English Rendering
When an old friend is to go far away, Long, long will he linger before he parts.
Though gone away, he may come back some day.
Where can we find the old year once it departs?
May I ask whither the old year has passed?
At the end of the earth it leaves no track.
It is gone with the water flowing fast To the East Sea and will never come back.
Wine is warmed by our neighbors on the east And the pork of those on the west is fat.
I'd like to have one happy day at least So that the lean year may not be grieved at.
Do not sigh for the departing old year!
Soon we shall say goodbye to New Year's Day.
Do not look back but let them disappear.
Man will grow old and his powers decay.
