Blue Collar 子衿

ZY THE WAY’s “Blue Collar 子衿” continues their groundbreaking exploration of ancient Chinese poetry through contemporary jazz. Originating from Taipei, Taiwan, ZY THE WAY has been pioneering a unique sound since 2019, merging 3000-year-old folk poetry from the Classic of Poetry (Shijing 詩經), compiled by Confucius, with modern jazz and futuristic compositions. Their innovative approach breathes new life into these ancient texts while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese diaspora.

This single, “Blue Collar 子衿,” is the second release from their highly anticipated debut album "Then And Now 溯", set for release on November 8th, 2024. Following the success of their EP 'A Different Destiny', this track vividly brings to life an ancient love poem, highlighting the poignant emotions of longing and separation. The term "blue collar," historically referring to young scholars in Imperial China, contrasts with its modern association with manual labor, adding depth and historical resonance to the narrative.

The poem at the heart of “Blue Collar 子衿” is a captivating love song between two young lovers. In Imperial China, “blue collar” signified the attire of scholars, not laborers. The term qing 青, meaning both green and blue, evokes youth and vitality. The poem’s enigmatic context—whether the young scholar faced the trials of examinations or visited family in the countryside—transcends time, capturing the universal pangs of separation and yearning for reunion.

子衿 Blue Collar

青青子衿，悠悠我心。縱我不往，子寧不嗣音？
青青子佩，悠悠我思。縱我不往，子寧不來？
挑兮達兮，在城闕兮。一日不見，如三月兮。

English Translation:

You with the blue collar,
How my heart yearns for you,
Even though I cannot go and visit,
Surely you can write to me?

You with the blue sash,
How I constantly think of you.
Even though I cannot go and visit,
Surely you can come to me?

Eagerly I search for you,
Pacing and peering atop the city wall.
A day without seeing you,
Feels like three months.

Poetry Interpretation:

This is a captivating love song between two young lovers. Unlike the contemporary association of "blue collar" with manual laborers, in Imperial China, the term refers to young scholars donning blue collars. In Chinese, the colour qing 青, which can mean both green and blue, evokes a sense of youth, freshness and vigour. Though the exact context remains an enigma - perhaps the young student had been away to face the trials of examinations or perhaps the student was visiting family in the countryside - the pangs of separation and the fervent yearning to be reunited transcend the boundaries of time and language through this powerful and evocative narrative.

“一日不見，如三月兮” 這句強烈而簡潔的表達，超越了時間和文化的界限，生動地刻畫了分離的痛苦與迫切渴望重聚的心情。當代觀眾在表達愛與思念時，仍然頻繁引用這句出自《詩經》的歌詞，彰顯了《詩經》中情感的深邃與持久的共鳴。

Written by Dr. Annie Luman Ren

Blue Collar 子衿

[VERSE 1]
青青子衿，
悠悠我心。
縱我不往，
子寧不嗣音？

[VERSE 2]
青青子佩，
悠悠我思。
縱我不往，
子寧
不來？

[VERSE 3]
不來？
挑兮達
在城
闕兮

一日不見，如三
月兮。

SOLOS

[VERSE 1]
青青子衿，
悠悠我心。
縱我不往，
子寧不嗣音？

[VERSE 2]
青青子佩，
悠悠我思。
縱我不往，
子寧
不來？

[VERSE 3]
不來？
挑兮達
在城
闕兮

一日不見，如三
月兮。