毒花 (dokubana)

Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders' song "Dokubana (毒花)" delves into the themes of struggle, resilience, and societal expectations, using the metaphor of a poisonous flower to convey its message. The lyrics repeatedly refer to a "bad flower" that has bloomed despite its negative connotations. This flower symbolizes something or someone that is perceived as harmful or undesirable by society, yet it continues to exist and even thrive in its own way.

The song's narrative speaks to the experience of being misunderstood and mistreated. The lines "わらうわれて わらうわれて ふみつけられて" (laughed at, laughed at, trampled on) highlight the ridicule and oppression faced by the subject. Despite this, there is a sense of persistence and a desire to be acknowledged, as seen in the lines "それなのに それなのに またすがって" (even so, even so, still clinging). This reflects the human tendency to seek validation and connection, even in the face of adversity.

The lyrics also touch on themes of gender and fate, particularly in the lines "おんなにうまれて おんなでしんでく さだめなら" (born as a woman, dying as a woman, if that's my fate). This suggests a commentary on the societal roles and expectations placed on women, and the struggle to find one's identity within those confines. The repeated plea to be scattered or withered away, "はやいとこ かれてかれて かれておしまい" (quickly, wither, wither, wither and end), underscores a desire to escape the pain and suffering associated with these struggles.

Overall, "Dokubana" is a powerful exploration of the human condition, using the metaphor of a poisonous flower to address themes of resilience, societal expectations, and the quest for identity and validation.