Dunhuang folk words in the Tang and Five Dynasties originally sang the voices of ordinary people and expressed their joys and sorrows. In the hands of literati, the content of ci is increasingly divorced from the lives of ordinary people, emphasizing the aesthetic taste of literati. Liu Yong was once an urban prodigal son because of his frustrated career. He often hangs out in brothels and prostitutes' homes, and he is quite familiar with the life and mentality of geisha and the general public living at the bottom of society. He often wrote lyrics at the invitation of geisha, and asked geisha to sing for the public in teahouses, pubs and Goulanwa Temple. Therefore, he changed the creative way of literati ci, catered to and met the aesthetic needs of the public, and expressed their familiar figures and concerns with easy-to-understand language and acceptable expressions. Liu Yong has a high reputation in the literary world, but he does not have a high position in politics. His career was bumpy and his life was unfortunate. He is a prodigal son who is famous for his civilization.
There are insurmountable contradictions in Liu Yong's thought, life, emotion and career, which bring him a lot of pain and are reflected in his works. In fact, he has never been back to his hometown since he left home, but his homesickness is often extremely strong; He fell in love with many geisha in the smoky alleys of Kyoto, but his deep affection for his wife always showed naturally. These are true feelings, which are expressed in the works and have very touching artistic power.
Liu Yong's words are graceful and graceful, and his artistic conception is deep. He is actually the originator of euphemism. Liu Yong's graceful demeanor is determined by his own high cultural accomplishment, unrestrained personality and rebellious spirit. His ci pays attention to expressing his unique life experience and mentality.
Liu Yong had a bumpy career and life, and was repeatedly excluded and obstructed by Renzong. But he never gave up his ideal pursuit-seeking fame through the imperial examination, never lost his passion for life and dared to face the bleak life. When he was reduced to interacting with musicians and singers, he was still able to compose music and write lyrics for geisha and live an optimistic and active life.