Yuan Dynasty

叨叨令·道情（二）

Dāodāolìng · Dàoqíng (èr)

邓玉宾

Dèng Yùbīn

Yī gè kōng pínáng bāoguǒ zhe qiān chóng qì,

一个空皮囊包裹着千重气，

Yī gè gān kūlóu dǐngdài zhe shí fēn zuì.

一个干骷髅顶戴着十分罪。

Wèi érnǚ shǐ jìn xiē tuō dāo jì,

为儿女使尽些拖刀计，

Wèi jiāsī fèi jìn xiē dān shān lì.

为家私费尽些担山力。

Nín xǐng de yě me gē,

您省的也么哥，

Nín xǐng de yě me gē?

您省的也么哥？

Zhè yī gè chángshēng dàolǐ hé rén huì?

这一个长生道理何人会？

Translation

This empty skin-bag wraps a thousand layers of vexation; this dry skeleton carries a full burden of guilt. For children one exhausts every scheme; for family property one spends strength enough to carry mountains. You should wake up, brother, you should wake up. Who truly understands the principle of long life?

Analysis

This second song is sharper and more visceral than the first. By calling the body an “empty skin-bag” and a “dry skeleton,” it strips away attachment to the flesh, household, and social identity. Children and family property—normally seen as natural concerns—are presented as exhausting burdens. The question of “long life” is not merely about immortality; it points toward spiritual clarity and release from worldly entanglement. Its harsh diction is deliberate and effective.