The Best Chinese Folk Music with Lyrics
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Looking for some great Chinese folk music to listen to? Check out our top picks, complete with lyrics so you can sing along!
Chinese Folk Music
The best Chinese Folk music has existed for centuries and has been passed down through the generations. This rich history can be seen and heard in the music itself. There are many different types of Folk music, each with their own unique style and sound. Today, we will be discussing some of the best Chinese Folk music with lyrics.
Origins of Chinese Folk Music
Chinese folk music has a long history and can be traced back to the earliest times. There is evidence of folk music in ancient Chinese texts, and it is thought that the first folk songs were created by the working people of China who used music to express their daily life experiences.
The origins of Chinese folk music are closely linked to the country’s geography and climate. The vast majority of the country is made up of mountains, rivers and plains, which have all shaped the music that comes from these regions. For example, the music from the mountainous regions is often described as being “high-pitched” and “lively”, while the music from the plains is said to be “soothing” and “melodic”.
Climate also plays a role in shaping Chinese folk music. The hot summer months bring out lively and upbeat tunes, while the cold winter months are perfect for slower, more reflective songs. Spring and autumn are considered to be the best times for folk music, as they are said to provide the perfect balance between energy and calm.
Types of Chinese Folk Music
There are many different types of Chinese folk music, each with its own unique history and origins. While some folk music is still regularly performed in traditional ceremonies and celebrations, other types have become more modernized and are now enjoyed by people of all ages. Here is a look at some of the most popular types of Chinese folk music:
1) Suona Music – Often referred to as the “king of folk instruments”, the suona is a type of double-reed horn that originated in China. It is commonly used in Chinese folk music and can be heard in both traditional and modern songs.
2) Erhu Music – The erhu is a two-stringed bowed musical instrument that originated in China. It is one of the most popular instruments in Chinese folk music and can be used to play both fast-paced and slow melodies.
3) Pipa Music – The pipa is a four-stringed lute that originated in China. It is commonly used in Chinese opera and traditional music performances, and has a distinctive sound that is often compared to the sound of a river flowing.
4) Dizi Music – The dizi is a flute that originated in China. It is commonly used in Chinese folk music, particularly in regional styles such as Cantonese and Hakka. The dizi has a unique sound that is often described as “soaring” or “bubbly”.
5) Guzheng Music – The guzheng is a plucked zither that originated in China. It has a wide range of tones and can be used to play both fast-paced and slow melodies. Guzheng music is often used in traditional ceremonies and celebrations.
Best Chinese Folk Music
Chinese folk music has a long and rich history. It is often used in films and television shows to provide an authentic Chinese feel. Folk music is usually associated with the countryside and is often used to tell stories or express emotions.
“The Moon Represents My Heart”
“The Moon Represents My Heart” is a popular Chinese folk song which was composed in the 1960s. The song is about a young woman’s love for her homeland, and her longing to return home. The lyrics are written in both Mandarin and Taiwanese, and the melody is based on a traditional Taiwanese folk song. The song has been covered by many artists, including Teresa Teng, one of the most popular Chinese singers of all time.
“Jasmine Flower”
“Jasmine Flower” (茉莉花) is a traditional Chinese folk song from the Qing Dynasty. The song is about a young woman who is in love with a man who is not interested in her. She compares herself to a jasmine flower, saying that she will never be as beautiful as the flower, but she hopes that someday he will notice her.
The lyrics of “Jasmine Flower” are written in classical Chinese, and the melody is based on a traditional Chinese pentatonic scale. The song has been covered by many artists, including Zhou Xuan, Wang Feifei, and Liu Huan. It was also used as the theme song for the television drama “The Story of Yanxi Palace.”
“In the Deep Mountains”
“In the Deep Mountains” (Chinese: 深山老林; pinyin: Shēnshān Lǎolín) is a popular Chinese folk song from the mountainous regions of central and southern China. The song is often played on the erhu, a two-stringed Chinese fiddle.
The lyrics talk about the beauty of nature, and how the mountains are a refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life. The singer longs for the peace and quiet of the mountains, where they can be free from the worries of everyday life.
The song has been covered by many different artists, including Wang Feng, Jay Chou, and Teresa Teng. It has also been featured in several Chinese films and TV shows.
Chinese Folk Music with Lyrics
“The Moon Represents My Heart” Lyrics
The moon represents my heart
满月代表我的心
It’s been so long since we’ve been apart
我们分开已经好久了
I wish you were here with me tonight
我希望你今夜和我在一起
So we could look at the stars and the moon together
这样我们就能一起看星星和月亮了
The moon represents my heart
满月代表我的心 (x2)
“Jasmine Flower” Lyrics
“Jasmine Flower” is a well-known Chinese folk song. The lyrics describe the scent of jasmine flowers in the springtime.
Jasmine flowers, jasmine flowers
Oh, how sweet the scent of jasmine flowers
In the springtime, in the springtime
The air is filled with the fragrance of jasmine flowers
Mmm, what a lovely smell
It reminds me of happy times from long ago
Whenever I smell jasmine flowers
I can’t help but smile
“In the Deep Mountains” Lyrics
In the deep mountains
Lonely and remote
I hear the sound of a flock of birds
And the voice of the spring breeze
All day long I work in the fields
At night I lie in my bed
Sometimes I think of my hometown
And feel so sad
The boundless deep mountains
The surging rivers and streams
How can I forget my native land
Or the love of my kin?
