The Chinese People
(Origin of Characters ·Verse Version)
Verse 1
On oracle bones a flag stands tall
Marks the center one and all
Straight as an arrow true and sound
This is ZHONG where heart and honor bound
Bronze scripts build walls around the land
Guarded by arms our home to stand
Within the border people thrive;
This is GUO through endless time alive
A figure formed by left and right
Stands 'twixt the earth and sky upright
The noblest soul beneath the sun
This is REN till all our days are done
Verse 2
He Zun inscription tells our tale:
I dwell in China never fail
Books of old record our fate
Huaxia blood runs deep and great
Records of history light our way
From ancient clans to modern day
Through storms of time our spirit strong
The Chinese People stand among the throng
Chorus
ZHONG is the center just and true
GUO is our homeland me and you
REN stands with honor firm and whole —
Together we are the Chinese soul
With heart in middle home in nation
With dignity and grace elation
Our culture roots our blood unbroken —
This is the spirit of the Chinese spoken
Bridge
Rule with balance peace to all bring
State and family as one thing
Heaven earth and man unite
Strive for virtue reach new height
Who joins our culture joins our race
Harmony not sameness embraces
Balance and wisdom guide our way
Civilization lights our day
Ending
From central lands we rise with grace
In culture bound in faith we place
Center nation people —heart and core
Stars rise in East dragon soars more
With middle as our guiding creed
With nation as our deepest need
With people as our living soul —
This is what makes us whole:
The Chinese People