Li Yu was an early writer of Song dynasty lyrics, a much more fluid form than those used by the great Tang poets. His works often express strong romantic or nostalgic feelings; they bear the title only of the tune to which they were sung.
My Idle Dreams Roam Far
My idle dreams roam far
To the southern land where spring is fragrant
Wind and strings play on a boat on the river’s clear surface
The city is full of catkins flying like light dust
People are occupied admiring the flowers
My idle dreams roam far
To the southern land where autumn is clear
For a thousand li over rivers and hills cold colours stretch far
Deep in flowering reeds, a solitary boat is moored
Beneath the bright moon, a flute plays in the tower