Because of tonight’s reading activity preparation, I thought of a collection of red ballads from the Central Soviet Area that I found two years ago, one of which was posted on Bilibili. After revisiting Chairman Mao’s writings, I feel this ballad vividly portrays the deep oppression and hateful faces of landlords and wealthy peasants towards the farmers at that time. The language is lively and easy to recite, so I share it with comrades as material.
Year-end Song of the Poor in Debt (New Ten Cups of Wine)
One cup of wine, the creditor sits down, holding a copper pot to pour wine,
Calling the wife to kill the chicken, the wife catches the chicken with tears in her eyes.
Two cups of wine, the chicken is hot and steamy, each bowl first toasts the rich,
The three-year-old child gets none, the eighty-year-old mother doesn’t touch a drop.
Three cups of wine, the creditor smiles broadly, the virtuous elder sister-in-law calls out,
Please sit together and have a cup of noodles, you and I are not outsiders.
Four cups of wine, talking about trivial matters, gradually talking about repaying the debt,
The wife’s heart beats like war drums, the husband’s face turns red to the ears.
Five cups of wine, sorrow added on, the couple each thinks,
This year must repay the debt, unless starving and freezing.
Six cups of wine, tea and cigarettes served again, the creditor’s face changes in fear,
The wife toasts the dishes, the husband toasts the wine, like filial sons serving parents.
Seven cups of wine, the creditor talks, this year’s usury must be repaid,
If the debt is not repaid, you won’t have a New Year’s meal!
Eight cups of wine, the creditor is ruthless, calling the servant like a tiger,
If the debt is not repaid, you’ll be sent to jail immediately.
Nine cups of wine, the wife pours wine, calling the creditor to eat,
Simple tea and plain food, don’t blame, deep feelings will come next year.
Ten cups of wine, two slaps in the face, the couple runs into the room,
The creditor follows into the room, first taking bedding then the bed frame.
New Ten Cups of Wine, drunk clean, the couple talks,
Better to die than not be free, must find a way to revolution!
①冇 (mǎo), means none or not have.