I’ve asked tirelessly, when will you go with me?
But you just always laugh at my having nothing
I’ve given you my dreams, given you my freedom
But you always just laugh at my having nothing
Oh! When will you go with me?
Oh! When will you go with me?
The earth under my feet is on themove,
The water by my side is flowing on,
But you always just laugh at my having nothing
Why haven’t you laughed your fill
Why will I always search?
Could it be that before you I will always have nothing?
Oh! When will you go with me?
Oh! When will you go with me?
The earth under my feet is on the move
The water by my side is flowing on
I’m telling you I’ve waited a long time
I’m telling you my very last demand
I need to grab both your hands
Only then will you go with me
That’s when your hands will tremble,
That’s when your tears will flow
Can it be that you’re telling me you love my having nothing?
Oh! Only then will you go with me
Oh! Only then will you go with me
The earth under my feet is on the move
The water by my side is flowing on
Oh! Only then will you go with me
Oh! Only then will you go with me
© Cui Jian, 1987
Translation by Andrew Jones, 1992