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.

[VERSE 1]

青青子衿，
Qīngqīng zi jīn,
悠悠我心。
yōuyōu wǒ xīn.
縱我不往，
Zòng wǒ bù wǎng,
子寧不嗣音？
zi níng bù sì yīn?

[VERSE 2]

青青子佩，
Qīngqīng zi pèi,
悠悠我思。
yōuyōu wǒ sī.
縱我不往，
Zòng wǒ bù wǎng,
子寧
zi níng
不來？
bù lái?

[VERSE 3]

不來？
Bù lái
挑兮達
Tiāo xī tá,
在城
Zài chéng
闕兮
què xī.

一日不見，如三
Yī rì bùjiàn, rú sān
月兮。
yuè 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:
You with the blue collar,
How my heart yearns for you,
Though I cannot go and visit,
Why won’t you write?

You with the blue sash,
How I constantly think of you.
Though I cannot go and visit,
Why won’t you come to me?

Eagerly I search for you,
Pacing to and fro -
Atop the city wall.
A day without seeing you,
Feels like three months.

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