黑夜问白天 Hēi yè wèn bái tiān
53 Dawns
1. Why This Song Is Perfect for Learning Chinese
2011 rock masterpiece with poetic, dark imagery about loneliness and time. JJ Lin’s raw delivery and complex lyrics make it ideal for advanced learners. The song’s philosophical depth is unmatched in C-pop.
2. Cultural & Emotional Background
The title comes from the idea of night asking day if it can forgive the gray human world. “53 dawns” refers to a long period of depression or struggle. The song is often called Eason’s darkest and most powerful work. It’s a favourite among students and workers feeling lost. Many consider it a mental-health anthem.
3. Key Excerpts & Breakdown
Opening
半天上的秃鹰那张脸
Translation: “The vulture’s face in the half-sky”
Title line
黑夜问白天
Translation: “Night asks day”
Question
能不能赦免灰色的人间
Translation: “Can you forgive this gray world?”
Final
黑夜吻白天
Translation: “Night kisses day”
4. Partial English Translation
A vulture’s face circles in the half-sky.
After 53 dawns, night asks day: can you forgive this gray world?
Don’t trade places – frozen tears are already salty enough.
Night kisses day – thank you, time, for making my eyes red.
5. Useful Vocabulary & Phrases
| Pinyin | Chinese | English |
|---|---|---|
| tū yīng | 秃鹰 | vulture |
| pán xuán | 盘旋 | circle (in sky) |
| shè miǎn | 赦免 | forgive |
| huī sè | 灰色 | gray (depressed) |
| bīng fēng | 冰封 | frozen |
6. Grammar & Patterns
- 能不能 + verb = can you…?
- 别 + verb = don’t
7. Listening & Shadowing Tips
The rock verses are great for dramatic pronunciation practice.