Translated the original Mulan Song into English trying to keep the rhythm, pace and meaning as much as possible. There are certain concepts that I couldn’t find and think of an English equivalent (especially for those ancient Chinese tradition and concepts that do not exist anymore in modern days) so I needed to apply some creative liberties that didn’t steer too far away from the ancient text. Let me know what you think :)
It is a poem / song I learnt as a kid at school to learn about courage, family, bravery and individuality. None of these need to be cancelling each other out. The rhythmic pace and iconic verses made the piece easy to learn for all. I hope you would like it too.
If you are interested in the original text there are lots of them online, just look for 木蘭辭.
Clicks clicks with clicks clicks, Mulan weaves and flicks
The wheel stops for breaks, Her sighs sound and thick
What made her mind quake? Why does her heart ache?
‘My mind did not shake. My heart has no rake.’
Last night drafting came, Army needs a name.
Twelve rolls all proclaimed, Listed her father’s name.
Dad has no grown heir, Mulan’s male sibling
Mulan takes the rein, Dad’s son she became.
East for the fine horse, West for the saddle.
South for the bridle, North for the horsewhip
Bid farewell at dawn, Camp at the River’s lawn.
No calls from her folks, but sound from the brook
Left River at dawn, Camp where the Mountain spawned.
No calls from her folks, but fauna’s baroque.
Marched a thousand miles, Flew pass mountain aisles
Time through frozen calls, Moon on metal shawls
Battles fought hundreds fell, Victors back lived to tell
Answered to King’s call, Meet Him at His Hall
Rockets up the ranks, Gratitude and thanks.
King asked for her wishes, ‘I see ranks as swishes.
Fine ride from the Sire, Home is my desire.’
Parents heard the news, Crossing arms to view
Big sis heard the news, Reapplied her hues
Kid bro heard the news, Prepares for her meals
Enter from the east, Bed rest in the west
Remove battle shine, Return to girl’s cloth
Redoing her hair, Reapplied decor
Greets her battle friends, Hysteria she sends
Comrades for twelve years, Didn’t know a girl was near
A buck’s feet are quick, A doe’s eyes are slick
They run side by side, Can gender be pried?
