ちょうちんの花
川中美幸 Lyrics

The song "Chouchin no Hana" by Min-yo singer, Miki Kawakami, is a poignant commentary on the reality of a drunkard's life. The first stanza paints a vivid image of someone seated on a chair, staring at a single paper lantern, which illuminates the darkened drinking establishment. Amidst several others' shoulders, they often speak to complete strangers about their life story. While they seem at ease with strangers, they are also proficient in nodding along and periodically breaking down in tears over someone's kindness or friendly gestures.

The second stanza focuses on the blooming flowers on the lamp, which is juxtaposed with the desolate, weary feelings of the singer. She describes her home as a place where she can't dream of reaching and where her sake-loving self is sometimes more spurious than her home. Her profession as a singer sees her travelling worldwide, mastering any song and quickly putting it in her repertoire. However, the singer admits that she too has had moments like that of others, where she couldn't contain her emotions, letting tears flow freely along with confiding in strangers.

The chorus highlights the beauty of the chouchin's flower, which offers warmth and a pleasant feeling, despite the harsh reality of a drunkard's life. One can infer from the song's lyrics that the singer is a woman who, despite her profession and worldly experiences, is affected by the emotional trauma that comes with being a frequent patron of drinking establishments.