那一年 Lyrics, Pinyin & Translation for Chinese Learning

Key HSK Vocabulary

What happens when the electrifying energy of a pop-rock icon meets the soul-stirring depth of a ballad maestro? Da Zhangwei, a prominent Chinese singer known for his lively pop-rock style and vibrant TV personality, joins forces with the celebrated singer-songwriter Wang Sulong, famous for his emotive ballads and drama OSTs, to deliver a truly unique experience with their collaboration, '那一年' (Na Yi Nian). This isn't just a song; it's a vibrant tapestry woven from shared memories and distinct musical styles, inviting you to revisit "That Year"—a moment of personal significance for us all. Discover how their combined talents create a sound that's both invigorating and deeply reflective, perfect for anyone ready to explore the nuances of Chinese through unforgettable music.

Quick Info

The Story Behind the Song

"那一年" isn't just a song; it's a vibrant echo from the hallowed halls of "Our Song" season three, where Da Zhangwei's irrepressible energy met Wang Sulong's soulful introspection. This wasn't merely a collaboration; it was a potent alchemy, conjuring a wave of potent nostalgia that swept across China in 2021. Its melody, a bittersweet caress, unlocked a collective memory of youth, reminding listeners of faded photographs and shared laughter, the enduring spirit of friendships forged in innocence.

The track transcends mere reminiscing; it’s a cultural touchstone for a generation looking back at their formative years. It perfectly captures that universal pang for "that year"—a time of carefree days, first crushes, and unbreakable bonds—emotions so deeply ingrained in the Chinese cultural psyche. Da Zhangwei's signature vivacity fused with Wang Sulong's heartfelt delivery created a timeless lament and celebration, an anthem to the beautiful impermanence of youth that continues to stir the soul.

✨ Lyrical Highlights

那一年 我們一起許的願 如今只剩下泛黃的照片
Nà yī nián wǒmen yīqǐ xǔ de yuàn, rújīn zhǐ shèng xià fànhuáng de zhàopiàn
That year, the wishes we made together, now only faded photographs remain.

This line beautifully contrasts youthful hope with the stark reality of time's passage. The "wishes made together" symbolize shared dreams and innocence, while "faded photographs" poignantly represent the ephemeral nature of those moments, now only preserved as tangible, yet decaying, memories. It captures the bittersweet essence of nostalgia, a central theme of the song.

那一年 白襯衫的少年 如今已漸行漸遠
Nà yī nián bái chènshān de shàonián, rújīn yǐ jiànxíngjiàn yuǎn
That year, the boy in the white shirt, now has gradually drifted far away.

The image of "the boy in the white shirt" is a powerful, universal symbol of youthful purity, simplicity, and perhaps a past self or a lost love. Its transformation to "gradually drifted far away" masterfully conveys the inevitable change, emotional distance, and sense of loss that comes with adulthood. This line encapsulates the song's longing for an unrecoverable past and the bittersweet acceptance of farewell.

Grammar Notes