What follows is a personal interpretation and translation of the song 我的中国心，literally, “My Chinese Heart”, by 张明敏. The simple eloquence of the lyrics, combined with the powerful ideas at play, creates a very moving piece. But the song truly resonated with me not because of its literary merit or popularity, but because it is literally a statement of facts rather than a piece of propaganda or a political statement. Although we might live in foreign lands as part of a great diaspora, our cultural heritage cannot be altered or spurned. Even if we wish to ignore it, others will not. Acceptance and celebration of our roots is the best path forward. This song is universal in that regard, for the exact same principle applies to every nation on Earth.

You can listen to the original song here, performed at the Chinese National New Year Celebration.

河山只在我梦萦

The mountains and rivers I can see only in my dreams

祖国已多年未亲近

For the fatherland lies beyond my reach

可是不管怎样也改变不了

But not even that can change

我的中国心

My Chinese heart

洋装虽然穿在身

I may be clad in western clothes

我心依然是中国心

But my heart still belongs to China

我的祖先早已把我的一切

My ancestors have long branded all that which I am

烙上中国印

With the Chinese mark

长江 长城 黄山 黄河

Changjiang, Great Wall, Huangshan, Yellow River

在我心中重千斤

Weigh heavy upon my heart

无论何时 无论何地

No matter the time, no matter the place

心中一样亲

They will always be dear to me

流在心里的血

The blood which flows through my heart

澎湃着中华的声音

Pulses with the rhythm of China

就算生在他乡也改变不了

Even if I was born in foreign lands

我的中国心

My heart still belongs to the fatherland

长江 长城 黄山 黄河

Changjiang, Great Wall, Huangshan, Yellow River

在我心中重千斤

Weigh heavy upon my heart

无论何时 无论何地

No matter the time, no matter the place

心中一样亲

They will always be dear to me

流在心里的血

The blood which flows through my heart

澎湃着中华的声音

Pulses with the voice of China

就算生在他乡也改变不了

Even if I was born in foreign lands

我的中国心

My heart still belongs to the fatherland