Groups of young people or couples gather to sing sli by the riverbanks or hillsides, under canopies of leaves, or in stilt houses. They take turns singing melodies that they have learnt by heart or composed themselves. Songs typically have three parts: first young men and women greet each other, then share their emotions, and finally bid farewell and wish each other well.

I heard the news early this evening

That you crossed the forest to come here

You lit a torch to find the way to my village

Have you been here for long?

Did you eat before you came?

If not, I will prepare rice and soup for you

I sincerely ask you

To raise your beautiful voice

And sing a sli song

In response to mine

If the young woman wants to challenge the man, she may keep silent for the next three or four songs. Then she sings:

I don’t know if you are singing for me

Or singing for somebody else?

If so, there’s no use answering you!

As a result, the man has to express his feelings:

I am singing just for you, not for anyone else

I am honest and sincere

I my songs is not for you, then who is it for?

The two continue to sing to each other through the night. When it is time to say goodbye, they both show their disappointment. The man may take this opportunity to express his love:

We have sung sli until morning dawns

We have given our hearts to each other

I love you so much that it hurts

Then the young woman may pave the way for the man’s hope:

Please tell your emotions to your parents

And bring betel and areca nuts to ask for my hand

Sli singing is thus one way that Nung couples in Lang Son meat each other and become engaged.