Hurtin', Leavin' and Longin' (2)—Autumn Chill

Click here to read the introduction to the Round and Square series Hurtin', Leavin', and Longin'.

[a] Autumn twilight     RF

This will be another brief post. When it comes to lyrics, it is often best to let them do the heavy interpretive lifting for themselves. Throughout the world, autumnal references share similar qualities. Before you study the words (and listen to them sung), take a moment to reflect on autumn and its various qualities. There is joy, to be sure, but it is very often mixed with a wistful feeling that the warm, yang weather is fleeting, and is soon to give way to the cool yin mists of early winter. Happiness is momentary; sadness can be enduring. This is the way that some poets have interpreted these matters.

Take a look at the lyrics written by Green Daniel and Gretchen Peters—and sung by George Strait. Then examine the pithy little poem by the Tang dynasty (618-906) master, Li Bo (Li Bai). We are not looking here for lyrics that are "exactly the same" (that would be dull, indeed). Take the time to notice the themes of wind, chill, longing, and even bitterness. The "direction" of the two sets of lyrics is different, of course, but the heavy, brooding weightiness of autumn remains.

We will return to autumnal themes often in this series, and will explore lyrics from China, Japan, Korea, and...Texas (and beyond).

[b] Strait   RF

 George Strait

"Chill of an Early Fall"

(Green Daniel, Gretchen Peters—songwriters)

Well her old friend  

From her old end of town  
Dropped by today  
And way down deep inside of me  
Something died when he came 'round  
To see her that way

Here it comes again  
That same old chilly wind will blow
Like a cold winter squall

And I'll begin to feel

The chill of an early fall
 

And I'll be drinkin' again

And thinkin' whenever he calls

There's a storm comin' on

And it won't be too long

Till the snow falls

Oh, I'll be sober some

But when October comes and goes

In no time at all

I'll begin to feel the chill of an early fall

Oh, how quick they slip away

Here today and gone tomorrow

Loving seasons never stay

Bitter winds are sure to follow

Now there's no doubt

It's gonna be cold out tonight

I've shivered all day

And when I look in her eyes

Even to hold her so tight

She just looks away

Oh, she'll swear that it's true

He's just someone she knew long ago

But I'll know that 's not all

And I'll begin to feel 

The chill of an early fall

George Strait, "Chill of an Early Fall"

For advice on how best to "engage" the lyrics, click here.

Li Bo  (701-762)
"Song of Autumn Winds"

The autumn winds are lonely and cool
The autumn moon is bright
Swirling leaves cluster and disperse
A wary jackdaw perches, pauses, and is startled anew
Tangles of memory—will we meet again?
This hour, this evening, my emotions in tumult. [1]

[1] 全唐詩 184.26. Complete Tang Poems 184.26. Translated (freely) by Robert André LaFleur.

     

[c] Corvusmonedula (寒鴉)  RF

秋風詞    
秋風清    
秋月明      
落葉聚還散    
寒鴉栖复驚      
相知相見知何日      
此時此夜難為情

NEXT      
Sunday, May 15th    
Old Memories
Memories and music. Emotion and jukeboxes. Or lutes. These are weighty combinations, my friends. Prepare yourself as next weekend approaches, when Keith Whitley meets Li Qingzhao.