An Evening of Poetry and Music – Traces of Previous Lives and Love Songs for the Homeland, Part 14 of a Multi-part Series

This is another song from composer Phạm Duy. Please listen to the song titled “Let’s Not Be Apart.” “Let us not be apart; Let us not forget each other Let us not leave each other in adversities Let us not desert each other, in pain or in joy. Do not depart in haste; do not let go of each other Do not abandon our first dream Though the night is ever ephemeral. Life passes by, envy arises Yet the heart still sweetly yearns Serenading songs of deep affection Let us not be restless; let us hide not our tears Lament not unhappy fates For the faraway river is ever faithful. One day, when we help each other cross the bridge of life On our last resting place, the golden moon still shines. Let us not be apart; Let us not forget each other Let us not desert each other, through mountains and abysses. Let us not be apart; Let us not forget each other Let us express our sorrow Do not leave with sad words unspoken. Do not depart with haste, forever be unwavering We’ll always be close as each other’s shadow Following the beloved into eternity. Let us not be apart; Let us not forget each other Let us not desert each other, through mountains and abysses. Let us not be apart; Let us not forget each other Let us express our sorrow Do not leave with sad words unspoken. Do not depart with haste, forever be unwavering We’ll always be close as each other’s shadow Following the beloved into eternity. Following the beloved into eternity.”

Ladies and gentlemen, you have just enjoyed the performance of Tuấn Ngọc and Thái Thảo. Ladies and gentlemen, next in the program, let us recall “The Magical Years,” composed by Phạm Duy, and sung by Thái Hiền. “These magical years, nurtured in mother’s tender embrace The stream of milk from the ancient past still flows The magical years arrive when we’re just grown Clothes no longer fit, new ones on the way These magical years, immersed in father’s sweet voice His baritone voice singing a melodious folk song This magical time, spending with loving siblings With grandparents, white-haired and faces that tell the passage of time Neatly combed hair, youthful, not yet long Clogs we have, and new shoes too”

Once again, please listen to “Taking You to the Grotto of Yellow Flowers.” A poem by Phạm Thiên Thư, set to music by Phạm Duy, will be presented and sung by Duy Quang. “Once upon a time, a royal court official resigned his position. He traveled to the mountains, searching for the grotto of yellow flowers, missing his beloved. Though disliking torrential downpour, Still you came with me to the bridge where water was flowing downstream. This river current moved only in one direction. Clouds at the source imbued your hair at river’s end. Long ago, when you were still not married, In springtime, a vibrant peach-blossom gown you wore. In autumn you donned the color of the sky, the bluest. Come winter you changed into a flowery garment. Once upon a time, a royal court official resigned his position. He traveled to the mountains, searching for the grotto of yellow flowers were deep in slumber. Alas, now that you don’t love me anymore, I shall climb atop a grapefruit tree and shed my tears quietly! Let it be, our final rest in the twilight; Let it all be, yet the pain is inescapable!”