Sun in the East 東方之日

ZY THE WAY’s “Sun in the East 東方之日” illuminates their distinctive blend of ancient Chinese poetry and contemporary jazz, creating a fresh and vibrant soundscape. Originating from Taipei, Taiwan, the band has been captivating audiences since 2019 with their innovative approach, merging timeless verses from the Classic of Poetry (Shijing 詩經) with the dynamic rhythms and harmonies of modern jazz. By reimagining these 3000-year-old texts, ZY THE WAY breathes new life into the cultural heritage of the Chinese diaspora, offering a unique musical experience that bridges the ancient and the contemporary.

“Sun in the East 東方之日” is the third single from their eagerly awaited debut album "Then And Now 溯", scheduled for release on November 8th, 2024. Following their acclaimed singles “Ten Acres” and “Blue Collar 子衿,” this track illuminates an ancient love poem that depicts an unusual daytime rendezvous between lovers. Scholars have long debated why this tryst occurs under the sun, breaking the norm of nocturnal meetings. One compelling interpretation suggests that the sun and moon serve as metaphors for the lover’s beauty and radiance, rather than merely indicating the time of day.

In “Sun in the East 東方之日,” ZY THE WAY masterfully captures the enigmatic charm of the poem, immersing listeners in a timeless narrative of love and longing. The song's intricate jazz arrangements and poignant lyrics underscore the emotional depth and historical resonance of this ancient tale, showcasing ZY THE WAY’s distinctive ability to bridge the past and present through their music.

東風之日 Sun in the East

東方之日兮，彼姝者子，在我室兮。在我室兮，履我即兮。
東方之月兮，彼姝者子，在我闥兮。在我闥兮，履我發兮。

English Translation:

Sun in the East,
This lovely girl is in my chamber,
In my chamber.
Quietly she comes to me.

Moon in the East,
This lovely girl is behind my doors
Behind my doors.
Quietly she leaves.

Poetry Interpretation:

This song depicts a lover’s tryst. Scholars remain puzzled by why the tryst took place during the day, contrary to the usual practice. One explanation is that the eastern sun and moon are metaphorical, they are meant to depict the beauty and radiance of the lover rather than simply denote the time of day.

感受如東方烈日般炙熱的愛戀，這首歌曲捕捉情侶在白日之下的激情密會，巧妙運用天體意象，展現情人猶如日光般奪的美貌。

Written by Dr. Annie Luman Ren

Sun in the East 東方之日

[VERSE 1]
東方之日兮，
東方之日兮，彼姝者子，
在我室兮。

在我室兮，
履我即兮。

[VERSE 2]
東方之月兮，彼姝者子，
在我闥兮。

在我闥兮，
履我發兮。

[CHORUS]
東方之日兮，
東方之日兮.

SOLOS

[CHORUS]
東方之日兮，
東方之日兮.