My Motherland (A Big River)

Introduction

"My Motherland" (simplified Chinese: 我的祖国; traditional Chinese: 我的祖國; pinyin: Wǒde Zǔguó) is a song written for the Chinese movie Battle on Shangganling Mountain (1956). Lyrics were written by Qiao Yu (乔羽). Music was composed by Liu Chi (刘炽). Both of them are well known for a number of songs since the 1950s. It remains a popular and famous patriotic song in mainland China, and the signature song for the famous operatic soprano Guo Lanying.

Lyrics and music

"My Motherland" was initially called "A Big River" (《一條大河》) by the author, in order to represent the hundreds of rivers that flow in China. The title was changed when it was published with the movie. The song is divided into 3 stanzas. Within each stanza, the soloist sings first before the chorus sings its refrain.

Although the song was written for a movie about Korean War in the 1950s, there is no explicit mention of the war at all. It describes a soldier (or anyone who is away from home) thinking about his home and his family.

The music for solo part has folk song style similar to those in northern China.

Lyrics

1.

（独）

一条大河波浪宽
风吹稻花香两岸
我家就在岸上住
听惯了艄公的号子
看惯了船上的白帆
 

（合）

这是美丽的祖国
是我生长的地方
在这片辽阔的土地上
到处都有明媚的风光

2.

（独）

姑娘好像花一样
小伙心胸多宽广
为了开辟新天地
唤醒了沉睡的高山
让那河流改变了模样
 

（合）

这是英雄的祖国
是我生长的地方
在这片古老的土地上
到处都有青春的力量

3.

（独）

好山好水好地方
条条大路都宽畅
朋友来了有好酒
若是那豺狼来了
迎接它的有猎枪
 

（合）

这是强大的祖国
是我生长的地方
在这片温暖的土地上
到处都有和平的阳光

English translation

1.

Solo

A great river flows, its waves wide and calm
Wind blows through rice flowers, bearing fragrance to both shores
My family lives right there by the water
I am used to hearing the punters' call
And seeing the white sails on the boats
 

Chorus

This is the beautiful Motherland
This is the place where I grew up
On this expansive stretch of land
Everywhere there is wonderful scenery to behold

2.

Solo

How flower-like are the young ladies
How big and determined are the hearts of the young men
In order to usher in a new era
They've woken the sleeping mountains
And changed the face of the river
 

Chorus

This is the heroic Motherland
This is the place where I grew up
On this stretch of ancient land
There is youthful vigor everywhere

3.

Solo

Great mountains, great rivers, a great land
Every road is broad and wide
If friends come, there is fine wine
But if the wolves come
Those who greet them have hunting guns
 

Chorus

This is the mighty Motherland
This is the place where I grew up
On this stretch of warm and friendly land
There is peaceful sunshine everywhere