Ten Acres 十亩之间

Zy The Way is a dynamic musical ensemble based in Taipei, Taiwan, renowned for its seamless fusion of ancient Chinese poetry with contemporary jazz and sounds. Comprised of professional musicians and a multimedia artist, Zy The Way merges the rich cultural heritage of 3000-year-old Chinese folk poetry from the Classic of Poetry (Shijing 诗经)'—compiled by Confucius himself—with innovative and futuristic musical compositions. Drawing inspiration from diverse genres, their music offers a captivating and thought-provoking sonic journey that transcends traditional boundaries.

Their single "Ten Acres 十亩之间," marks the first release from their highly anticipated debut full-length album. Building on the success of their EP ‘A Different Destiny,’ Zy The Way seeks to further elevate their fusion of ancient Chinese poetry with modern sounds. This track masterfully brings the poem 'Ten Acres of Leisure 十亩之间' to life, evoking the serene rural life where mulberry planters, typically women, enjoy their leisure, their laughter resonating across the fields. It offers a refreshing perspective from a woman's voice, rarely represented in ancient Chinese texts, shedding light on their significant contributions to ancient society, while embodying the harmonious tranquility of rural existence.

[Verse 1]
Come on,
十亩之间兮
Shí mǔ zhī jiān xi,
桑者
sāng zhé
桑者闲，
sāng zhé xian
行子还
xíng zi xuán
行与子还兮
xíng yǔ zi xuán xī
还兮。
xuán xī.

[Verse 2]
Come on,
十亩之外，
Shí mǔ zhī wài,
桑者
sāng zhé
桑者泄泄兮，
sāng zhé yì yì xi,
行子还
xíng zi xuán
行与子浙兮
xíng yǔ zi shì xī.
浙兮。
shì xī.

Lyrics are based on the poem 'Ten Acres of Leisure 十亩之间’ from ‘Book of Poetry (Shijing 诗经)’ as compiled by Confucious 3000-years-ago

English Translation:
Between their ten-acre field
Mulberry planters stand idly.
‘If you are going, I’ll come with you’ says one to another.

Beyond their ten-acre field
Mulberry planters move idly.
‘If you are going, I’ll walk with you’ says one to another.

Translation by Dr Annie Luman Ren from the Australian Centre on China in the World.