本词歌咏春天，洋溢着珍惜青春和热爱生活的情感。上片写初春的风景。起句“东城渐觉风光好”，以叙述的语气缓缓写来，表面上似不经意，但“好”字已压抑不住对春天的赞美之情。

《玉楼春》 宋祁

东城渐觉风光好，
縠皱波纹迎客棹。
绿杨烟外晓寒轻，
红杏枝头春意闹。
浮生长恨欢娱少，
肯爱千金轻一笑？
为君持酒劝斜阳，
且向花间留晚照。

The Apricot Blossoms
Song Qi

The view in the east city come by degrees to be fair,
When the silken ripples embrace my wandering oar.
Beside the misty green willows the morning chill is light.
On the apricot blossoms, the spirit of spring has burst forth a glorious sight.

In my floating life I oft regret having little joy,
Should I value a thousand pieces of gold above a sweet smile?
For you I hold my cup and exhort the setting sun,
To tarry yet upon the flowers with its evening glow.