[ENG TRANS] Lay Zhang - Descendants of the Dragon 炎黄子孙 English Lyrics
The title of the song 炎黄子孙 (yan huang zi sun) is a Chinese origin story. Yan and Huang were two Chinese emperors. Legend has it that Yan and Huang were originally from the same tribe but became leaders of opposing tribes. Huang defeated Yan and their tribes merged into what would become the Han tribe. Han is the most populous of the 57 state recognized ethnic groups in China, making up 92% of the population in Mainland China. 炎黄子孙 means descendants of Yan and Huang, aka the (Han) Chinese people. (Source: Baidu Wiki)
You can envision an imperial Chinese battle while reading the lyrics - it’s about giving your all to defend your homeland.
This was really hard to translate because it’s full of Chinese proverbs, which are really hard to translate concisely in English. (I could write 4 sentences about a 4 word proverb). I tried to explain the meanings the best I could. I hope you’ll take my word when I say the lyrics are truly a work of art; the symbolism and imagery is very impressive.
Lyrics (Photo Transcript)
Attention Born in the flames Take cover Roger
The Chinese people, pure and kindhearted (1) The red flag flutters, majestic and icy Hoo We must keep advancing forward Like a tiger screaming Vroom Vroom
Vast rivers and mountains, skies land sun and moon Warm blood splatters Hold back nothing to protect your home for your country No matter how harsh the situation is
I’ll punish my offenders, no matter how distant Smash that tiger-wolf’s insidious attempts into pieces Heroes of the past are made from youth Descendants of the Dragon should give it their all
Burn Burn Burn The mighty dragon awakens Invincible against all Part the land and the skies (2)
Burn Burn Burn The Great Wall that never falls Flourishing and prosperous Red colored history
The blood of the Descendants of the Dragon flows in this chest 5000 year old sun shines in the East
If you want a fight I’ll give you a fight Just bear the waves that crash onto shore If you don’t take action Then I won’t take action
Even in distress, never lower your guard (3) Only with preparation can you succeed Us Descendants of the Dragon Craft the strongest chariots (4) Protect the land of the Chinese people Set fire to the evils of the world
Burn Burn Burn The mighty dragon awakens Invincible against all Part the land and the skies (2)
Burn Burn Burn The Great Wall that never falls Flourishing and prosperous Red colored history
Vroom Blood and flesh (5) Vroom Vroom Vroom Cast the Great Wall to resist the invaders (6)
Vroom Treacherous mountain road Vroom Vroom Vroom Blood warmed by the flames is fearless (7)
Burn Burn Burn The mighty dragon awakens Invincible against all Part the land and the skies (2)
Burn Burn Burn The Great Wall never falls Flourishing and prosperous Red colored history
The blood of the Descendants of the Dragon flows in this chest 5000 year old sun shines in the East
Footnotes
Proverb. The direct meaning is “a child at heart”, meaning innocent, pure, kindhearted
Proverb. The direct meaning is “open the skies and split the ground”, meaning do whatever it takes
Means always be alert and ready to fight
A war chariot
Means the human body, because people are comprised of blood and flesh
Cast as in casting a mold to build something
Blood is referring to a person, meaning people ignited by the fight are fearless
Disclaimers Translated by alinapink15. May contain inaccuracies. Misintepretation not intended. Chinese lyrics from QQ Music. Please take out with credits. For non-profit purposes. Background Image courtesy of Lay Zhang, Lay Zhang Studio, and SM Entertainment.




















