-covered with stoney root.
咁多石头妹捡的，
All the rocks are from Goodwife’s collection.
个个都为读书郎。
All the rocks are for Goodman’s education.
吹坏𠊎郎无老公(Goodman is blown sick to render Goodwife a widow)
英译：吴文南
十月里来是立冬，
The lunar October ushers in Start of Winter.
高山顶上起北风。
The north wind gushes from mountains higher.
劝郎莫去高山顶，
Goodman is advised to stay away from peak window.
吹坏𠊎郎无老公。
Goodman is blown sick to render Goodwife a widow.
晒坏阿哥𠊎命休(Goodman’s sunburn renders Goodwife miserable)
英译：吴文南
日头出来辣纠纠，
The sun rises in scorching hot turn.
晒坏禾苗一丘丘。
Patches of grain seedlings get sunburn.
晒坏禾苗能搭救，
The sunburned grain seedlings are savable.
晒坏阿哥𠊎命休。
Goodman’s sunburn renders Goodwife miserable.
心肝老妹好归哩(It’s time for Goodwife’s homegoing)
英译：吴文南
日头落山渐渐低，
Beyond the mountain, the sun is setting.
心肝老妹好归哩。
It’s time for Goodwife’s homegoing.
田水一时做不了，
Goodwife cannot finish the field irrigation.
莫把身子累坏哩。
It will be bad to get physical exhaustion.
钥匙配锁开了心(The key goes with the lock to unblock)
英译：吴文南
石榴结籽心连心，
Pomegranates seed and cores enfold.
朗是银来妹是金。
Goodman is silver and Goodwife gold.
郎是钥匙妹是锁，
Goodman is the key and Goodwife the lock.
钥匙配锁开了心。
The key goes with the lock to unblock.
好比天上和合仙(Like the heavenly immortals in grace)
英译：吴文南
吸烟要吸条丝烟，
The sliced tobacoo is nice for life.
坐凳要坐妹身边。
Sit on the bench nearby Goodwife.
两人坐起面对面，
Goodman and Goodwife sit face to face.
好比天上和合仙。
Like the heavenly immortals in grace.
花见蜜蜂朵朵开(At the sight of the bee,the flowers bloom in cycles)
英译：吴文南
妹是好花满园栽，
Goodwife is like a whole garden of nice flowers.
哥是蜜蜂千里来。
Goodman is a bee from thousands of kilometers.
蜜蜂见花团团转，
At the sight of the flowers,the bee makes circles.
花见蜜蜂朵朵开。
At the sight of the bee,the flowers bloom in cycles.
步步回头情义长(Goodman looks back each step attachedly)
英译：吴文南
村口路边桂花香，
The village-entrance roadside laurel is sweet.
桂花树下过𠊎郎。
Goodman is passing under the laurel tree.
是𠊎亲郎看得出，
It is my Goodman obviously.
步步回头情义长。
Goodman looks back each step attachedly.
老妹要来尽管来(Goodwife can come to see Goodman at will)
英译：吴文南
老妹要来尽管来，
Goodwife can come to see Goodman at will.
前门关了后门来。
The front door is closed but back door accessible still.
前门插的茅冬杆，
The front door is marked by the cogongrass stalks.
后面插的纸引煤。
The back door is marked by a slip of paper that talks.
黄糖再赤也是甜(The brown sugar is red but tasteable)
英译：吴文南
白白嫩嫩𠊎不贪，
I don’t greed for the white or slender.
乌乌赤赤𠊎不嫌。
I don’t turn against the black or red color.
石灰再白不好食，
The lime is white but inedible.
黄糖再赤也是甜。
The brown sugar is red but tasteable.
郎出月饼妹出茶（Goodman provides the mooncake while Goodwife the tea）
英译：吴文南
八月十五看月华，
The lunar August 15 enjoys the moonlight sea.
郎出月饼妹出茶。
Goodman provides the mooncake while Goodwife the tea.
妹吃月饼甜到肚，
Goodwife eats the mooncake sweet.
哥饮细茶开心花。
Goodman drinks the tea with happy tweet.
八月十五尝月华(The lunar August 15 enjoys the moonlight sea)
英译：吴文南
八月十五尝月华，
The lunar August 15 enjoys the moonlight sea.
月光底下冲酽茶。
Under the moonlight we drink the strong tea.
阿哥好比长流水，
Goodman is like the long river.
老妹好比嫩细花。
Goodwife is like the slender flower.
今日一见心开花(Today's meeting turns over happy pages)
英译：吴文南
好久未曾到湾下，
Goodwife hasn't come to Wanxia for long.
弯弯河水打浪花。
The meandering river sounds the waving gong.
好久未曾见哥面，
Goodwife hasn't seen Goodman for ages.
今日一见心开花。
Today's meeting turns over happy pages.
沙石刺脚着鞋来(Goodman wears shoes to avoid gravel's kill)
英译：吴文南
哥若想来你就来，
Goodman can come to Goodwife at will.
沙石刺脚着鞋来。
Goodman can wear shoes to avoid gravel's kill.
鞋子坏了妹会做，
Goodwife can remake Goodman's shoes broken.
同郎做转本样来。
Goodwife can restore Goodman's shoes rotten.
郎出月饼妹出茶（Goodman provides the mooncake while Goodwife the tea）
英译：吴文南
八月十五看月华，
The lunar August 15 enjoys the moonlight sea.
郎出月饼妹出茶。
Goodman provides the mooncake while Goodwife the tea.
妹吃月饼甜到肚，
Goodwife eats the mooncake sweet.
哥饮细茶开心花。
Goodman drinks the tea with happy tweet.
哥你嘴甜心唔甜(Goodman’s words are sweet but heart bitter)
英译：吴文南
哥你嘴甜心唔甜，
Goodman’s words are sweet but heart bitter.
心中好比苦黄连。
Goodman’s heart is a goldthread taster.
石灰粉墙光表面，
The whitewashed wall seems luxurious.
里头还系烂泥砖。
Inside is still the mudbrick infamous.
无相干来无相干(Actually it will not matter)
英译：吴文南
无相干来无相干，
Actually it will not matter.
咁好人情也会断。
Good connections will sever.
咁好红花也会谢，
The nice red flowers will wither.
咁甜老酒也会酸。
Sweet wine will turn sour sooner or later.
当初同妹糖交藕(Goodwife used to be like lotus root with sugar)
英译：吴文南
当初同妹糖交藕，
Goodwife used to be like lotus root with sugar.
如今同妹水交油。
Goodwife seems to be like oil with water.
当初见妹咪咪笑，
Goodwife used to be full of smile.
如今见妹不抬头。
Goodwife lowers her head all the while.
山歌唔唱唔心开(Mountain songs are essential for happiness daily)
英译：吴文南
山歌唔唱唔心开，
Mountain songs are essential for happiness daily.
大路唔行生柳苔。
The untrodden road gets willow moss easily.
脚踏柳苔交交跌，
Treading on the willow moss entails slips constantly.
早知路滑𠊎唔来。
The slippery road I won't come by surely.
阿哥得病妹也知(Goodwife knows about Goodman’s illness)
英译：吴文南
阿哥得病妹也知，
Goodwife knows about Goodman’s illness.
妹知不能来看你。
Goodwife cannot see Goodman nevertheless.
求神拜佛望哥好，
Goodwife prays to Buhhda for Goodman’s recovery.
脚底行穿哥不知。
Goodman knows not Goodwife wears her feet out actually.
讲起恋妹真艰难(Goodman loves Goodwife harder)
英译：吴文南
讲起恋妹真艰难，
Goodman loves Goodwife harder.
好比鲤鱼上急滩。
Like the carp rushes against rapids upper.
水深恐怕鸬鹚刦，
The cormorant is latent in the deep water.
水浅又怕网来拦。
The fishing net is trapping in the shallow river.
心想食烟唔带烟(Goodman wants to smoke without taking tobacco)
英译：吴文南
心想食烟唔带烟，
Goodman wants to smoke without taking tobacco.
心想恋妹唔带钱。
Goodman wants to woo Goodwife without money to go.
姜公钓鱼垂直钓，
Jiang Taigong fishes without an angle.
愿者上钩正来恋。
Goodman loves Goodwife without entangle.
两人牵手下山岗(Goodman and Goodwife walk hand in hand down the hilly ground)
英译：吴文南
两人牵手下山岗，
Goodman and Goodwife walk hand in hand down the hilly ground.
翻去翻转看情郎。
Goodwife glances at Goodman around and around.
翻去翻转踢脚趾，
Goodwife hurts her toes in the turning round.
先骂石头后骂郎。
The stone and then Goodman hears Goodwife's scolding sound.
一条裤带过番邦(One trouser belt sails Hakkas to the foreign country)
英译：吴文南
一条裤带过番邦，
One trouser belt sails Hakkas to the foreign country.
两手空空敢飞天。
Hakkas dare soar into the sky with two hands empty.
不怕吃尽苦中苦，
Hakkas defy the utmost bitterness.
自有无穷甜上甜。
Accordingly comes the endless sweetness.
见妹唔到心里愁(Goodman worries with Goodwife out of sight)
英译：吴文南
见妹唔到心里愁，
Goodman worries with Goodwife out of sight.
行起路来脚步浮。
Goodman walks with the legs light.
饮茶好比食药水，
Goodman drinks tea like medicine liquid.
食饭如同吞石头。
Goodman has meals like stones solid.
对面阿哥眼真歪(Goodman looks at Goodwife slyly)
英译：吴文南
对面阿哥眼真歪，
Goodman looks at Goodwife slyly.
三番四次偷看𠊎。
Goodman peeps at Goodwife constantly.
大大方方让你看，
Goodman can look at Goodwife openly.
日后相思莫怨𠊎。
In case Goodman misses Goodwife secretly.
阿哥开口妹喜欢(Goodwife enjoys Goodman’s wooing)
英译：吴文南
阿哥开口妹喜欢，
Goodwife enjoys Goodman’s wooing.
要妹开口妹就懒。
Goodwife is hard in her proposing.
世上只有藤缠树，
Only the vine entangles the tree.
唔曾见过树缠藤。
No trees will entangle the vine to see.
打鼓爱打鼓中心(Beat the drum in the center)
英译：吴文南
打鼓爱打鼓中心，
Beat the drum in the center.
打到鼓边没声音。
The rim of the drum is not a sounder.
打鱼不到不收网，
Draw in no net without a fish.
恋郎不到不收心。
Without Goodman’s love, no finish.
哥劝妹来妹劝哥(Goodman and Goodwife advise each other)
英译：吴文南
哥劝妹来妹劝哥，
Goodman and Goodwife advise each other.
莫怕旁人闻话多。
Both should not worry about others’ slander.
真金不怕红炉火，
The genuine gold can hold the furnace test.
石狮不怕雨滂沱。
In the torrential rain, the stone lions rest.
南风一起心就凉(The rising south wind renders the cold feeling)
英译：吴文南
南风一起心就凉，
The rising south wind renders the cold feeling.
好花一采满身香。
Picked nice flowers make the body good smelling.
三餐唔食冇打紧，
Without the three meals, Goodman can still deal.
得妹言语当干粮。
Goodwife’s word can serve as Goodman’s meal.
有意何妨聊起来(Why not chat if Goodman and Goodwife have affinity)
英译：吴文南
有意何妨聊起来，
Why not chat if Goodman and Goodwife have affinity?
聊到两人心花开。
Goodman and Goodwife chat to be a mutual buddy.
聊到鸡毛沉落水，
Goodman and Goodwife chat with chicken feather drowning.
聊到石头浮起来。
Goodman and Goodwife chat with the stone flowing.
妹系天边一朵云(Goodwife is a cloud in the sky yonder)
英译：吴文南
妹系天边一朵云，
Goodwife is a cloud in the sky yonder.
为何不替哥遮荫?
Why won’t Goodwife Goodman shelter?
十字街头卖凉水，
At the crossroad, Goodwife sells cold water.
为何不救口渴人?
Why won’t Goodwife be the thirsty’s saver?
送郎送到渡船头(Goodwife sees Goodman off at the ferry)
英译：吴文南
送郎送到渡船头，
Goodwife sees Goodman off at the ferry.
一条江水向东流。
The river rushes eastbound endlessly.
高山难阻长流水，
The high mountain cannot hinder the eastbound river.
利刀难断妹忧愁。
The sharp knife cannot be Goodwife’s worry cutter.
哥是天上一条龙(Goodman is a dragon in the sky)
英译：吴文南
哥是天上一条龙，
Goodman is a dragon in the sky.
妹是地下花一丛。
Goodwife is a cluster of flowers shy.
龙唔翻身唔下雨，
The sky rains only when the dagraon rolls.
雨唔洒花花唔红。
The flower blooms only when the rain tolls.
日头落山满天红(The setting sun renders the whole sky red)
英译：吴文南
日头落山满天红，
The setting sun renders the whole sky red.
𠊎俩分别在路中。
Goodwife and Goodman the separating road tread.
心想问郎一路去，
Goodwife wishes to go with Goodman together.
无奈心同路不同。
Both think alike but go different ways however.
送郎送到大树下(Goodwife sees Goodman off under the big tree)
英译：吴文南
送郎送到大树下，
Goodwife sees Goodman off under the big tree.
劝郎早去早回家。
Goodman is exhorted to come back earlier to see.
路上野花你莫採，
Goodman shall not pick the wild roadside flower.
家中还有牡丹花。
The home peony Goodman shall remember.
久唔唱歌忘记歌(Long time no singing renders Goodman a forgetful singer)
英译：吴文南
久唔唱歌忘记歌，
Long time no singing renders Goodman a forgetful singer .
久唔网鱼忘记河。
Long time no fishing makes Goodman forget the river.
久唔写字忘记字，
Long time no writng makes Goodman forget the character.
久唔见妹苦愁多。
Long time no seeing Goodwife makes Goodman suffer.
送哥送到天井边(Goodwife sees Goodman off at the patio)
英译：吴文南
送哥送到天井边，
Goodwife sees Goodman off at the patio.
天上乌云遮半天。
The cloud shelters half of the sky ratio.
只望天公落大雨，
Goodwife hopes the Heaven to rain heavily.
留转情哥住几天。
Goodwife wants Goodman to linger only.
高山有路难通天(The path of high mountains can’t reach the sky)
英译：吴文南
高山有路难通天，
The path of high mountains can’t reach the sky.
大河有水难荫田。
The water of great rivers can’t the field satisfy.
花针无眼难穿线，
The embroidery needle has no eyes for the thread.
阿哥有话难开言。
Goodman has thoughts and feelings hard to spread.
荔枝红皮白在心(Litchi has red peel and pulp white)
英译：吴文南
荔枝红皮白在心，
Litchi has red peel and pulp white.
食到嘴里蜜咁甜。
Litchi tastes so sweet and right.
若能同妹讲句话，
If Goodman can talk with Goodwife.
还比荔枝味更甜。
It will be a sweeter than litchi life.
天上有雨落唔来(The sky seems to rain but holds up)
英译：吴文南
天上有雨落唔来，
The sky seems to rain but holds up.
阿妹有话口唔开。
Goodwife intends to speak but shuts up.
望妹讲句动情话，
Goodman wishes Goodwife a love word to utter.
莫使阿哥想到呆。
In case Goodman overthinks to be a fumbler.
五月五日看龙船(The lunar May 5th watches the dragon boat race)
英译：吴文南
五月五日看龙船，
The lunar May 5th watches the dragon boat race.
一河两岸笑欢欢。
The two sides of the river see the smilefull face.
嘱郎相遇莫相问，
Goodman is warned not to greet each other.
莫使交情人看穿。
Our romance is to be hidden from the other.
有钱无钱无相干(It doesn’t matter whether rich or poor)
英译：吴文南
有钱无钱无相干，
It doesn’t matter whether rich or poor.
甘愿爱郎不怕穷。
Goodwife loves Goodman even in moor.
总爱两人同甘苦，
Goodman and Goodwife share weal and woe.
黑夜尽头天就红。
The dark night ushers in daybreak at the toe.
月儿弯弯在半天(The crescent moon hangs in the half sky)
英译：吴文南
月儿弯弯在半天，
The crescent moon hangs in the half sky.
船子弯弯在河边。
The curvy boat berths with the bank nearby.
船爱下滩赶水涨，
The boat leaves the shoal in the flowing tide.
妹爱恋郎赶少年。
Goodwife loves Goodman in the youthful pride.
阿妹好比月光光(Goodwife is like the moonlight)
英译：吴文南
阿妹好比月光光，
Goodwife is like the moonlight.
阿哥好比星星样。
Goodman is like the star right.
星星跟随月光走，
The star follows the moonlight.
夜夜陪郎到天亮。
Goodman is accompanied every night.
郎在门前把眼撩(In front of the door, Goodman is looking around)
英译：吴文南
郎在门前把眼撩，
In front of the door, Goodman is looking around.
妹在房中把手摇。
Inside the house, Goodwife is waving to be found.
亲娘问𠊎做么个？
Mom asks what Goodwife is doing?
𠊎话妹只伸懒腰。
Goodwife says she is simply stretching.
高山岭顶一棵梅(On the top of the high mountain is a plum tree)
英译：吴文南
高山岭顶一棵梅，
On the top of the high mountain is a plum tree.
手攀梅桠望郎来。
Goodwife leans on the branch for Goodman to see.
亲娘问𠊎望么介，
Mom asks Goodwife what she is looking at?
𠊎望梅花几时开。
Goodwife awaiting the plum tree to bloom is that.
新买纸扇手摇风(The newly-bought hand fan renders breezing)
英译：吴文南
新买纸扇手摇风，
The newly-bought hand fan renders breezing.
新买剪刀学裁缝。
The newly-bought scissors are used for tailoring.
一心想寻知心妹，
Goodman is looking for Goodwife about.
井里行船无路通。
The boat sails in the well without the way out.
日落西山天暗黄(The west-hill sunset renders the sky dull yellow)
英译：吴文南
日落西山天暗黄，
The west-hill sunset renders the sky dull yellow.
点起孤灯照孤房。
The lonely lamp makes the room lonely glow.
日里想哥唔得暗，
Goodwife misses Goodman waiting for the day gone.
夜里想哥夜更长。
Goodwife misses Goodman with the night so long.
深山树木好遮荫(The deep forest renders a shade enjoyable)
英译：吴文南
深山树木好遮荫，
The deep forest renders a shade enjoyable.
只听歌声不见人。
Only songs can be heard without Goodwife visible.
有情阿妹应一句，
If Goodwife thinks alike, please echo.
莫使阿哥满山寻。
Goodman can avoid searching the hill so.
新打镰刀白光光(Shining is the scythe forged newly)
英译：吴文南
新打镰刀白光光，
Shining is the scythe forged newly.
镰刀割草利霜霜。
The scythe cuts the grass easily.
哪有镰刀唔割草，
No scythes will not cut the grass.
哪有妹子唔恋郎。
Love for Goodman comes from every Lass.
只怕心中忘却匙(Goodman may forget the homely spoon feeders)
英译：吴文南
自煮莲羹切藕丝，
Goodwife prepares lotus soup with sliced lotus root.
待郎归来慰郎饥。
Goodman is welcome home for hunger to shoot.
为贪别处双双箸，
Due to his greed for the chopsticks of others,
只怕心中忘却匙。
Goodman may forget the homely spoon feeders.
人人要结后生缘(Others hope for the after-life affinity)
英译：吴文南
人人要结后生缘，
Others hope for the after-life affinity.
侬要今生结眼前。
Goodwife wishes to be wedded presently.
一十二时不离别，
Around the clock, Goodwife and Goodman stay together.
郎行郎坐总随肩。
Goodwife sits and walks with Goodman shoulder to shoulder.
买梨莫买蜂咬梨(Never buy the pear bitten by the bee)
英译：吴文南
买梨莫买蜂咬梨，
Never buy the pear bitten by the bee.
心中有病没人知。
The inner sickness nobody will see.
因为分梨故亲切，
Sharing pears renders mutual geniality.
谁知亲切转伤离。
Geniality turns into sad separation unexpectedly.
催人出门鸡乱啼(Goodman is urged to leave home by cocks’ noisy crowing sound)
英译：吴文南
催人出门鸡乱啼，
Goodman is urged to leave home by cocks’ noisy crowing sound.
送人离别水东西。
Goodwife says farewell to Goodman with the river eastbound.
挽水西流想无法，
Goodwife wants to turn the river westward hopelessly.
从今不养五更鸡。
Goodwife will never raise five—night-watch cocks surely.
邻家带得书信归(Neighbors bring back home Goodman’s letters)
英译：吴文南
邻家带得书信归，
The neighbor brings home Goodman’s letters.
书中何字侬不知。
Goodwife can’t read the letter’s characters.
等侬亲口问渠去，
Goodwife will check with Goodman personally.
问他比侬谁瘦肥。
If Goodwife is thin or fat comparatively.
一家女儿做新娘(One neighbor girl is wedded newly)
英译：吴文南
一家女儿做新娘，
One neighbor girl is wedded newly.
十家女儿看镜光。
Ten girls will mirror themselves wistfully.
街头锣鼓冬冬打，
The gong and drums beat boisterously in the street.
打着中心只说郎。
Only to hit her heart for Goodman to meet.
嫁郎已嫁十三年(Goodwife has been married for 13 years)
英译：吴文南
嫁郎已嫁十三年，
Goodwife has been married for 13 years.
今日梳头侬自怜。
Today Goodwife combs her hair in tears.
记得初来同食乳，
Remember the first days of suckling together.
同在阿婆怀里眠。
Rest with Goodman in the arm of in-law mother.
自剪青丝打作条(Goodwife cuts a wisp of her own hair)
英译：吴文南
自剪青丝打作条，
Goodwife cuts a wisp of her black hair.
亲手送郎将纸包。
Goodwife hands it to Goodman in paper fair.
如果郎心止不住，
If Goodman cannot hold the temptation.
看依结发不开交。
Look at Goodwife’s wedlock without separation.
第一香橼第二莲(First come citrons and then the lotus seed)
英译：吴文南
第一香橼第二莲，
First come citrons and then the lotus seed.
第三槟榔个个圆。
The third are betel nuts in round need.
第四芙蓉五枣子，
The fourth is hibiscus and then the date.
送郎都要得郎怜。
They are given to Goodman on his fond plate.
未曾约哥又咁同(Without date, Goodman rushes)
英译：吴文南
未曾食酒面咁红，
Without wine, Goodwife blushes.
未曾约哥又咁同。
Without date, Goodman rushes.
阿哥未曾带手表，
Goodman wears not a wrist watch ever.
老妹无看时辰钟。
Goodwife checks not a clock-timer.
提前三日约好哩(Three days ahead, we made appointment)
英译：吴文南
山岗坡上铲草皮，
Goodwife shovels the turf on the hummock slope.
铲来铲去哥来哩。
Goodwife keeps shoveling for Goodman’s hope.
问我为何这么巧，
Check with Goodwife about the coincident.
提前三日约好哩。
Three days ahead, we made an appointment.
妹也出来等阿哥(Goodwife comes out to meet Goodman literally)
英译：吴文南
日头落山暗摸摸，
After the sunset, it turns dim.
老鼠出来游竹篙。
The mouse scrambles the bamboo tube trim.
狐狸下山打鸡鸭，
The fox goes downhill for the poultry.
妹也出来等阿哥。
Goodwife comes out to meet Goodman literally.
双手捧手郎漱口(For Goodman's gargle, Goodwife hand-scoops the water)
英译：吴文南
割笮割到苦草窝，
Goodwife intends to cut fern but gets eel grass.
割把苦草郎垫坐。
As Goodman's cushion, a handful of grass is cut by Lass.
双手捧水郎漱口，
For Goodman's gargle, Goodwife hand-scoops the water.
莫嫌阿妹手龌龊。
Goodman shall not mind Goodwife’s hand dirtier.
三岔路口要插青(The three-way intersection should have the indicating)
英译：吴文南
老妹约𠊎𠊎来哩，
Goodwife sends Goodman an invitation.
不知要到哪条岭？
Goodman knows not the diverging direction.
山山岭岭有岔路，
The mountain range has the forking.
三岔路口要插青。
The three-way intersection should have the indicating.
当过红贴来请𠊎(It works more than red cards for invitations)
英译：吴文南
阿哥这排妹那排，
Goodman sits on this row and Goodwife that pool.
手拿凳子来招𠊎。
Goodman beckons Goodwife with a stool.
手拿凳子招三下，
For several times, Goodman’s stool motions.
当过红贴来请𠊎。
It works more than red cards for invitations.
开条大路给妹行(Goodman will pave a wide way)
英译：吴文南
落雨三日天无晴，
It has been raining for several days.
水打路基变泥坑。
The rain has rendered the muddy pathways.
今日得知妹来了，
Goodwife is said to come today.
开条大路给妹行。
Goodman will pave a wide way.
妹也倒转等哥归(Goodwife turns back for Goodman’s returning)
英译：吴文南
日头落山渐渐低，
The sun is setting down beyond the mountain tip.
哥拿竹鞭赶牛归。
Goodman drives the cattle back with a bamboo whip.
牛嬷倒转等牛仔，
The cow turns back for the calves following.
妹也倒转等哥归。
Goodwife turns back for Goodman’s returning.
坐在半山等情郎(Goodwife sits on the hillside for Mr. Right)
英译：吴文南
月亮弯弯朦朦光，
The crescent moon sheds the twilight.
坐在半山等情郎。
Goodwife sits on the hillside for Mr. Right.
风吹竹叶披披动，
In the wind, the bamboo leaves rustle.
又惊又喜又心慌。
In Goodwife, anxiety and joy bustle.
阿妹低头等情哥(Goodwife heads down for Goodman due)
英译：吴文南
一坡过了又一坡，
One mountain slope leads to another.
坡坡竹子尾拖拖。
All the slopes see bamboos waver.
竹子低头食露水，
Bamboos bend to sip the dew.
阿妹低头等情哥。
Goodwife heads down for Goodman due.
留朵梅花等妹开(The last won’t bloom until Goodwife’s coming)
英译：吴文南
高山顶上一株梅，
A plum tree is on the mountain higher.
手攀梅花等妹来。
Waiting for Goodwife, Goodman strokes the plum flower.
十朵梅花开九朵，
Nine of the ten plum flowers have been blooming.
留朵梅花等妹开。
The last won’t bloom until Goodwife’s coming.
打开大门看横排(The gate opens to watch the hill path zigzagging)
英译：吴文南
打开大门看横排，
The gate opens to watch the hill path zigzagging.
横排路上望哥来。
Goodwife waits right there for Goodman’s coming.
脚踩竹头望生笋，
Goodwife treads on bamboo stumps for shoots tender.
手攀花树望花开。
Goodwife leans on the tree for the blooming flower.
风筝上天望风流(The kite romances with the wind strong)
英译：吴文南
阿哥恋妹情莫丢，
Goodman and Goodwife’s love is long.
风筝上天望风流。
The kite romances with the wind strong.
韭菜捏叶望长久，
The leek’s leaves pinch to be lengthy.
高山出水望长流。
The peak gurgles to be streamy.
假装担水望情郎(To see Goodman, Goodwife pretends to be a water-carrier)
英译：吴文南
新买水桶两次长，
2 Chi long pails have been bought newly.
扁担挑起下山岗。
Downhill the shoulder poles pails carry.
家中还有一缸水，
At home is still a vat of water.
假装担水望情郎。
To see Goodman, Goodwife pretends to be a water-carrier.
托得莲花笑盈盈(It holds the riant lotus flower)
英译：吴文南
莲叶装水点点清，
The lotus leaves hold water refreshing.
出水莲花香透心。
Fragrant are the lotus flowers bathing.
阿哥好比青莲叶，
Goodman is like the lotus leaf greener.
托得莲花笑盈盈。
It holds the riant lotus flower.
两人共伞露天机(Shared umbrella reveals their loving mystery)
英译：吴文南
顺治相恋到康熙，
From Shunzhi to Kangxi reign, Goodman and Goodwife’s love goes.
恋到乾隆无人知。
Until Qianlong reign, their love nobody knows.
可恨天上落大雨，
Pitiably it rains heavily.
两人共伞露天机。
Shared umbrella reveals their loving mystery.
心头像火外头冷(Her heart is hot but appears cold)
英译：吴文南
不像落雨不像晴，
It looks neither rainy nor sunny.
不像断情不像行。
Goodwife is neither resistant nor acceptant seemingly.
遇到不讲又不笑，
Goodwife is met, without a smile told.
心头像火外头冷。
Her heart is hot, but appears cold.
老妹恋哥要看清(Goodwife loves Goodman with insight)
英译：吴文南
老妹恋哥要看清，
Goodwife loves Goodman with insight.
对面山上怕有人。
Be in the opposite hill, someone might.
如今世界人心恶，
Nowadays the secular are tricky.
地上无风会起尘。
Without wind, the ground is still dusty.
假丢银簪倒转寻(Goodwife pretends to retrieve her silver hairpin lost)
英译：吴文南
阿妹做水过田塍，
For farm work, Goodwife crosses the field boundary.
后面跟来一个人。
A guy is coming on her heel actually.
心想同郎讲句话，
With Goodman, Goodwife wishes to have a word most.
假丢银簪倒转寻。
Goodwife pretends to retrieve her silver hairpin lost.
神仙下界也难猜(Even the heavenly deities simply can’t guess)
英译：吴文南
溪中流水圳里来，
From the ditch comes the stream water.
两人见到莫理睬。
Goodman and Goodwife meet but neglect each other.
两人见到目莫刮，
Goodman and Goodwife are not to ogle or address.
神仙下界也难猜。
Even the heavenly deities simply can’t guess.
两人交情莫出声(Goodman and Goodwife date each other silently)
英译：吴文南
花生开花籽底下，
The peanuts bloom with seeds intangible.
不见结籽只见花。
Only flowers are seen with seed invisible.
表面开花暗结籽，
The peanuts bloom visibly but seed secretly.
两人交情莫出声。
Goodman and Goodwife date each other silently.
惊怕阿哥惹祸灾(Goodwife is afraid of causing Goodman’s tribulations)
英译：吴文南
阿哥要来你就来，
To Goodwife, Goodman is always welcome.
洋布花伞莫送𠊎。
Goodwife accepts no foreign cloth or umbrella handsome.
咁好东西人注目，
They are both so luxurious as to attract attentions.
惊怕阿哥惹祸灾。
Goodwife is afraid of causing Goodman’s tribulations.
石榴断枝因籽多(The pomegranate branch breaks for its fruit seedy)
英译：吴文南
千嘱万嘱嘱亲哥，
Goodman is exhorted repeatedly.
嘱哥恋妹嘴莫多。
Goodman’s love is to be kept secretly.
伯劳话多因嘴死，
The butcher-bird dies for its lips chatty.
石榴断枝因籽多。
The pomegranate branch breaks for its fruit seedy.
壁上挂网斜眼多(The net has way too many eyes on the wall)
英译：吴文南
路上逢妹路下坐，
Goodman meets Goodwife sitting on the roadside.
还没开口笑呵呵。
Goodwife smiles without the mouth opened-wide.
心想同妹共下聊，
Goodman wishes to chat with Goodwife after all.
壁上挂网斜眼多。
The net has way too many eyes on the wall.
两人交情莫透风(Goodman and Goodwife associate with the closed window)
英译：吴文南
麻竹搭桥肚里空，
The Dendrocalamus bamboo bridge is hollow.
两人交情莫透风。
Goodman and Goodwife associate with the closed window.
燕子衔泥口要紧，
The swallow holds mud in the mouth secretly.
蜘蛛结网在肚中。
The spider spins the web in the belly.
哥妹相会要见机(Goodman and Goodwife meet in due time)
英译：吴文南
哥妹相会要见机，
Goodman and Goodwife meet in due time.
两人有情无人知。
Outsiders know not their loving chime.
人多场所莫讲话，
Keep silent in the public place.
转弯抹角笑眯眯。
Both smile in the subtle grace.
阿妹好比一支莲（A lotus Goodwife is compared toward）
英译：吴文南
阿妹好比一支莲，
A lotus Goodwife is compared toward.
莲花开来面向天。
The lotus blooms skyward.
阿哥好比雨点样，
Goodman is like the raindrop.
点点落在花蕊间。
Every raindrop falls on the pistil top.
松树荫里表同心(Under the pine tree, Goodman and Goodwife woo each other)
英译：吴文南
深山松树好遮荫，
In the deep mountain, pine trees serve as nice shelter.
松树荫里表同心。
Under the pine tree, Goodman and Goodwife woo each other.
千年松树莫砍倒，
Don’t cut down the thousand year old pine tree.
万年老妹莫断情。
A million year old Goodwife will never flee.
带子虽短情义长(The belt is short but our compassion forever)
英译：吴文南
五月初五是端阳，
On the lunar 5th of May, Dragon Boat Festival is felt.
送郎带子五尺长。
By Goodwife, Goodman is given a 5 Chi belt.
阿哥莫嫌带子短，
Goodman shall not dislike the belt shorter.
带子虽短情义长。
The belt is short but our compassion forever.
好妹越恋心越开(The nice Goodwife renders Goodman’s heart fly)
英译：吴文南
好花难得共缸栽，
It is rare for nice flowers to share the same pot.
好妹难得恋过来。
It is precious to get Goodwife’s love knot.
好花越栽花越发，
The nice flowers bloom well as time goes by.
好妹越恋心越开。
The nice Goodwife renders Goodman’s heart fly.
满堂佛祖请出庵(Out of the temple, all Buddhas are banned)
英译：吴文南
手拿雨伞上高山，
To climb the high hill, Goodman takes an umbrella.
菩萨庙里把佛参。
In the Bodhisattva temple, Goodman worships Buddha.
若是恋妹恋不到，
If Goodman cannot get Goodwife’s hand.
满堂佛祖请出庵。
Out of the temple, all Buddha are banned.
叮嘱两人莫断情(Both are exhorted to eternally handle)
英译：吴文南
岭岗顶上有茶亭，
The tea-kiosk is on the hill top.
茶亭里面安神明。
Therein is the installed god.
阿哥烧香妹点烛，
Goodman burns incense and Goodwife the candle.
叮嘱两人莫断情。
Both are exhorted to eternally handle.
阿哥敲钟妹打鼓(Goodwife beats the drum while Goodman tolls the bell)
英译：吴文南
西门一出观音堂，
The west gate leads directly to the Guanyin Hall.
阿哥烧纸妹烧香。
Goodman burns paper while Goodwife incense tall.
阿哥敲钟妹打鼓，
Goodwife beats the drum while Goodman tolls the bell.
保佑我俩凑一双。
Bless both of us to be a matched couple well.
带子缠妹妹缠郎(Goodwife is entwined with Goodman at bosom)
英译：吴文南
新做围裙尺二长，
A 1.2 Chi apron is tailored newly.
送给阿妹围身上。
Goodwife wears it around her body.
围裙安有红丝带，
The apron has a red silk ribbon.
带子缠妹妹缠郎。
Goodwife is entwined with Goodman at bosom.
莳来莳去打差行(Goodman seeds the field crisscross purposefully)
英译：吴文南
三月莳田实在忙，
March witnesses busy field seeding.
阿哥莳田妹送秧。
Goodman seeds Goodwife’s seedling.
只想同妹共下聊，
Goodman wishes to chat with Goodwife simply.
莳来莳去打差行。
Goodman seeds the field crisscross purposefully.
哥妹相约屋背岭(On the house back ridge, Goodman and Goodwife date)
英译：吴文南
门口池塘并蒂莲，
Twin lotuses grow in the pond before the gate.
哥妹相约屋背岭。
On the house back ridge, Goodman and Goodwife date.
阿哥装着竹鸡叫，
Like bamboo partridges, Goodman crows.
老妹装着画眉声。
Like blackbirds, Goodwife follows.
夜夜陪哥到天光(As Goodman’s company to daylight so far)
英译：吴文南
日头落山夜风凉，
The sun sets with the cool wind at night.
我拿阿哥比月光。
Goodwife compares Goodman to the moonlight.
老妹好比星子样，
Goodwife is like the star.
夜夜陪哥到天光。
As Goodman’s company to daylight so far.
𠊎妹一走哥就跟(Goodman follows Goodwife right)
英译：吴文南
半夜出门一片星，
A track of stars appear at midnight.
𠊎妹一走哥就跟。
Goodman follows Goodwife right.
𠊎妹一走哥就问，
Goodman will check Goodwife’s whereabouts.
朝望日头夜望星。
Goodman watches the sun at dawn while at dusk starry bouts.
阿哥言语赛蜜糖(Goodman’s words are honey sweeter)
英译：吴文南
日头咁大风咁凉，
The sun is so hot, while the wind cooler.
阿哥言语赛蜜糖。
Goodman’s words are honey sweeter.
阿哥心好人才好，
Goodman is sincere, so he is fraternal.
情义总会久久长。
Mutual friendship will be eternal.
有心交情不会断(The hearty friendship goes forever)
英译：吴文南
石砌墙头不用砖，
The stone walls need no bricks.
陈年老酒不会酸。
The vintage wine hasn’t sour licks.
绸布红花不会谢，
The red silk flower won’t wither.
有心交情不会断。
The hearty friendship goes forever.
不及情妹合郎心(Goodman’s heartstring only Goodwife twirls)
英译：吴文南
百样鸟雀百样音，
Various birds twitter differently.
不及画眉好声音。
Blackbirds warble incomparably.
世上妹子千万个，
In the world are trillions of girls.
不及情妹合郎心。
Goodman’s heartstring only Goodwife twirls.
不是心肝无咁好(Only sweetheart can be so pleasant)
英译：吴文南
不是南风无咁凉，
Only south wind can be so cool and fine.
不是葛藤无咁长。
So lengthy can be only kudzu vine.
不是心肝无咁好，
Only sweetheart can be so pleasant.
不是桂花无咁香。
Only laurel flowers can be so fragrant.
身上无花样咁香(Without flowers, how can she smell sweet and dear)
英译：吴文南
月光无油样咁光？
Without oil, how can the moon be so bright?
井底无风样咁凉？
Without wind, how can the well-bottom shed cool light?
阿妹今年十八九，
Goodwife is eighteen or nineteen this year.
身上无花样咁香。
Without flowers, how can she smell sweet and dear?
石灰落水心就开(In the water, the limestone will melt and wonder)
英译：吴文南
硬硬石头打开来，
The rock is broken up simply.
打开石头烧石灰。
The rock is burned into limestone finally.
郎是石灰妹是水，
Goodman is limestone, while Goodwife water.
石灰落水心就开。
In the water, the limestone will melt and wonder.
只想同郎讲笑谈(Goodwife simply wants to tell Goodman a joke)
英译：吴文南
新买担竿三尺三，
A 3.3 Ci shoulder pole is bought newly.
一心买来学挑担。
For learning to carry a load actually.
不想挑担赚钱用，
Goodwife doesn’t want to make money with the pole.
只想同郎讲笑谈。
Goodwife simply wants to tell Goodman a joke.
哥在山上唱一声(On the mountain, Goodman sings the song loudly)
英译：吴文南
哥在山上唱一声，
On the mountain, Goodman sings the song loudly.
妹在屋里仔细听。
In the house, Goodwife listens carefully.
四脚凳子坐不稳，
Under Goodwife, the four-leg stool shakes.
手里纺纱纺车停。
No more yarns Goodwife’s loom makes.
隔山隔水藤会缠(Over mountains and rivers, the vine will entwine)
英译：吴文南
有情不怕千重山，
A thousand mountains can’t hinder the affection.
有意不怕万口潭。
Ten thousand ponds can’t impede the compassion.
老妹若有真情意，
If Goodwife has affection and compassion fine,
隔山隔水藤会缠。
Over mountains and rivers, the vine will entwine.
哥妹来往路就通(Goodman and Goodwife will easily fare)
英译：吴文南
点火来烧簕头蓬，
The thorns are burned in the fire.
大风越吹烟越浓。
The wind fans the smoke thicker.
烧了簕头开大路，
Burn the thorns to braze the thoroughfare.
哥妹来往路就通。
Goodman and Goodwife will easily fare.
水底来往无人知(They associate with each other secretly at the water bottom)
英译：吴文南
郎是鲫鱼妹是鲤，
Goodman is a crucian carp, while Goodwife a carp common.
水底来往无人知。
They associate with each other secretly at the water bottom.
水底来往无脚迹，
The water-bottom association is traceless.
无人咁话𠊎同你。
Nobody can gossip about you and me doubtless.
竹筒驳水暗中来(The bamboo pipe carries water in a secret pathway)
英译：吴文南
园中菜叶片片开，
The garden vegetables are leafy.
嘱郎摘菜心留在。
Goodman picks vegetables with their hearts in safety.
有心不怕人阻隔，
Where there is a will there is a way.
竹筒驳水暗中来。
The bamboo pipe carries water in a secret pathway.
石板搭桥不用砖(The flagstone bridge needs not a brick)
英译：吴文南
石板搭桥不用砖，
The flagstone bridge needs not a brick.
陈年老酒不会酸。
The vintage wine won’t have a sour lick.
纸画红花不会谢，
Paper pictures or flowers won’t wither.
有心交情不会断。
The heart-to-heart friendship goes forever.
行来行去会成堆(Come-and-go renders the gathering)
英译：吴文南
石榴开花慢慢开，
Pomegranates bloom in no hurry.
哥要恋妹慢慢来。
Goodman loves Goodwife leisurely.
石灰拌沙来铺路，
Limestone and sand mix for road-paving.
行来行去会成堆。
Come-and-go renders the gathering.
花针落海确难寻(Like fishing the embroidery needle in the sea)
英译：吴文南
三弦跌落湖中心，
In the middle of the lake falls the trichord.
我今怎得有知音？
Now how can I get a friend in accord?
阿妹人才天下少，
In this world, Goodwife is a rare talent to see.
花针落海确难寻。
Like fishing the embroidery needle in the sea.
蝴蝶双双在花前(A couple of butterflies hover over the flower)
英译：吴文南
八月十五月团圆，
The lunar August 15 sees the get-together.
蝴蝶双双在花前。
A couple of butterflies hover over the flower.
池中鸳鸯成双对，
Chinese ducks form a couple in the pond.
妹要恋郎正当年。
High time for Goodwife to love Goodman fond.
石榴结籽好叶遮(Pomegranates’ seeds need a nice leaf shelter)
英译：吴文南
闹花花来响花花，
The pomegranates blow boisterously and gorgeously.
一树石榴留岭下。
Under the mountain grows a pomegranate tree lonely.
老妹情义十分好，
Goodwife is such a compassionate partner.
石榴结籽好叶遮。
Pomegranates’ seeds need a nice leaf shelter.
无妹清水化不开(Without Goodwife, it can’t melt in plain water tone)
英译：吴文南
门前桃树阿哥栽，
Goodman planted the front-gate peach trees.
春风不吹花不开。
Flowers won’t blow without spring breeze.
阿哥好比石灰样，
Goodman is like the limestone.
无妹清水化不开。
Without Goodwife, it can’t melt in plain water tone.
莫等花落扑空来(Falling flowers render the futile chime)
英译：吴文南
花正逢时朵朵开，
Flowers are blowing timely and gorgeously.
蝶要恋花快快来。
Butterflies savor the flowers in a hurry.
花开花谢有时节，
Flowers blow and fall in due time.
莫等花落扑空来。
Falling flowers render the futile chime.
梅子黄了要来摘(Plums are ripe for your picking)
英译：吴文南
心肝阿哥要知情，
The darling Goodman is to know.
我今面前无别人。
Goodwife has no other sweetheart now.
梅子黄了要来摘，
Plums are ripe for your picking.
落了梅子枉费心。
Fallen plums render no meaning.
有心搭船赶大水(Take the boat while the river is deep)
英译：吴文南
月光弯弯在半天，
The crescent moon shines in the mid-sky.
船子摇摇在河边。
The boat rocks with the bank nearby.
有心搭船赶大水，
Take the boat while the river is deep.
妹要恋哥赶少年。
Goodwife loves Goodman while young and free.
免得好花任水流(In case the nice flower drifts about)
英译：吴文南
大河流水急湫湫，
Torrential is the great river.
有朵梅花水上浮。
On it flows a plum flower.
哥若有心来捞起，
Goodman is kind to get it out.
免得好花任水流。
In case the nice flower drifts about.
铁打心肝也会软(Iron heart and liver will sound melody)
英译：吴文南
点火来烧石桅杆，
Burn the stone mast with fire.
日日烧来总会断。
It will break in the burning mire.
心肝不是铁打个，
Heart and liver are not irony.
铁打心肝也会软。
Iron heart and liver will sound melody.
喜鹊飞入凤凰台(Magpies fly onto the Phoenix Pavilion)
英译：吴文南
喜鹊飞入凤凰台，
Magpies fly onto the Phoenix Pavilion.
老妹问哥哪里来？
Goodwife asks about Goodman’s origination.
阿哥好比黄蜂子，
Goodman is like a wasp.
因为花香腾风来。
Fly with the wind for floral fragrance to grasp.
伯公无坛做野神(Without altars, the land deity is barbarous)
英译：吴文南
伯公无坛做野神，
Without altars, the land deity is barbarous.
老妹无郎做野人。
Without Goodman, Goodwife is boisterous.
伯公无坛靠大树,
Without altars, the land deity relies on the big tree.
老妹无郎靠谁人？
Without Goodman, who can Goodwife rely on free?
日后无双会寻𠊎(Goodman will check with Goodwife in days coming)
英译：吴文南
上条岌子过横排，
Goodman climbs the ridge and crosses the paddy fields.
阿哥手里拿双鞋。
A pair of shoes Goodman wields.
丢了一只妹捡起，
Goodwife picks up one missing.
日后无双会寻𠊎。
Goodman will check with Goodwife in days coming.
要学前朝两个人(Learn from two people in the dynasty previous)
英译：吴文南
哥妹两人咁有情，
Goodman and Goodwife are mutually precious.
要学前朝两个人。
Learn from two people in the dynasty previous.
用钱要学王公子，
Like Young Master Wang, Goodman spends money generously.
长情要学玉堂春。
Like Yutangchun, Goodwife is passionate eternally.
山歌唔唱唔风流(No romance without mountain song rendition)
英译：吴文南
山歌不唱不风流，
No romance without mountain song rendition.
猪肉不煎不出油。
No oil without the pork decoction.
糍粑不打不滑口，
No smoothness without glutinous rice cake beating.
妹不交到不罢休。
Never let it go until Goodwife is my darling.
老鼠游梁慢慢上(Like mice crawl along the beam leisurely)
英译：吴文南
半壁遮荫无月光，
From the moon, half the wall is sheltered.
哥爱恋妹心莫慌。
For Goodwife’s love, Goodman should not be shuddered.
脱桌食饭莫凑紧，
Goodman has meals off the table in no hurry.
老鼠游梁慢慢上。
Like mice crawl along the beam leisurely.
脚踏竹头等生笋(Goodwife steps on the bamboo stump for shoot)
英译：吴文南
双扇大门单扇开，
The two-panel gate opens on one side.
踏出踏入等哥来。
Goodwife steps in and out for Goodman’s tide.
脚踏竹头等生笋，
Goodwife steps on the bamboo stump for shoot.
手攀花树等花开。
Goodwife leans on the tree for blooming loot.
此树无花等到开(Goodman will wait for Goodwife’s blooming seas)
英译：吴文南
阿妹不约郎也来，
Goodman will also come without Goodwife’s invitation.
劝妹心事要放开。
Goodwife is advised to take a heart-mind relaxation.
别树有花郎不采，
Goodman will not pick flowers from the other trees.
此树无花等到开。
Goodman will wait for Goodwife’s blooming seas.
赶妹年嫩赶妹靓(While Goodwife is young and pretty)
英译：吴文南
哥爱恋妹早开声，
Goodman’s love for Goodwife is to be voiced early.
赶妹年嫩赶妹靓。
While Goodwife is young and pretty.
哥食豆芽贪妹嫩，
Goodman eats bean sprout like Goodwife tender.
妹食牛肉贪郎靓。
Goodwife eats beef like Goodman handsomer.
百斤担子也变轻(A hundred jin load will turn light)
英译：吴文南
山歌又好人又靓，
Nice mountain songs are sung by Goodwife pretty.
画眉难比妹歌声。
Thrushes can match Goodwife in singing hardly.
上岗过坳唱一句，
Hummocks or cols hear a song line right.
百斤担子也变轻。
A hundred jin load will turn light.
越看阿哥越无嫌(Goodwife sees Goodman more and more fondly)
英译：吴文南
门前有钵君子兰，
Before the gate is a bowl of bush lily.
越看阿哥越无嫌。
Goodwife sees Goodman more and more fondly.
从头看到脚下转，
Goodwife appreciates Goodman from head to toe.
无个缺角给妹嫌。
No shortcomings will entail Goodwife woe.
阿哥要医请过来(Goodman is welcome to get medical care)
英译：吴文南
我有山歌一排排，
Goodwife has mountain songs voluminous.
好比子弹打过来。
Like the bullets ferocious.
子弹打中哥的心，
The bullets hit Goodman’s heart-mind there.
阿哥要医请过来。
Goodman is welcome to get medical care.
蓝石泼妮待你爱(Lovely Goodwife of Lan Family awaits your caress)
英译：吴文南
花正逢时笑绽开，
The seasonal flowers bloom gorgeously.
蝶要恋花快扑来。
Butterflies swoop to gather honey.
蓝石泼妮待你爱，
Lovely Goodwife of Lan Family awaits your caress.
莫等花落空悲哀。
Otherwise flowers will fall in futile sadness.
𠊎哥对妹有相帮(To Goodwife, Goodman is helpful)
英译：吴文南
𠊎哥对妹有相帮，
To Goodwife, Goodman is helpful.
挑担等驳情难忘。
To load-carrying Goodman, Goodwife is grateful.
作田帮妹来看水，
Goodman helps to supervise the plowing irrigation.
砍柴帮妹把树上。
Goodman climbs the tree for firewood acquisition.
朝朝夜夜看三下(You have to look over them at dawn and dusk frequently)
英译：吴文南
有心种花服侍花，
If you want to grow flowers, look after them carefully.
朝朝夜夜看三下。
You have to look over them at dawn and dusk frequently.
天晴𠊎就勤浇水，
I will water them frequently in days sunny.
落雨𠊎就脱衫遮。
I will take off shirts to shelter them in days rainy.
心想同郎对一首(Goodwife wishes to sing with Goodman in reply)
英译：吴文南
食饱饭来门前坐，
After the meal, Goodwife comes and sits at the front gate.
听到𠊎郎唱山歌。
Goodwife hears Goodman singing mountain songs up-to-date.
心想同郎对一首，
Goodwife wishes to sing with Goodman in reply.
旁有爷娭无奈何。
Helplessly Goodwife has her parents nearby.
牛子细细角未长(The calf is young without horns long)
英译：吴文南
牛子细细角未长，
The calf is young without horns long.
老妹细细未成双。
Goodwife is young without partners along.
再过两年十八九，
Goodwife will be eighteen or nineteen in two years supposedly.
日唱山歌夜想郎。
She sings mountain songs daily and misses Goodman nightly.
死哩变个杯子来(Death renders Goodman into a cup)
英译：吴文南
恋哥不到死哩来，
Death brings Goodman’s unobtainable love.
死哩变个杯子来。
Death renders Goodman into a cup.
拿起杯子倒茶喝，
Pick up the cup to hold the tea.
自然哥嘴亲前来。
Naturally Goodman’s lips are for me.
山歌桥上结同心(The same heart-mind sings songs of the mountain ridge)
英译：吴文南
同是客家讲乡音，
All the Hakkas speak the local accent.
同唱山歌情更深。
Sing mountain songs with affections magnificent.
山歌拿来搭桥过，
Mountain songs serve as the bridge.
山歌桥上结同心。
The same heart-mind sings songs of the mountain ridge.
山歌有情又有义(Mountain songs are affectionate and chivalrous)
英译：吴文南
山歌唱起闹盈盈，
Mountain songs sound lively.
老妹听哩乐开心。
Goodwife listens happily.
山歌有情又有义，
Mountain songs are affectionate and chivalrous.
唱得老妹来交情。
Mountain songs render Goodwife amorous.
唱个情妹对情郎(To go with Goodman, I will sing Goodwife to be born)
英译：吴文南
要我唱歌我就唱，
If requested, I will sing a song pleasant.
唱个金鸡对凤凰。
To go with a phoenix, I will sing a golden pheasant.
唱个麒麟对狮子，
To go with a lion, I will sing a unicorn.
唱个情妹对情郎。
To go with Goodman, I will sing Goodwife to be born.
只要两人心贴心(So long as both are hearty)
英译：吴文南
唱歌不是比声音，
Singing is not for competing voice.
只要唱来情意深。
Singing is only for loving choice.
恋妹不是论人貌，
Love for Goodwife is not for her beauty.
只要两人心贴心。
So long as both are hearty.
要妹开口妹就难(It is hard for Goodwife’s hearty revelation)
英译：吴文南
门前桐子开白花，
White flowers bloom on the front-gate Chinese parasol tree.
大风吹来满地下。
The strong wind blows the flowers onto the ground free.
妹要恋郎尽开口，
Goodwife’s love for Goodman is to be uttered.
莫做杨梅开暗花。
Unlike waxberry blooms sheltered.
阿哥开口妹喜欢，
Goodwife likes Goodman’s loving expression.
要妹开口妹就难。
It is hard for Goodwife’s hearty revelation.
世上只有藤缠树，
Only the vine entangles the tree.
未曾看见树缠藤。
No trees entangle the vine indeed.
你爱莲花快向前(If Goodman loves lotus, come in a quick way)
英译：吴文南
撑船撑到大路边，
Goodman rows the boat near the highway.
不知老妹要搭船。
Goodwife will be aboard on the way?
妹要搭船就开口，
Goodwife can utter and take the boat without pay.
𠊎哥立刻就泊船。
Goodman will anchor right away.
你爱莲花快向前，
If Goodman loves lotus, come in a quick way.
你爱老妹莫拖延。
If Goodman loves Goodwife, come without delay.
世间只有船泊岸，
Only the boat can anchor by the waterway.
未曾看见岸泊船。
But not the shore anchors the other way.
你要唱歌就唱歌(Sing mountain songs heartily）
英译：吴文南
你要唱歌就唱歌，
Sing mountain songs heartily.
天光回去嘴莫多。
Return home at dawn silently.
若然天光有事件，
If the dawn sees mishap,
麻绳捆来秆索拖。
Hemp and straw ropes trap.
阿哥搭信妹会来(Goodwife will come if Goodman sends a messenger)
英译：吴文南
阿哥搭信妹会来，
Goodwife will come if Goodman sends a messenger.
路上簕头要捡开。
Thistles and thorns are not to be the litter.
路上簕头不捡掉，
If thistles and thorns are in the way,
剐烂衫裤谁人赔？
For the torn clothes, who will pay?
妹子越大越逗人(The older Goodwife grows, the more attraction)
英译：吴文南
山歌越唱越有情，
The more mountain songs, the more compassion.
妹子越大越逗人。
The older Goodwife grows, the more attraction.
好比生蛋鸡卵子，
Like an egg-laying hen little.
咯咯呱呱叫不停。
With the endless cackle.
煮碗粉干加放葱(Cook dried rice noodles with more scallions)
英译：吴文南
煮碗粉干加放葱，
Cook dried rice noodles with more scallions.
老妹情意在其中。
Which embodies Goodwife’s affections.
一碗粉干两个蛋，
With two eggs, a bowl of dried rice noodles go.
阿哥你要食到空。
Goodman should eat them up so.
就像鸡公带鸡嬷(Like the cock leads the hen all in a breath)
英译：吴文南
鸡公头顶开红花，
The cock’s head grows a red flower.
鸡嬷生蛋叫呱呱。
The hen lays eggs and crows louder.
阿哥阿妹同行走，
Goodman and Goodwife walk abreast.
就像鸡公带鸡嬷。
Like the cock leads the hen all in a breath.
怎得同郎共谷仓(How can Goodwife share the barn for good)
英译：吴文南
三月莳田行对行，
March sees the paralleled field seeding.
怎得六月早禾黄？
How can June get the ripe seedling?
怎得禾黄食饱饭？
How can ripe seedlings render enough food?
怎得同郎共谷仓？
How can Goodwife share the barn for good?
咁好日头云遮天（The nice sunshine is cloud-sheltered）
英译：吴文南
咁好日头云遮天，
The nice sunshine is cloud-sheltered.
咁好月光缺半边。
The nice moonlight is half-severed.
咁好妹子无双对，
The nice Goodwife has no pair.
怎得同妹结团圆？
How can Goodman breathe the same air?
要行还得郎近身(Goodman should stand by Goodwife for direction)
英译：吴文南
阿妹可比洋船形，
Goodwife is like a ship.
阿哥可比指南针。
Goodman is like compasses for the trip.
阿妹无哥行不得，
Goodwife can’t go without Goodman’s orientation.
要行还得郎近身。
Goodman should stand by Goodwife for direction.
无情隔壁也枉然(Loveless neighbors render no love vainly)
英译：吴文南
有米煮粥莫嫌鲜，
Never despise the gruel thin.
就怕无米断火烟。
No cooking without rice in.
有情不怕高山隔，
Love transcends the mountain lofty.
无情隔壁也枉然。
Loveless neighbors render love vainly.
风流不做等几时(It is high time for romantic stage)
英译：吴文南
二十一二正当时，
Twenty-one or two is the prime age.
风流不做等几时。
It is high time for romantic stage.
千金买得新娘物，
Thousands of gold can buy bride’s dowry.
万银难买青春时。
Millions of silver can’t buy youthful vitality.
爬篮晒粞片阴阳(Bask rice flour on sifting pans sunny and shady)
英译：吴文南
日头咁大风咁凉，
The sun is so hot with the wind so chilly.
爬篮晒粞片阴阳。
Bask rice flour on sifting pans sunny and shady.
哥像日头好晒粞，
Goodman is like the sun to bask the rice flour.
妹像大风好吹凉。
Goodwife is like the wind for the chilly hour.
登高潭水清又清(The water in the Denggao Pond runs crystally)
英译：吴文南
登高潭水清又清，
The water in the Denggao Pond runs crystally.
轻轻撒网潭中心。
Cast the net into the center of the pond softly.
抓鱼不到不收网，
Never retrieve the net without catching the fish.
恋妹不到不收心。
Obtaining Goodwife’s hand is Goodman’s wish.
老妹咁好真难寻(Goodwife is so nice and hard to seek as partners)
英译：吴文南
山边天上一朵云，
In the sky beyond the mountain, a cloud hovers.
老妹咁好真难寻。
Goodwife is so nice and hard to seek as partners.
咁好老妹恋得到，
If such a nice Goodwife can be my loving breath,
死到阴间会还魂。
Goodman will revive after the death.
万里江山对半分(The whole world will go fifty-fifty)
英译：吴文南
松树顶上生嫩心，
The top of the pine tree grows tender.
妹子人才盖一村。
Goodwife’s talents surpass the villager.
若和妹子有缘分，
If Goodman and Goodwife have affinity,
万里江山对半分。
The whole world will go fifty-fifty.
日后相思莫怪𠊎(I am not to blame for your lovesickness)
英译：吴文南
这个阿哥怎咁歪，
Goodman is so flirty.
目珠下下来看𠊎。
He ogles Goodwife constantly.
你爱看𠊎由你看，
It is your freedom to look reckless.
日后相思莫怪𠊎。
I am not to blame for your lovesickness.
听到声音也开心(Goodwife’s voices are Goodman’s happy gongs)
英译：吴文南
想起月光隔重云，
The moonlight is over the clouds.
想起阿妹隔重林。
Goodwife is beyond forestry shrouds.
阿妹有情唱几首，
If Goodwife likes, sing a couple of songs.
听到声音也开心。
Goodwife’s voices are Goodman’s happy gongs.
你要恋妹坐前来(If you love Goodwife, come to my hut)
英译：吴文南
高山高岭高台台，
The mountains and ridges are lofty.
山岭顶上有好柴。
On the ridge is firewood pretty.
你要用柴快去砍，
If firewood is needed, hurry to cut.
你要恋妹坐前来。
If you love Goodwife, come to my hut.
哥有胆子过来恋(Goodman is bold enough to come for loving lots)
英译：吴文南
哥在这边妹那边，
Goodman is here with Goodwife over there.
隔山隔水难近前。
Mountains and rivers get us nowhere.
灯芯搭桥十八驳，
The wicks establish the bridge with 18 knots.
哥有胆子过来恋。
Goodman is bold enough to come for loving lots.
隔山隔河哥敢寻(Search the hills and rivers Goodman will)
英译：吴文南
撑船不怕河水深，
Pole the boat, unafraid of the water deep.
打猎不怕入山林。
Hunt the game, unafraid of the forest steep.
老妹好比山中鸟，
Goodwife is like the bird in the hill.
隔山隔河哥敢寻。
Search the hills and rivers Goodman will.
花好也要叶来遮(Nice flowers need leaves to shelter)
英译：吴文南
老妹生得一支花，
Goodwife is born as a flower.
花好也要叶来遮。
Nice flowers need leaves to shelter.
阿哥爱花就来摘，
Goodman loves flowers to pick.
莫怕黄蜂路边蛇。
Wasps and roadside snakes are no trick.
敢过高山下深潭(Peaks and ponds are no more detention)
英译：吴文南
有情不怕万重山，
All the peaks can be scaled by passion.
有意不怕万丈潭。
All the ponds can be fathomed by affection.
阿哥如果有情义，
If Goodman has the loving intention.
敢过高山下深潭。
Peaks and ponds are no more detention.
汀州下来十八滩(18 rapids Tingzhou Prefecture sees)
英译：吴文南
汀州下来十八滩，
18 rapids Tingzhou Prefecture sees.
滩滩绕着紫金山。
Around the Zijin Mountain the rapid flees.
紫金山上多景致，
The Zijin Mountain boasts gorgeous sceneries.
缺少芙蓉配牡丹。
Unlucky lack of lotuses to match peonies.
对联拿来架鹊桥(The couplet is used for the magpie bridge purpose)
英译：吴文南
年三十日人团圆，
Chinese New Year’s Eve sees family reunion.
红纸拿来写对联。
The red paper is for the couplet creation.
对联拿来架鹊桥，
The couplet is used for the magpie bridge purpose.
阿妹敢过我敢恋。
If Goodwife dare cross it, Goodman will propose.
心想成双口难言(Unable to utter the wish to be double)
英译：吴文南
碟子种花园分浅，
Plates are too shallow for growing the flower.
扁担烧火炭无圆。
Shoulder poles can’t be burned into charcoal circular.
哑子食着单只筷，
The dumb eat with a chopstick single.
心想成双口难言。
Unable to utter the wish to be double.
妹要恋哥莫怕羞(If Goodwife loves Goodman, be braver)
英译：吴文南
太阳一出红稠稠，
The sun rises and the red approaches.
白鹤落田啄泥鳅。
White cranes light on the field for loaches.
白鹤落田不怕水，
White cranes light on the field unafraid of water.
妹要恋哥莫怕羞。
If Goodwife loves Goodman, be braver.
新打剪刀口难开(The new scissors are not good cutters)
英译：吴文南
一树好花园中栽，
A tree of flowers blows in the garden nice.
花高墙矮伸出来。
The flowers surpass the wall to entice.
哥想上前剪一朵，
Goodman wants to cut a piece with scissors.
新打剪刀口难开。
The new scissors are not good cutters.
未曾采过嫩娇莲(Never lotuses tender and delicious)
英译：吴文南
蝴蝶飞入百花园，
The butterfly flies into the garden of flowers.
采得海棠采得莲。
The crabapple and lotus honey it gathers.
百样鲜花都采过，
It gathers flowers various.
未曾采过嫩娇莲。
Never lotuses tender and delicious.
铁打荷包难开口(The iron Chinese purse is difficult to open)
英译：吴文南
要想上天天咁高，
The sky is too high to ascend.
要想恋妹人咁多。
Goodwife has too many pursuers to contend.
铁打荷包难开口，
The iron Chinese purse is difficult to open.
石上破鱼难开刀。
The stone fish is hard to be knife-smitten.
莫做沙子沉水下(Never follow the sand in the water insulation)
英译：吴文南
好久未曾搭船下，
For long Goodman has not taken the boat ride.
不知河里咁多沙。
Goodman doesn’t know so much sand in the river tide.
妹有心事对郎讲，
Goodman is all ears to Goodwife’s confession.
莫做沙子沉水下。
Never follow the sand in the water insulation.
问妹要桁不要桁(Check with Goodwife if ridge-poles are necessary)
英译：吴文南
合伙造屋好名声，
Goodman and Goodwife are famous for building houses jointly.
郎造门楼妹造厅。
Goodman builds the gatehouse while Goodwife the hall respectively.
两边横屋无树料，
The wood is insufficient for the two wing-rooms simply.
问妹要桁不要桁。
Check with Goodwife if ridge-poles are necessary.
一树杨梅半树红(Half of the waxberries are red on the tree)
英译：吴文南
一树杨梅半树红，
Half of the waxberries are red on the tree.
你做男人胆要雄。
Goodman is to be bold for Goodwife to see.
只要男人先开口，
So long as Goodman proposes.
女人开口面会红。
Goodwife blushes but she disposes.
若要恋妹早开声(Love for Goodwife is to be voiced in a throng)
英译：吴文南
三月莳田水如金，
In March water is precious for growing rice.
禾苗无肥难转青。
Without manure seedlings are hard to grow nice.
若要禾壮早落粪，
Manure is needed to make seedlings strong.
若要恋妹早开声。
Love for Goodwife is to be voiced in a throng.
不知老妹哑了么(Goodman is unsure if Goodwife is dumb or shy)
英译：吴文南
满山树叶响嗬嗬，
The whole mountain trees are rustling.
我今唱了箩打箩。
Goodman’s mountain songs are overwhelming.
不见老妹回一句，
Goodwife has not uttered a single line as reply.
不知老妹哑了么。
Goodman is unsure if Goodwife is dumb or shy.
天上有只老鹞婆(An old hawk is hovering in the sky)
英译：吴文南
天上有只老鹞婆，
An old hawk is hovering in the sky.
因为没食飞咁高。
Without food she flies so high.
哥到妹门来回转，
Goodman rolls before Goodwife’s door.
因为心肝情咁多。
Goodman holds passions more and more.
究竟有情是无情(Love me or not, no longer shy)
英译：吴文南
请问天边那朵云，
Check with the cloud on the horizon.
究竟是晴还是阴？
It is sunny or cloud smitten?
请问身边这个妹，
Check with Goodwife nearby.
究竟有情是无情？
Love me or not, no longer shy.
怎得阿妹金口开(How to get Goodwife to suit)
英译：吴文南
高山岽上种兜梅，
Plant a grove of plums on the mountain.
怎得梅花开开来？
How to render a plum blossom fountain?
怎得梅花结梅子？
How to make plums bear fruit?
怎得阿妹金口开？
How to get Goodwife to suit?
省得阿哥门上坐(Otherwise Goodman will wait on the threshold simply)
英译：吴文南
新做白屋起翘鹅，
The newly-built house is bright with the roof dovetail.
无情老妹等于无。
Heartless Goodwife will turn out to be a fail.
只要老妹回一句，
One reply from Goodwife is needed only.
省得阿哥门上坐。
Otherwise Goodman will wait on the threshold simply.
妹要恋郎快开口(Goodwife’s love for Goodman is to be told quickly)
英译：吴文南
新搭竹棚种苦瓜，
The bamboo shed is to shelter bitter gourd newly.
苦瓜结籽在棚下。
The bitter gourd sets seed under the shed quietly.
妹要恋郎快开口，
Goodwife’s love for Goodman is to be told quickly.
莫作杨梅暗开花。
Never follow the waxberry to bloom secretly.
老妹大了有人求(Grownup Goodwife renders one lovesick)
英译：吴文南
老妹生来轻悠悠，
Goodwife is born slender.
可比深山嫩石榴。
Like remote mountain pomegranates tender.
石榴大了有人摘，
Mature pomegranates will be a pick.
老妹大了有人求。
Grownup Goodwife renders one lovesick.
妹的山歌是本情(Goodwife’s mountain songs are personal)
英译：吴文南
妹的山歌是本情，
Goodwife’s mountain songs are personal.
哪有豆子不缠藤？
All the beans and vines are integral.
泼水也有回头浪，
The splashed water will flash back.
哪有情妹不恋人。
No Goodwife has the loving lack.
哪有谷种不出芽(No seed-grains won’t sprout afterall)
英译：吴文南
日头出山红花花，
The sun rises over the hill red and bright.
妹要恋郎快讲话。
Goodwife’s love is spoken out outright.
哪有田塍不生草，
No ridges won’t grow grass at all.
哪有谷种不出芽？
No seed-grains won’t sprout afterall.
请妹开路给郎行(Goodwife is to lead Goodman for life)
英译：吴文南
心想交情不敢声，
To Goodwife Goodman didn’t dare to propose.
𠊎今问妹几时行？
Now Goodman checks with Goodwife to dispose.
三斤锄头交妹用，
Three jin hoe is shared with Goodwife.
请妹开路给郎行。
Goodwife is to lead Goodman for life.
有了老婆看得出(On Goodman Goodwife will make a dent)
英译：吴文南
上坵麦子下坵禾，
Wheat is planted in the upper patch with rice lower patch.
亏了阿哥无老婆。
Pitiably Goodman has no Goodwife to match.
有了老婆看得出，
On Goodman Goodwife will make a dent.
脚掌落地背会驼。
Goodman stands on foot with back bent.
哪个阿哥是𠊎郎(Which Goodman is Mr. Right)
英译：吴文南
三兜杉树般般长，
Of the same height are three groves of fir trees.
哪兜杉树好做粱？
Which grove of fir trees is good for roof beams?
三个阿哥般般好，
The three Goodman are all nice.
哪个阿哥是𠊎郎？
Which Goodman is Mr. Right?
好妹不用言语多(Goodwife needs no words wasted.)
英译：吴文南
高山顶上挂铜锣，
A gong is hung on the mountain high.
问妹交情有心么？
Check with Goodwife’s loving psych.
好锣不用三下打，
A good gong needs no beats repeated.
好妹不用言语多。
Goodwife needs no words wasted.
看就容易攀就难(It is easier to watch than to climb soon)
英译：吴文南
和妹交情像上山，
Association with Goodwife is like hill climbing.
气又紧来脚又酸。
Goodman is out of breath with feet aching.
阿妹好比月中桂，
Goodwife is like the laurel on the moon.
看就容易攀就难。
It is easier to watch than to climb soon.
请妹送只配一双(Goodwife gives one as pairing pick)
英译：吴文南
因为想妹想得凶，
Goodman misses Goodwife badly.
想了一冬又一冬。
Goodman misses Goodwife daily.
食饭拿起单只筷，
Goodman has meals with a single chopstick.
请妹送只配一双。
Goodwife is requested to give one as pairing pick.
妹有心肝向𠊎么(Goodwife shares the heart loving)
英译：吴文南
半斤猪肉无几多，
Half a jin pork is just a little.
香菇木耳共下煲。
Mushroom and fungus are in the boiling bottle.
𠊎今心肝连着妹，
Now Goodwife is Goodman’s darling.
妹有心肝向𠊎么?
Goodwife shares the heart loving?
样得一起上笼床(How can they share the steaming bed)
英译：吴文南
米筛筛米簸箕装，
Rice is sieved with dustpan as holder.
郎是米来妹是糖。
Goodman is rice and Goodwife sugar.
糯米拿来做甜粄，
Glutinous rice is made into sweet bread.
样得一起上笼床。
How can they share the steaming bed?
打坏田塍合一丘(To Break the Ridge into One Patch of Mud)
英译：吴文南
种田要种上下丘，
Plant the patches of field next to another.
两人眼珠溜又溜。
Goodman and Goodwife ogle each other.
保佑苍天发大水，
Goodman and Goodwife invoke a flood.
打坏田塍合一丘。
To break the ridge into one patch of mud.
逗得蜂蝶来采花(Bees and Butterflies are Teased as Pickers)
英译：吴文南
老妹生得像枝花，
Goodwife is born as pretty as flowers.
逗得蜂蝶来采花。
Bees and butterflies are teased as pickers.
逗得阿哥心火起，
Goodman is teased to get the fire of passion.
黄连甘草泻不下。
Goldthread and liquorices are not satisfaction.
恋妹不到死得成 (Goodman would Rather Die)
英译：吴文南
十八妹来生得靓，
Young Goodwife is born beautiful.
阿哥有心同妹行。
Goodman will walk Goodwife hopeful.
双手揽到妹身上，
Goodman hugs Goodwife like the ties.
恋妹不到死得成。
Goodman would rather die otherwise.
老妹生得好端庄(Goodwife is Born with Dignity)
英译：吴文南
老妹生得好端庄，
Goodwife is born with dignity.
不知好哩哪位郎？
Which Goodman will have her destiny?
好像六月分龙水，
Like the June rain each-dragon-responsible.
不知落在哪村庄。
Which village can enjoy the rain possible?
嘴流口水猴死哩(Watering)
英译：吴文南
老妹生得嫩微微，
Goodwife is born tender.
好像萝卜削哩皮。
Like a peeled turnip slender.
阿哥真想尝一口，
Goodman wishes to have a taste.
嘴流口水猴死哩。
Goodman is watering in haste.
问你阿哥有意么（Check Goodman's Will)
英译：吴文南
捡个石子丢落河，
Pick up a stone to cast it into the river.
问你阿哥有意么？
Goodwife checks with Goodman's mind tender.
有意无意同妹讲，
Please update Goodwife whether or not.
省得老妹想咁多。
To save Goodwife's guess such a lot.
神鬼也知妹无双(Goodwife is Single)
英译：吴文南
我家门前一口塘，
Before my house is a pond.
塘里未曾养鸳鸯。
Where no mandarin ducks are ever found.
单只灯笼庙前挂，
Before the temple is the lantern hung single.
神鬼也知妹无双。
God knows that Goodwife has no couple.
登高潭上登高山(Mountain-climbing)
英译：吴文南
登高潭上登高山，
At Denggao Pond, climb the mountain head.
山顶有株红牡丹。
Atop the peak is a peony red.
看花容易花难摘，
Easier to appreciate the flower than pick.
叹哥年年打孤单。
Goodman is a bachelor for years sick.
可怜阿哥打单身( A Miserable Loner)
英译：吴文南
清明过后是谷雨，
Pure Brightness ushers in Grain Rain.
深山树木发了春。
The forest witnesses trees in burgeoning train.
百般鸟雀配了对，
All the birds and sparrows get the partner.
可怜阿哥打单身
Miserably Goodman is still a loner.
手攀花树问花名(Name Checking)
英译：吴文南
一朵红花路边生，
A red flower blooms on the roadside.
阿哥不知妹姓名。
Goodman doesn't know Goodwife's name bride.
阿哥不知妹名姓，
Goodman doesn't know Goodwife's name.
手攀花树问花名。
Stroke the flower tree to check her fame.
免得你哥问别人（Needless to Check with Others)
英译：吴文南
日头出来红又红，
The sun rises red and red.
郎不知妹哪里人，
Goodman doesn't know where Goodwife is fed.
将根照实给我讲，
Share with me the whole picture.
免得你哥问别人。
Goodman needn't check others' literature.
心想恋妹人又多(Hard to Propose in the Crowd)
英译：吴文南
新做笛子横眼多，
The newly-made flute has too many holes.
心想恋妹人又多。
Wish to propose to Goodwife without too many souls.
百人众里难讲话，
It is hard to say it in the crowd.
暗中问妹有情么？
Secretly check if Goodwife is willing now.
打声“阿嗬”探妹心( A Checking Hello)
英译：吴文南
铜锣不打不知音，
Beat the gong to test the sound.
下河才知水浅深。
The river is waded for depth found.
丢个石子试一下，
Cast a pebble to test the river.
打声“阿嗬”探妹心。
Say hello to check Goodwife's inner.
山歌越唱心越开(The More Mountain Songs, the Happier)
英译：吴文南
山歌越唱心越开，
The more mountain songs, the happier.
唱得龙门八字开。
Songs are the Dragon Gate opener.
唱得云开日头出，
Songs reveal the sun out of the cloud.
唱得老妹坐前来。
Songs make Goodwife come around.
阿妹唱歌莫娇音 （No Girlish Singing Artificialness）
英译：吴文南
阿妹唱歌莫娇音，
Artificial songs are no good for Goodwife dear.
娇音唱来听唔清。
Artificial songs sound unclear.
娇音唱来听唔出，
Artificial songs are hard to figure.
难听难答郎焦心。
Hard listening and replying render Goodman torture.
手攀花树望花开(Flowers Out)
英译：吴文南
有好山歌唱起来，
Sing the mountain songs fine.
有情老妹坐前来。
Goodwife is welcome to mine.
水浸豆子望芽出，
Soak the bean to sprout.
手攀花树望花开。
Stroke the tree for flowers out.
哥问老妹弹（谈）不弹(Play/Chat or not)
英译：吴文南
四两猪肉四两盐，
Four liang pork and salt respectively.
哥问老妹咸不咸？
Goodman asks Goodwife if it is salty.
𠊎今送来六角琴，
Goodman brings the concertina now.
哥问老妹弹（谈）不弹？
Goodman aks Goodwife to play(chat) or not.
节节唱来节节回( Goodwife Echoes)
英译：吴文南
手搬竹子两头垂，
Lift the bamboo with two ends bending.
郎打山歌妹来回。
Goodwife responds to Goodman's song initiating.
手搬竹子十八节，
Lift the bamboo with 18 knots.
节节唱来节节回。
Goodwife sings back to all the dots.
老妹山歌出了名(Goodwife's Famous Mountain Songs)
英译：吴文南
黄毛鸭子脚不停，
Fledgeling ducklings are moving all the time.
老妹山歌出了名。
Goodwife's mountain songs are famous chime.
东西南北唱一转，
Goodwife sings mountain songs all around.
皇帝娘娘不敢声。
Emperor and empress don't dare to sound.
一首无妹唱唔成（No Goodwife, No Songs)
英译：吴文南
客家山歌最出名，
Hakka mountain songs are the most famous.
首首山歌有妹名。
With Goodwife, evey mountain song is prestigious.
首首山歌有妹份，
Every mountain song has Goodwife's share.
一首无妹唱唔成。
Without Goodwife, no mountain songs fare.
单妹一人对得开（Goodwife Alone)
英译：吴文南
哥有山歌就唱来，
Goodman sings mountain songs if available.
妹的山歌就跟来。
Goodwife will respond as soon as possible.
你有山歌尽管唱，
Goodman sings mountain songs at will.
单妹一人对得开。
Goodwife alone can handle it still.
唱得百鸟都来朝（Birds Echo and Flock for Worshipping)
英译：吴文南
山歌越唱音越高，
Mountain songs rise higher and higher.
月弦来和九龙箫。
The crescent echos the nine-dragon fluter.
阿哥唱来妹答对，
Goodwife responds to Goodman's singing.
唱得百鸟都来朝。
Birds echo and flock for worshipping.
水勺越打越流来（Ladling More)
英译：吴文南
山歌越唱歌越来，
Sing mountain songs more and more.
只因老妹好口才。
Just because of Goodwife's eloquent lore.
就像深山清泉水，
Like the deep mountain spring water.
水勺越打越流来。
The more water the ladle will usher.
妹若有情应一句(Goodwife's Willful Response)
英译：吴文南
深山大树好遮荫，
In the deep mountain, big trees are shady.
只听山歌不见人。
Only mountain songs are audible without humanity.
妹若有情应一句，
Goodwife's resposne is needed at will.
省得阿哥满岭寻。
Save the Goodman's trek overhill.
老妹生得好目神（Goodwife's Dear Glance)
英译：吴文南
老妹生得好目神，
Goodwife boasts a glance dear.
就像潭水透鲜明。
Like the pond water crystal clear.
左目刮来右目转，
Two eyes google around.
刮来刮去好迷人。
Like a charming sound.
你唱百来𠊎唱千(Following Suit)
英译：吴文南
你唱山歌𠊎紧听，
Listen to Goodman singing mountain songs leisurely.
你唱百来𠊎唱千，
Goodman sings songs and Goodwife echoes enthusiastically.
你的牛肉好下酒，
Goodman's beef goes well with wine.
𠊎的粉干好当餐。
Goodwife's dried rice noodles are thine.
又白又嫩又端方(White, Tender and Sturdy)
英译：吴文南
山歌好唱难起腔，
Mountain songs are nice with hard key tone.
豆腐好吃难磨浆。
Bean curd is tasty but pulp hard to hone.
阿哥生得豆腐样，
Goodman looks like bean curdy.
又白又嫩又端方。
White, tender and sturdy.
恋郎要恋读书子( Goodman of a Scholar)
英译：吴文南
剁柴要剁向阳岭，
Cut firewood from sunny hilliness.
贪佢燥来贪佢轻。
Crave for its driness and lightness.
恋郎要恋读书子，
Long for Goodman of a scholar.
贪佢有才贪佢靓。
For his talent and exemplar.
哥妹风流一般般(Goodman and Goodwife Shine Alike)
英译：吴文南
三月里来三月三，
March sees the March 3rd like.
哥妹风流一般般。
Goodman and Goodwife shine alike.
郎咁标致妹咁靓，
Goodman is handsome and Goodwife a beauty.
恰似芙蓉配牡丹。
A good match just like lotus and peony.
容貌赛过牡丹花（More beautiful Than Peonies)
英译：吴文南
我今看妹真不差，
Goodwife seems nice really.
容貌赛过牡丹花。
Your beauty surpasses the peony.
人才盖过十八省，
Your talent exceeds all provinces together.
言语当过嫩细茶。
Your words are more gentle than tea tender.
盲讲先笑会迷人( Voiceless Charming Smile)
英译：吴文南
蚕豆花开蝴蝶形,
Broad beans bloom like butterflies.
红红绿绿撩弄人。
Red and green tantalize human ties.
阿妹可比蚕豆花,
Goodwife is like broad bean flowers.
盲讲先笑会迷人。
Voiceless but charming smilers.
五色云霞盖天下（Overwhelming Goregeous Clouds)
英译：吴文南
老妹生得好斯文，
Goodwife is born courteous.
好比天上五色云。
Like the clouds goregeous.
五色云霞盖天下，
The colorful clouds overwhelm the earth under.
老妹斯文盖一村。
Goodwife's courtesy surpasses the whole villager.
面容极像观世音（Like the Goddess of Mercy)
英译：吴文南
老妹生得笑吟吟，
Goodwife is born smiley.
面容极像观世音。
Look like the Goddess of Mercy.
坐像武后登基体，
Sit like Empress Wu Zetian in inauguration.
站像莺莺听月琴。
Stand like Yingying enjoying Pipa recreation.
再好文才难成行( Not a Fair Line )
英译：吴文南
日头一出沿壁上，
The sunshine rises up the wall into the air.
哥在楼上写文章。
Goodman is composing essays upstair.
妹在楼下走三转，
Goodwife is circling several times donwstair.
再好文才难成行。
No talents can compose a line fair.
不需打扮有咁香（Natural Beauty）
英译：吴文南
猪肉煮酒不需汤，
Pork boiled in wine needs no soup arch.
粥汤洗衫不需浆。
Clothes washed in porridge need no starch.
念妹要念后生妹，
Love the young Goodwife.
不需打扮有咁香。
With natural beatuty she is rife.
阿妹生得嫩葱葱( A Tender and Slender Goodwife)
英译：吴文南
阿妹生得嫩葱葱，
Goodwife is born tender and slender.
未曾食酒面会红。
Her face turns red before the wine holder.
牙齿可比高山雪，
Her teeth are as white as high mountain snows.
嘴唇可比月月红。
Her lips are as red as a China rose.
心中想妹不敢声（Missing Goodwife Silently）
英译：吴文南
东边落雨西边晴，
It rains in the east but shines in the west.
新作田塍不敢行。
The new filed path I am afraid to test.
灯芯搭桥不敢过，
Dare not to cross the bridge made of wick.
心中想妹不敢声。
Miss Goodwife only in a silent trick.
相送几首好呀么(Sharing Songs)
英译：吴文南
又想上天天咁高，
Wish to rise to the sky but too high.
又想唱歌又无歌。
Want to sing songs without songs nigh.
妹唱山歌十分好，
Goodwife sings mountain songs excellent.
相送几首好呀么。
Share with me a few songs magnificent.
哪有后生不贪花( Youngmen and Flowers)
英译：吴文南
新作田塍种簕瓜，
The field is plowed newly for cucumber.
日里拖藤夜开花。
By day they vine and by night flower.
哪有开花不结籽，
They flower to get the seed.
哪有后生不贪花。
Flowers are what youngmen need.
两人搭起对歌台（Antiphonal Singing）
英译：吴文南
讲唱山歌两人来，
Mountain songs need two to perform.
两人搭起对歌台。
Two establish the singing platform.
男的专唱梁山伯，
Liang Shanbo is played by men.
女的专唱祝英台。
Zhu Yingtai is played by women.
随水流到妹身旁（The River Linking Goodwife）
英译：吴文南
汀江河水水流长，
On and on runs theTingjiang River.
妹在河边洗衣裳。
On the river Goodwife is the washer.
唱首山歌丢落水，
Cast a mountain song into the water.
随水流到妹身旁。
Follow the river to be Goodwife's partner.
郎若恋妹赛山歌(Goodman Getting Goodwife as a Singer)
英译：吴文南
鸬鹚出世爱下河，
Cormorants are born for rivers.
鸡嬷生蛋爱守窝。
Hens lay eggs as caretakers.
人家娶妻用银钱，
Others marry wives with silver.
郎若恋妹赛山歌。
Goodman gets Goodwife as a singer.
不如山歌来开头(Initiating Mountain Songs)
英译：吴文南
无牛犁田用锄头，
Without cattles hoes are good for ploughing.
恋妹不到用计谋。
Tricks are employed for the girl's loving.
百般计谋都用过，
All the tricks turn to be fugitive.
不如山歌来开头。
Or rather mountain songs are initiative.
唱首山歌试妹心（A Mountain Song to Test Goodwife）
英译：吴文南
十八老妹滴滴亲，
Goodwife of 18 is my lovable.
浑水过溪不知深。
The muddy water is unfathomable.
丢个石子试深浅，
Throw a stone to check the water.
唱首山歌试妹心。
Test Goodwife as a mountain singer.
客家山歌名声扬（Famous Hakka Mountain Songs）
英译：吴文南
客家山歌名声扬，
Hakka mountain songs are famous.
首首山歌情义长。
All mountain songs are virtuous.
句句唱出郎心事，
All the lines express Goodman's secrets.
字字唱出妹心肠。
All the words chant Goodwife's tenets.
难得各位到岭下（Lingxia Welcoming Rare Quests）
英译：吴文南
难得各位到岭下，
Welcome to Lingxia, rare Guest.
又无糕饼又无茶。
Neither cake nor tea is available at best.
茶叶还在茶树上，
The tea leaves are still on the tree.
糕饼还在商店家。
The cake is still at the shop to see.
啀今唱歌无口才(Songs without Eloquence)
英译：吴文南
啀今唱歌无口才，
I can't sing songs with eloquence.
师傅还未教足啀。
I haven't grasped the master's excellence.
再过两年学足了，
Learn for two more years.
那个猴头当得啀。
Who can match my ears?
因为同人对山歌（Crossing Mountain Songs）
英译：吴文南
柴无砍到捡杉毛，
I gathered fir leaves without firewood.
今日回家挨打多。
Today I returned to get beating good.
问我为何要挨打？
Why on earth did I get beaten?
因为同人对山歌。
Crossing mountain songs were maken.
地方官府事头多（The Troublesome Local Government）
英译：吴文南
地方官府事头多，
The local government is troublesome.
张榜发令要禁歌。
Singing prohibition is irksome.
要是山歌禁得住，
If mountain songs can be prohibited.
文武秀才会断科。
Scholars of civil or martial arts can't be enlisted.
担竿也从嫩笋来（Shoulder Poles from Bamboo Shoots）
英译：吴文南
唱歌不怕叔公来，
Sing mountain songs without fear of uncles.
叔公也从后生来。
Younger and older generations are cycles.
人人有过十七八，
Everyone used to be a teenager.
担竿也从嫩笋来。
Shoulder poles are from bamboo shoots slender.
唱歌不怕老古格( Free Mountain Songs)
英译：吴文南
唱歌不怕老古格，
Mountain songs are free of old regulations.
厅堂中间也唱得。
The hall is also a good place for recitations.
哪个敢来说两句，
Who on earth dares to find fault?
胡须一抓嘴一塞。
Grasp his beards to fill his mouth.
唱歌就要人来和（Singing Needs Echoing）
英译：吴文南
写字就要墨来磨，
Handwriting needs grinding ink.
唱歌就要人来和。
Singing needs echoing tink.
写字不怕大张纸，
Paper is never too big for handwriting.
唱歌不怕人头多。
The more singers the better for singing.
山溪怎能比大河（Streams Matching No Rivers）
英译：吴文南
讲唱山歌我不多，
I can't sing mountain songs so much.
只是不奈人情何。
我今好比山溪水，
山溪怎能比大河？
莫说山歌唱得尽（Endless Mountain Songs）
英译：吴文南
山歌越唱越有来，
The more we sing, the more mountain songs will be.
越有越唱心越开。
The more we sing, the more joys come to me.
莫说山歌唱得尽，
Mountain songs will come to a stop never.
柑子食完柚出来。
Mandarin oranges will be the grapefruit usher.
句句唱来劝大家（Admonishing Songs）
英译：吴文南
山歌唱来不会差，
Mountain songs are admonishing.
句句唱来劝大家。
All the lines are advising.
唱到水落见石子，
Mountain songs reveal stones in the river.
唱到河里无水下。
Mountain songs cut the river shorter.
讲唱山歌我不愁(Easy Mountain Songs)
英译：吴文南
讲唱山歌我不愁，
Singing mountain songs is easier.
我是河中大石头。
I am the boulder in the river.
挡过几多大浪水，
So many waves are blocked.
撞坏几多铁船头。
So many iron prows are rocked.
要唱山歌赶年轻（Sing Mountain Songs While Young）
英译：吴文南
讲唱山歌我先行，
I will initiate mountain songs long.
要唱山歌赶年轻。
While young, sing the mountain song.
年纪到了五六十，
At the age of fifty or sixty.
有好山歌无好音。
Songs find no good voice quality.
山歌要唱琴要弹（Mountains Songs with Love Lutes）
英译：吴文南
山歌要唱琴要弹，
Sing mountain songs and play the love lute.
人无二世在人间。
One has only one life in the world absolute.
人无二世人间在，
One has only one life but the histories amount.
花无白日红在山。
Flowers have not the sun but redden the mount.
山歌不唱忘记多（Endless Singing of Mountain Songs ）
英译：吴文南
山歌不唱忘记多，
Mountain songs go on with singing.
大路不行草成窝。
Roads turn weedy without treading.
快刀不磨会生锈，
Knives become rusty without sharpening.
胸膛不挺背会驼。
Hunch sets in without up-standing.
山歌不唱气难消（Grievances without Mountain Songs）
英译：吴文南
山歌不唱气难消，
Mountain songs kill grievances.
就像田鸡绑了腰。
Like rice frogs' binding tolerances.
田鸡拿来对腰绑，
On the waist, rice frogs are bound.
一肚闷气怎能消？
A belly of grievances will pound.
山歌不唱气不消（Grievances without Mountain Songs ）
英译：吴文南
山歌不唱气不消，
Mountain songs kill grievances.
就像田鸡绑了腰。
Rice frogs binding tolerances.
田鸡拿来对腰绑，
一肚闷气怎能消？
山歌唱来真是奇（Magic Mountain Songs）
英译：吴文南
山歌唱来真是奇，
Mountain songs are magic.
句句山歌入情理。
All are realistic and romantic.
唱哩山歌解心结，
Songs untie the mental knot.
无愁无结快乐哩。
Without sorrows, only happy lot.
山歌不敢肚里藏(No Hiding Mountain Songs)
英译：吴文南
山歌不敢肚里藏，
Mountain songs are not to be hidden.
有歌不唱塞心肠。
Hidden songs will get bowels rotten.
有歌不唱人会病，
Hidden songs will make one sick.
华佗摸脉无药方。
Even Huatuo can't pulse the trick.
百病不用医生医 （Unnecessary Doctors ）
英译：吴文南
山歌不是坏东西，
Mountain songs are not bad.
又解愁闷又充饥。
They kill hunger and sad.
山歌唱来解百病，
Mountain songs are cure-all.
百病不用医生医。
Doctors are unnecessary at all.
烦闷还靠歌解愁（Songs killing Sorrows）
英译：吴文南
日日唱歌润喉咙，
Daily songs clear the throat.
睡觉还靠歌垫头。
Songs serve as pillow and coat.
三餐还靠歌送饭，
Songs savor the three meals.
烦闷还靠歌解愁。
Sorrows are killed in singing deals.
山歌不是唱轻浮（No Frivolous Mountain Songs）
英译：吴文南
山歌不是唱轻浮，
Mountain songs are not frivolous.
只是唱来解忧愁。
Sing songs to kill the callous.
唱到忧愁随水去，
Until sorrows are gone with the river.
唱到云开见日头。
Until the sky clears up with the sun over.
上代祖宗带了头( Songs Initiated by Ancestry)
英译：吴文南
山歌唱来不是妖，
Singing mountain songs is not heresy.
句句唱来解心愁。
All the lines kill sorrows in reality.
山歌不是我才唱，
Songs are not sung by me only.
上代祖宗带了头。
It was initiated by our ancestry.
怪我爷娭无牙根（Parents' Lenient Education）
英译：吴文南
松树根来桑树根，
The root of pine tree or mulbery tree.
唱条山歌大家听。
Sing a piece of mountain song free.
不怪老妹无规矩，
Don't blame Girl for no restriction.
怪我爷娭无牙根。
Parents are to blame for lenient education.
出门三步唱山歌（Three Step Mountain Songs）
英译：吴文南
出门三步唱山歌，
Three steps initiate a mountain song surely.
有人问我怎咁乐？
Someone checks why I am so leisurely?
祖坟葬在风流岭，
The ancestral grave is on the romantic range.
命带桃花无奈何。
Destined romance is what God arrange.
唱歌要唱有情歌（Love Songs Only）
英译：吴文南
唱歌要唱有情歌，
Sing love mountain songs only.
无情山歌莫唱多。
Sing few loveless songs simply.
穿衣要穿软绸缎，
Silk fabric wears best.
粗布衣衫谁人无。
Coarse cloth is a jest.
肚里山歌万万千（Bountiful Mountain Songs in the Belly）
英译：吴文南
一把芝麻撒上天，
Into the sky is sesame cast handful.
肚里山歌万万千。
The belly holds mountain songs bountiful.
南京唱到北京转，
Fom Nanjing to Beijing songs are sung.
归来还唱两三年。
Back for a couple of years with songs rung.
山歌越唱越出来（More Mountain Songs）
英译：吴文南
山歌越唱越出来，
The more we sing, the more mountain songs.
好比青龙翻云海。
Like azure dragons soar in the cloud sea.
云海翻腾龙张口，
珍珠八宝吐出来。
会唱山歌成歌仙（Fairy Mountain Songs）
英译：吴文南
唱歌不是人发癫，
Singing is not a mad thing resented.
风流快乐代代传。
Merry romance is to be inherited.
广西桂林刘三姐，
In Guilin Guangxi, Liu Sanjie a folk lover.
会唱山歌成歌仙。
Moutain songs render her a fairy singer.
噢呵打来就接声（Hello Initiating Echo）
英译：吴文南
噢呵打来就接声，
Hello initiates the sure echo.
不知你今在哪岭！
To which ridge you will go?
过岭越岌寻不到，
Cross ridges to find you are out of sight.
石灰衍路打白行。
Limestone finds no white trails right.
我今开头你来和（Singing Back ）
英译：吴文南
岭上唱歌打“噢呵”，
Hello initiates hilltop songs long.
我今开头你来和。
Sing back to my initiating song.
听到山歌要回话，
Sing songs back as a treat.
不敢装聋作哑痨。
No deaf or dumb cheat.
采编：简焕镇 英译：吴文南
一颗树子矮杜杜，
A tree is short and torn.
莫嫌阿哥着烂裤。
Boy's clothes are worn.
待得几年风水转，
Every dog will have its day.
礼帽眼镜西装裤。
Hat, glasses and suit come his way.
高山顶上一柱香，
Burn incense on the top of hill.
对面阿哥山歌唱，
Boy sings mountain songs at will.
朝夜想妹郎心痴，
Boy misses Girl all day long.
相思路上妹想郎。
Girl misses Boy in the song.
妹抛一张大鱼网，
Girl casts a big fishing net.
尽想网回负心郎。
Wish the unfaithful boy to get.
郎让阿妹心好苦，
Boy renders Girl bitter.
妹失阿哥会断肠。
Leaving Boy makes Girl suffer.
客家人（Hakkas）
作者：吴文南
三江平原客家人，
The three river plains host Hakka inhabitant.
土楼山歌风俗淳。
Tulou holds mountain songs and mores elegant.
客家方言中原韵，
Hakka dialect sounds Central China pristine.
忠爱家国祖训闻。
Patriotism constitutes the ancient Hakka doctrine.
客家人（Hakkas）
英译：吴文南
无山不住客，
All the mountains can hold the Hakka habitant.
无客不住山，
All the Hakkas live in the mountain pleasant.
有山就有客，
In all the mountains, there are Hakkas existent.
有客就有客家山歌。
With Hakkas, there are Hakka Mountain songs excellent.
客家山歌（Hakka Mountain Songs）
作者：吴文南
客家山歌走四方，
Hakka mountain songs are spread worldwide.
土楼余韵把梦装。
Legacies of Round Earthen Buildings keep the dream inside.
魂牵梦萦客家话，
Hakka Dialects are always haunting.
忠义勤俭耕读忙。
Royalty, diligence and thriftiness are in busy farming and reading.
讲唱山歌大家来（Sing Mountain Songs Together）
英译：吴文南
讲唱山歌大家来，
Let's sing mountain songs together.
好好坏坏唱起来；
Good or bad singing is not a matter.
青山竹子走入海，
Green hills and bamboo the seas enter.
溪里石头浮起来。
Rocks show up from the river.
要唱山歌难起头（Hardship in Initiating Mountain Songs）
英译：吴文南
要唱山歌难起头，
Initiating mountain songs is hard for singers.
木匠难建走马楼。
Zouma Tower is hard for carpenters.
石匠难打石狮子，
Stone lions are hard for stonecutters.
铁匠难打水吊钩。
Water-lifting hooks are hard for forgers.
土楼山歌颂党恩(Tulou Mountain Songs of the CPC)
作者：黄文东 英译：吴文南
金秋十月稻花香，
Rice fragrance emits in golden October.
两千代表聚一堂。
Two thousand representatives gather.
举世瞩目二十大，
The world is held in the 20th Congress.
神州大地赞歌扬。
Cathay sings high praise of progress.
二十大精神放光芒，
The spirits of the 20th Congress radiate.
客家子女心欢畅。
The Hakkas sing and congratulate.
土楼山歌唱一曲，
Earth Buildings sing a mountain song.
深情礼赞共产党。
Praise Communist Party of China long.
十年奋斗铸辉煌，
A decade strive shapes prosperity.
盛世中国谱华章。
China poses grand chapters of vitality.
沧桑巨变惊天地，
The vicissitude holds the world in wonder.
中华民族傲东方。
Chinese nation soars in the oriental louder.
伟大征程党领导，
The Party leads the great expedition.
披荆斩棘向前方。
Blaze a trail towards the orientation.
举国同奔复兴路，
The whole nation strives for rejuvenation.
踔历奋发勇担当。
Bravely stride and shoulder the obligation.
绿水青山百花香，
Clear rivers and green hills with flowers sweet.
红土老区大变样。
Red old liberated areas turn pages in fleet.
乡村振兴传捷报，
Rural rejuvenation renders news of victory.
国泰民安幸福长。
Happiness is kept in national prosperity and security.
永定是个好地方（Wonderful and Elegant Yongding ）
英译：吴文南
永定是个好地方，
Yongding is a place wonderful and elegant.
青山绿水百花香。
Green hills and clear rivers with flowers fragrant.
和谐家园人人赞，
Everyone will praise her harmonious neighborhood.
国泰民安幸福长。
Happiness is kept in national prosperiy and peaceful livelihood.
月色朗哟菊花黄，
The moon is bright with chrisanthemun yellow.
客家子女走四方。
Young Hakkas the world expedition follow.
开疆拓土创伟业，
They expand and establish enterprise grand.
客家精神铸辉煌。
The spirit of Hakkas renders the wonderland.
客家精神代代传，
The spirit of Hakkas is inherited by generations.
千年祖训记心上。
Ancient doctrines of ancestors are in memorization.
先贤典范垂千古，
The examples of ancient worthies will be immortal.
家国情怀续华章。
The patriotism will open a new page crystal.
山歌唱得心欢畅，
Mountain songs make the joy smitten.
土楼飞出金凤凰。
From Earth Buildings fly phoenixes golden.
闽西子女豪气壮，
Western Fujian offsprings are aspirational.
新长征路耀荣光，
The new long march pursues glory eternal.
砥砺奋进新时代，
Forge ahead into the new generation.
谱写世纪新篇章。
The century will pose a new compositon.
采桑歌（Mulberry-Picking Songs）
作者：李天生 英译：吴文南
披濛细雨落洋洋，
I brave the drizzling droplet,
𠊎拿桑篮去采桑。
I pick mulberry with basket.
桑篮挂在桑树上，
The basket is hung On the mublerry tree.
百幅罗裙绣鸳鸯，
Mandarin ducks swim on embroidered skirts free.
风吹罗裙满村香。
The whole village is ringed with fragrant glee.
十八妹 滴滴亲
Dear Goodwife
明日情哥爱出门，
Goodman will leave home tomorrow,
恩爱夫妻情难舍。
Lovers endure no separating sorrow.
只因情哥家里贫，
Only that Goodman is in poverty.
无可奈何出远门。
Go on a long trip unavoidably.
十八哥 滴滴亲
Dear Goodman
情哥不要太伤心，
Goodman needn't worry.
目前生活有困难。
Just hadrship temporary.
总爱两人有决心，
So long as we have a will.
劳动致富做赢人。
Diligence brings fortune still.
十八妹 滴滴亲
Dear Goodwife
妹个言语值千金，
Goodwife's words are dear.
妹个言语纸包去。
Goodwife's words are near.
留来日后见真情，
Reserved for the loving future.
妹妹是否有决心。
Goodwife, are you sure?
客家郎（Hakka Brothers）
英译： 吴文南
迎风斗浪涉重洋，
Oceans are crossed against torrential weathers.
血汗造就客家郎。
Blood and sweat render the Hakka brothers.
生死全凭真勇气，
Critical choices are made by simple bravery.
一曲山歌牵肚肠。
A piece of mountain song taps the memory.
𠊎屋下（My Home）
作者：卢江平 英译：吴文南
蓝天白云溪水绿，
White cloud and blue sky enjoy the green stream.
青山脚下屋连屋。
Green mountains overlook the linking house dream.
𠊎个屋下山水靓，
My hometown boasts landscape gorgeous.
永定就是𠊎屋下。
Yongding is my hometown marvelous.
土楼人家好风俗，
Earthen Buildings toast the virtuous family.
相亲互爱很和睦。
They love each other in great harmony.
同一屋檐遮风雨，
Under the same roof , we are sheltered.
共担艰难同享福。
With the same joy, hardship is shouldered.
故土难离想老屋，
Old houses are an attchment reminicent.
想到老屋很幸福。
Old houses are a yearning magnificent.
圆圆土楼圆圆月，
Earthen buildings match the moon round.
家乡就是𠊎归宿。
East west home is the best found.
𠊎屋下（My Home）
作者：卢江平 英译：吴文南
蓝天白云溪水绿，
White cloud and blue sky enjoy the green stream.
青山脚下屋连屋。
Green mountains overlook the linking house dream.
𠊎个屋下山水靓，
My hometown boasts landscape gorgeous.
永定就是𠊎屋下。
Yongding is my hometown marvelous.
上家教子下家乖，
Mutual neighorhood teaching is simple.
哥就哥来叔就叔。
Brother is brother and uncle is uncle.
淳朴民风爱传承，
Rustic folk custom is to be inherited.
劝你有空多归屋。
Going home more is to be suggested.
故土难离想老屋，
Old houses are an attachment reminiscent.
想到老屋很幸福。
Old houses are a yearning magnificent.
圆圆土楼圆圆月，
Earthen buildings match the moon round.
家乡就是𠊎归宿。
East west home is the best found.
𠊎屋下（My Home）
作者：卢江平 英译：吴文南
蓝天白云溪水绿，
White cloud and blue sky enjoy the green stream.
土楼成群屋连屋。
Earth buildings link each other into a dream.
𠊎个屋下讲客话，
My home fellows speak Hakka dialect.
方圆内头嘿梓叔。
The dwellers are all relatives to collect.
土楼人家嚯和睦，
Earthen Buildings toast the harmonious family.
相亲互爱好习俗。
Mutual love boasts the customs friendly.
同一屋檐遮风雨，
Under the same roof, we are sheltered.
共担艰难同享福。
With the same joy, hardship is shouldered.
上家教子下家乖，
Mutual neighborhood teaching is simple.
哥就哥来叔就叔。
Brother is brother and uncle is uncle.
淳朴民风代代传，
Rustic folk custom is to be inherited.
耕读传家薪火续。
Farming and reading are to be treated.
故土难离想老屋，
Old houses are an attachment reminiscent.
想到屋下嚯幸福。
Old houses are a yearning magnificent.
虽然𠊎今在他乡，
In alien land I am roaming around.
家乡就是𠊎归宿。
East west home is the best found.
唱到团圆共桌坐(Singing for Meals Together)
英译：吴文南
高山顶上唱山歌，
Mountain tops see song singers.
飞过高山飞过河。
Songs fly over mounts and rivers.
唱到亲人来见面，
Sing until relative's seeing each other.
唱到团圆共桌坐。
Sing until family's meals together.
山歌好唱口难开（Hard Singing of Nice Mountain Songs）
英译：吴文南
山歌好唱口难开，
Mountain songs are hard to sing but melodious.
李子好食树难栽。
Plum trees are hard to grow but fruit delicious.
白米好吃田难做，
Fields are hard to till but rice marvellous.
溪鱼好吃网难开。
Nets are hard to cast but river fish precious.
八月十五看月光（Moonlight of August 15）
英译：吴文南
八月十五看月光，
August Fifteen enjoys the moonlight.
看到鲤鱼跟水上。
Carps up the stream come into sight.
鲤鱼唔怕漂江水，
Carps are not afraid of the stream.
恋妹唔怕路头长，
No roads can hinder my girl dream.
千里路头及平常。
Ten thousand li road is not exteme.
八月十五看月华，
August Fifteen enjoys the moonlight.
郎出月饼妹出茶。
Boy's mooncake matches girl's tea right.
妹食月饼甜到肚，
Girl tastes the mooncake sweet.
哥食细茶开心花，
Boy sips the girl's tea beet.
情投意合共一家。
Body and soul combine into a fleet.
八月十五月团圆，
The moon of August Fifteen sees get-gether.
粉丝炒面缠对缠。
Silk and fried noodles entangle each other.
妹子有情郎有意，
Girl sees eye to eye with Boy.
永久相好万万年，
For millenia love to enjoy.
永久相好万万年。
For millenia love to enjoy.
客家山歌远传扬（Widespread Hakka Mountain Songs）
英译：吴文南
客家山歌远传扬，
Hakka mountain songs are widespread.
条条唱出情义长。
In each line, passion and loyalty are read.
句句唱出郞心事，
Each line sings out the dream boy's mind.
声声唱出妹心肠。
Each word sings out the girl's dream behind.
客家喜欢打山歌（Hakkas Playing Mountain Songs）
英译：吴文南
长江流水波连波，
Overlapping waves run with the river long.
客家喜欢打山歌。
Hakkas like playing the mountain song.
从前唱断铁锁链，
The iron shackle was broken in singing yesterday.
如今唱出新山河。
A new landscape is created in singing today.
阿哥出门往南洋（Goodman Leaving for Southeast Asia）
张冬梅版， 英译：吴文南
阿哥出门往南洋，
Goodman leaves for Southeast Asian.
漂洋过海出外乡。
Cross the ocean to the barbarian.
嘱哥身体爱保重，
Goodman keeps good health.
保重身体得安康，
Good health is the best wealth.
人争口气佛争香。
Buddha relishes incense and men breath.
阿哥出门往南洋，
Goodman leaves for Southeast Asian.
两人情份爱久长。
Our love is Auld Lang Syne Eurasian.
堂上双亲𠊎孝顺，
Goodwife takes care of parents.
一切事情妹担当，
Goodwife deals with incidents.
亲哥在外莫思量。
Goodman needs no worry about accidents.
阿哥出门往南洋，
Goodman leaves for Southeast Asian.
妹有言语嘱亲郎。
Goodwife reminds Goodman patient.
亲郎赚钱爱寄转，
Goodman is to make remittance.
家中还有老爷娘。
Remember parental existance.
离乡背井望春光。
Leave hometown for magnificance.
阿哥出门往南洋（Goodman Leaving for Southeast Asia）
李福渊版， 英译：吴文南
阿哥出门往南洋，
Goodman leaves for Southeast Asian.
漂洋过海出外乡。
Cross the ocean to the barbarian.
嘱哥身体爱保重，
Goodman keeps good health.
保重身体得安康，
Good health is the best wealth.
人争口气佛争香。
Buddha relishes incense and men breath.
阿哥出门往南洋，
Goodman leaves for Southeast Asian.
两人情份爱久长。
Our love is Auld Lang Syne Eurasian.
亲哥到了南洋后，
When Southeast Asia is reachable.
书信快快寄回乡，
Mails are posted as soon as possible.
免得老妹挂心肠。
To avoid Goodwife's worries terrible.
阿哥出门往南洋，
Goodman leaves for Southeast Asian.
妹有言语问亲郎。
Goodwife checks with Goodman patient.
亲哥何时动身转，
When will Goodman home return?
妹在码头等阿郎，
Goodwife awaits Goodman at wharf in turn.
合家团圆喜洋洋。
Family reunion renders happiness certain.
阿哥出门往南洋（Goodman Leaving for Southeast Asia）
李天生版， 英译：吴文南
阿哥出门往南洋，
Goodman leaves for Southeast Asia.
一路行程路头长。
It is a long long way like Persia.
亲哥到了南洋后，
When Goodman reaches the destination.
书信赶快写回乡，
Mails are posted without hesitation.
免得老妹挂心肠。
To avoid Goodwife's worrying affliction.
永定全牛宴（Yongding All the Cattle Feast）
作者：张冬梅 英译：吴文南
美食美味斗芬芳,
Hakka delicacies boast tastes fragrant.
金秋硕果堆满仓。
Golden autumn promises harvest exuberant.
永定美食全牛宴，
All the cattle feast is a Yongding delicacy.
神仙都想下凡尝。
To the secular world descend all the deity.
莫信缅北是天堂（Northern Burma No Heaven）
作者：赖祥麟 张冬梅 英译：吴文南
听讲缅北是天堂，
Northern Burma is heaven allegedly.
做梦都想去那乡。
Wish to go there dreamily.
千方百计搞偷渡，
Illegal migration is done by hook or crook.
骗过执法骗过场。
Cheat the law executor to have a look.
猪朋狗友黑心肠，
Fair weather friends are black-hearted.
骗你偷渡无商量。
Into illegal migration you are cheated.
去到缅北才知死，
Northern Burma lets you bite the dust.
电信诈骗骗亲乡。
Telecome fraud targets relative's trust.
赌博好比烂泥塘，
Gambling is as rotten as the muddy pond.
诱赌参赌把情伤。
Gambling lure and participation hurt long.
钱财输光欠重债，
Wealth is gambled away with debt heavy.
悔恨当初迷鬼窍，
Brainwash has been done remorsefuly.
沉重教训记心上。
Remember the good lesson heartily.
山歌不唱愁闷多（No Mountain Songs, No Pleasures）
英译：吴文南
胸部不挺背会驼，
The bent back will turn into a hunch.
大路不行草成窝。
Untrodden roads are reduced to a weedy bunch.
钢刀不磨黄锈起，
Unsharpened steel knives get rusty measures.
山歌不唱愁闷多。
No mountain songs mean no pleasures.