While the 2022 detective-themed historical C-drama Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty was a surprise hit, (although, if you watched it, you definitely know why), one of the most wonderful things about the iQIYI drama for me was its ending theme song.
That ending song, with its beautifully rich vocals, epitomized everything epic about the Yang Xuwen and Yang Zhigang-led series.
From its beautiful cinematography and lush sets, to the complicated but fascinating relationship between the two leads, the intricately planned and researched cases, and the real story that is actually going on underneath it all.
As each episode ends and those deep vocals begin singing it the C-drama out, it always made me think even more deeply about what I had just watched.
As if the song, with the way its introduction sounds almost Sherlock Holmes-esque until it morphs into something much more melancholic, was telling me, “look below the surface before you are satisfied with what you just learned”.
It is far more intriguing than you realize.
Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty, by the way, stars Yang Xu Wen and Yang Zhi Gang, and is one of the best detective-themed mystery dramas to come out of China in a long time.
Its Season 2 is even better.
What is the ‘Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty‘ ending theme song?
The song is titled (寻), which can be translated to either ‘The Search‘ or ‘Justice‘ — both of which are highly appropriate for this utterly wonderful drama.
I prefer ‘Justice‘ as, while it isn’t a completely literal translation for that Chinese character, it does fit perfectly with the song’s lyrics and its meaning.
寻 is performed by actor and singer Yu Yi, who also, incidentally, not only had a guest role as the famous mural artist in Season 2 of the Chinese drama —Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty II To the West — but who also performed its theme song. (And that one is even more epic, I have to say).
The track’s lyrics are, not only beautiful, but also describe Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty perfectly:
Without reason, the storm rises,
Awakening in a night of illusions, drawn into a maze.
Amidst prosperous splendor,
A burning heart casts shadows.An unyielding ailment, trekking through the night,
The fire within fears no howling wind—
For it is justice.For these lone shadows in the long night, seeking truth,
With soaring ambition, they uphold the heavens and earth.
The peace of the people,
Carving right and wrong into clear hearts,
Let truth redefine this justice.Even as the mist thickens,
Dark tides surge within, chasing fate.
The tales of the world,
Gratitude remembered, grievances unquelled.Mountains and rivers endure, storms rage,
Thorns upon my back, yet I seek peace—
Only for justice.For these lone shadows in the long night, seeking truth,
With soaring ambition, they uphold the heavens and earth.
The peace of the people,
Carving right and wrong into clear hearts,
Let truth redefine this justice.Though dangers rise like a thousand sails, I regret not this path,
Only fearing the dust of time may bury unresolved wrongs.
What is life and death?
Paint clarity into this beautiful scene—
A rising righteousness, the heart’s true refuge.
The song was written by Zhang Ying, and composed and arranged by Luo Kun. It was published and distributed by Shao Yin Music Entertainment (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
It was officially released in China and overseas on September 30th, 2022.
And it really is lovely, isn’t it?
Listen to the Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty ending theme song below, in both the songs official MV, which was released on YouTube via iQIYI, and on Spotify — along with the C-drama’s entire soundtrack.
Both seasons of Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty are streaming via iQIYI, with a third season supposedly in production.
All three are adapted from the novel “Strange Legend of Tang Dynasty” (唐朝诡事录) by Wei Feng Hua (魏风华).
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