Ten Acres 十畝之間

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 詩經)'—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 十畝之間," 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 十畝之間' 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,
十畝之間兮
Shí mǔ zhī jiān xi,
桑者
sāng zhé
桑者閑，
sāng zhé xian
行子還
xíng zi xuán
行與子還兮
xíng yǔ zi xuán xī
還兮。
xuán xī.

[Verse 2]
Come on,
十畝之外，
Shí mǔ zhī wài,
桑者
sāng zhé
桑者泄泄兮，
sāng zhé yì yì xi,
行子還
xíng zi xuán
行與子浙兮
xíng yǔ zi shì xī.
浙兮。
shì xī.

Lyrics are based on the poem 'Ten Acres of Leisure 十畝之間’ from ‘Book of Poetry (Shijing 詩經)’ 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.