Jar of Love – Bilingual Lyrics Chinese/English

• By: Wanting Qu
• Album: Everything in the World

Lyrics & Translation

'Jar of Love' is a beautiful, English-language ballad from Chinese-Canadian artist Wanting Qu, perfect for language learners. The lyrics, known for their clarity and poetic simplicity, offer a wonderful way to learn vocabulary related to romance, hope, and emotional self-reflection. Its slow, melodic style makes the words easy to follow, and the universally relatable message about patiently waiting for the right love makes the song truly special.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
love /lʌv/ A1	noun - deep affection or strong feeling of attachment verb - to feel deep affection for someone
heart /hɑːrt/ A2	noun - the muscular organ that pumps blood; also the centre of emotions
jar /dʒɑːr/ A2	noun - a container, usually made of glass, with a wide mouth
spark /spɑːrk/ B1	noun - a small, glowing particle or flash of light verb - to emit sparks; to trigger a reaction
sunrise /ˈsʌnˌraɪz/ B2	noun - the time when the sun appears above the horizon in the morning
sunset /ˈsʌnˌsɛt/ B2	noun - the time when the sun disappears below the horizon in the evening
choose /tʃuːz/ B1	verb - to select from a number of possibilities
chase /tʃeɪs/ B1	verb - to run after in order to catch or overtake
lose /luːz/ A2	verb - to fail to keep or maintain; to be deprived of
keep /kiːp/ A2	verb - to retain; to continue to have
open /ˈoʊpən/ A1	adjective - not closed; allowing access
arms /ɑːrmz/ A2	noun - the upper limbs of the human body
turn /tɜːrn/ A2	verb - to rotate or change direction noun - a change in direction or a move
lesson /ˈlɛsən/ B1	noun - a period of instruction; something learned
flame /fleɪm/ B2	noun - the visible, gaseous part of a fire
burn /bɜːrn/ A2	verb - to be on fire; to cause to be on fire
deserve /dɪˈzɜːrv/ B2	verb - to be worthy of something; to merit
find /faɪnd/ A2	verb - to discover or locate something

Key Grammar Structures

• Another sunrise, another sunset

  ➔ Parallel structure

  ➔ Notice how each clause mirrors the structure: "Another sunshine" and "Another sunset" both start with "Another" and end with similar noun phrases, repeating for emphasis. This is known as "parallel structure" where similar words or phrases are connected by repetition.

• Soon it'll all be yesterday

  ➔ Contraction and future reference

  ➔ The verb "it'll" is a contraction of "it will", indicating future tense. The phrase suggests that current events will become "yesterday" (past), blending time expressions for poetic effect.

• What did you do today?

  ➔ Past simple question

  ➔ This is a question using past simple tense: "did + base verb" structure. It inquires about actions completed in the past, here referring to the day.

• Why do we choose to chase what we'll lose?

  ➔ Rhetorical question with infinitive

  ➔ The sentence is a rhetorical question starting with "Why", using present simple "do" for "we". It includes an infinitive "to chase" after "choose", showing purpose or intention. "We'll" is contraction for "we will", indicating future.

• What you want isn't what you have

  ➔ Present simple negation

  ➔ Uses present simple with negation "isn't" (is not). Compares desires ("want") and possessions ("have"), emphasizing a contrast using parallel clauses.

• If I could find love

  ➔ Second conditional

  ➔ Introduces a hypothetical situation: "If" + past simple "could" ( modal for ability in unreal present/future) + bare infinitive "find". Suggests a dream or impossibility.

• Could it be yours to keep

  ➔ Modal verb for possibility

  ➔ "Could" expresses possibility or uncertainty in a question form. The phrase "yours to keep" uses possessive duty or right, often seen in lyrics for romantic metaphor.

• Never leave an open flame to burn

  ➔ Imperative with infinitive phrase

  ➔ The imperative "Never leave" gives advice or warning. "An open flame to burn" uses "to burn" as an infinitive of purpose, metaphorically advising caution in relationships.

• Could you be my love

  ➔ Modal question for request or doubt

  ➔ Uses "Could" as a polite modal for a question, softening a request or expressing doubt about "be my love", common in romantic contexts.

• with open arms, I would say

  ➔ Conditional with adverbial phrase

  ➔ Uses conditional "would" for hypothetical action. "With open arms" is an adverbial phrase describing manner. Emphasizes warmth in the conditional scenario.