Beauty Song (jia Ren Qu)

Zhang Ziyi's 'Beauty Song (jia Ren Qu)' is a hauntingly beautiful piece that delves into the timeless theme of beauty and its profound impact on the world. The lyrics, though brief, are rich with meaning and cultural significance. The song opens with the line 'bei fang you jia ren,' which translates to 'In the north, there is a beauty.' This sets the stage for a tale of an extraordinary woman whose beauty is unparalleled and whose presence commands attention and admiration.

The phrase 'jue shi er du li' means 'She stands alone in her beauty,' suggesting that her allure is so unique that it sets her apart from everyone else. This idea is further emphasized with 'yi gu qing ren cheng, zai gu qing ren guo,' which can be interpreted as 'One look at her topples a city; another look topples a nation.' These lines highlight the almost mythical power of her beauty, capable of causing great upheaval and change.

The song concludes with 'ning bu zhi, qing cheng yu qing guo, jia ren nan zai de,' which translates to 'Wouldn't you know, a city-toppling beauty, a nation-toppling beauty, is hard to find.' This final reflection underscores the rarity and preciousness of such beauty, suggesting that it is both a blessing and a curse. Zhang Ziyi, known for her roles in films like 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' and 'Memoirs of a Geisha,' brings a deep emotional resonance to the song, making it a poignant exploration of the power and consequences of beauty.