歌姫
中島みゆき Lyrics

These lyrics come from the song "Utahime" (歌姫) by Nakajima Miyuki. The song explores themes of loneliness, the power of music, and the complexities of relationships.

In the first paragraph, the lyrics express the loneliness that people feel but are afraid to admit. When someone claims to not feel lonely, they are deemed unapproachable, causing others to distance themselves. The weight of loneliness is emphasized when one tries to deny it, as it only becomes heavier and burdensome. The singer longs for someone to sing a song for them, even if it means drowning their sorrows in cheap alcohol. They hope that by doing so, they will be able to see themselves clearly on the deck of a departing ship.

The second paragraph introduces a sailor who missed his boat back home, depicted as a thin sailor who plays the harmonica. Alongside him, a skinny butterfly covered in sand searches for nectar. The imagery suggests that both the sailor and the butterfly are in a state of decay or deterioration. The dream they once held within their clenched fists is now displayed for someone else's benefit, as if it drifted away for distant others. The singer wonders who they should hold it up for.

The third paragraph shifts focus to the theme of deception. The lyrics highlight the skill of men in telling lies, better than women and even children. On the other hand, women are portrayed as having a fondness for lies, enjoying them more than yesterday or tomorrow. The lyrics suggest that the singer longs for someone to sing a song for them, again using alcohol as a means to temporarily forget reality and imagine standing on the deck of a departing ship.

The final paragraph brings the song to a close, reiterating the plea for the songstress to throw her skirt into the sea breeze and sing away dreams, sorrows, and desires. The clenched fist image is repeated, implying that the dream once held in it has been shown to others. The lyrics express a desire to forget and abandon these dreams, whether it takes two years or ten, symbolizing the struggle to let go and find solace in the songstress singing away all thoughts and emotions.

Overall, the lyrics depict a person yearning for connection and escape from loneliness through the power of music. The songstress holds the ability to lift burdens off their shoulders and carry away their dreams, sorrows, and desires through her enchanting voice.