The Cold Dew clears the autumn sky Distant mountains stretch wide and high A lonely peak stands tall and bright While clouds still drift in soft, thin light In this quiet place, I sigh At the weight that holds me tight Birds fly free, and I just stare Wishing I could join them there In this quiet place, I sigh At the weight that holds me tight Birds fly free, and I just stare Wishing I could join them there Time is fleeting, slipping by With a heavy heart, I wonder why Longing for the peace I seek In the hills where beauty speaks If one day I find my way I’d never let the mountains fade away Never let this view fade away In the woods, the birds take flight Basking in the sun’s warm light I look down at the road I tread Worn and weary, full of dread In this quiet place, I sigh At the weight that holds me tight Birds fly free, and I just stare Wishing I could join them there Time is fleeting, slipping by With a heavy heart, I wonder why Longing for the peace I seek In the hills where beauty speaks If one day I find my way I’d never let the mountains fade away Never let this view fade away If peace were mine, if rest would come I’d live beneath the southern sun With all the beauty at my side I’d stay where freedom can’t be denied Time is fleeting, slipping by With a heavy heart, I wonder why Longing for the peace I seek In the hills where beauty speaks If one day I find my way I’d never let the mountains fade away Never let this view fade away If peace were mine, I’d stay And let the mountains guide my way This song is adapted from Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Jiuling’s poem on the Cold Dew. Cold Dew is the 17th of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms.