The composition of shou tz’u (birthday lyric) is inherently restricted by the narrowness of the subject matter and the limitations of available allusions. The results are often ridiculed as bromides or platitudes. But Hsin Chia回hsiian’s shou tz’u transcend the norm in three ways: (1) The choice of diction is particularly appropriate for the occasion﹔（2) The tz’u of ten allegorizes personal ideals and lamentations, thus moving clearly beyond the usual cliches﹔（3) Ten out of thirty-six of Chia-hsiian’s shou tz’u are for immediate family members and relatives, hence they are far more emotionally charged.