“The Olive Tree” is a symbol of life and adventure because this kind of tree is rare in China and Taiwan, and at the time, most people only knew of it as being from far away. It represents the desire to explore the world, even though the journey can be lonely and painful. The dream of searching for the olive tree (which represents the meaning of life) is strong enough to overcome any difficulty.
Well, this beautiful song actually didn’t pass the examinations of Taiwan’s Radio and Television Administration before its release. The administration at the time was concerned that the song might provoke sensitive cross-strait relations, and that its lyrics romanticizing wandering would encourage teenagers to run away from home. I kind of understand it now. When I stay at home and listen to this song, I focus on the olive tree, which makes me want to go on an adventure. On the other hand, when I was working in a foreign country, I realized that I paid more attention to the idea of “wandering,” which made me really want to go home.
The Olive Tree with Pinyin
Lyrics
Lyrics 三毛 Composition & Arrangement 李泰祥
For non-profit educational use only
English
Do not ask me where I’m from
My hometown is far away
Why do I wander around
Wandering afar, wandering
For the little birds that soar through the sky
For the creeks that rush between the mountains
For the endless grasslands
Wandering afar, wandering
Also, also
For that olive tree in my dreams, that olive tree
Do not ask me where I’m from
My hometown is far away
Why do I wander around
Why do I wander to distant lands?
For the olive tree in my dreams
Don’t ask me where I come from
My hometown is far away
Why do I wander around
Wandering afar, wandering
5 Useful Vocabulary Words
1. 故乡 gùxiāng
Hometown 고향 故郷
2. 流浪 liúlàng
Wander, roam about 유랑하다. 방랑하다 流浪する，さすらう
3. 为了 wèile
In order to, for …를 위하여 …のためである
* Because of the rhyme,了 in the lyrics always has 2 pronunciations “le” or ” liǎo. ” Both can be use alternately.
4. 还有 háiyǒu
Also, plus 그리고. 또한 それから
5. 梦 mèng
Dream 꿈 夢
