Yuan Dynasty

叨叨令·道情（一）

Dāodāolìng · Dàoqíng (yī)

邓玉宾

Dèng Yùbīn

Xiǎng zhè duī jīn jī yù píngshēng hài,

想这堆金积玉平生害，

Nán hūn nǚ jià fēngliú zhài.

男婚女嫁风流债。

Bìn biān shuāng tóu shàng xuě shì Yánwáng guài,

鬓边霜头上雪是阎王怪，

Qiú gōngmíng tān fùguì jīn hé zài?

求功名贪富贵今何在？

Nín xǐng de yě me gē,

您省的也么哥，

Nín xǐng de yě me gē?

您省的也么哥？

Xún gè zhǔrénwēng zǎo bǎ máo ān gài.

寻个主人翁早把茅庵盖。

Translation

Think of piled gold and stored jade—lifelong harms in disguise. Marriages of sons and daughters are worldly debts. Frost at the temples and snow upon the head are reminders from the King of Hell. Where are fame and riches now? You should wake up, brother, you should wake up. Find your true master within and build a thatched hut early.

Analysis

This “Daoqing” song has a strong didactic and religious tone. Wealth, marriage obligations, fame, and rank are all reinterpreted as harm, debt, or illusion. The refrain “you should wake up” gives the piece the rhythm of popular preaching. The “true master” is not a social superior but the awakened self or inner principle. The thatched hut represents withdrawal, simplicity, and spiritual self-settlement. The song’s directness is central to its persuasive force.