All men know that salvation should be won,
But with ambition won't have done, have done.
Where are the famous ones of days gone by?
In grassy graves they lie now, every one.
All men know that salvation should be won,
But with their decadent wealth won't have done, have done.
Each day they grumble they've not made enough.
When they've enough, it's time to rest upon the bier.
All men know that salvation should be won,
But with their loving wives won't have done, have done.
The swain protests each day his love won't cool,
But when you're dead, she'll soon be someone else's fool.
All men know that salvation should be won,
But with their children won't have done, have done.
Yet fond parents there have been since ancient times,
But whoever saw a grateful child at need?
English titles, text, and notes are AI-assisted for reading only; for scholarship cite the Chinese and authoritative editions.
Annotation
Sung by the Lame Taoist, this song establishes the novel's philosophical framework. Beginning with 'all know being immortal is good,' it laments humanity's attachments to fame, wealth, wives, and children—all ultimately futile. Paired with Zhen Shiyin's commentary, it sets the tone for the novel's theme of the emptiness underlying all worldly phenomena.
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