Yearning

Away in southern lands the red beans lay
As spring returns to send its blooms above;
Desiring you I pluck a big bouquet,
To hold a thing that marks our tender love.

Chinese

相思

紅豆生南國，
春來發幾枝。
願君多采擷，
此物最相思。

Pronunciation

Xiāng Sī

Hóng dòu shēng nán guó，
Chūn lái fā jī zhī。
Yuàn jūn duō cǎi xié，
Cǐ wù zuì xiāng sī。

Literal Character Translation

Mutual Love [yearning]

Red beans grow southern country,
Spring comes sends-out many branches.
Desire you much gather pick,
This thing most mutual love.