I lift my drink and sing a song,
for who knows if life is short or long?
对酒当歌,人生几何?
Man's life is but the morning dew,
past days many, future ones few.
譬如朝露,去日苦多。
The melancholy my heart begets,
comes from cares I cannot forget;
慨当以慷,忧思难忘。
What can unravel these woes of mine?
I know but one drink – Du Kang Wine.
何以解忧?惟有杜康。
Disciples dress in blue,
my heart worries for you.
青青子衿,悠悠我心。
You are the cause,
of this song without pause.
但为君故,沉吟至今。
Across the bank a deer bleats,
in the wild where it eats.
呦呦鹿鸣,食野之苹。
Honored my guests I salute,
strike the harp! Play the flute!
我有嘉宾,鼓瑟吹笙。