Shi No Butou

Malice Mizer's song "Shi No Butou" (translated as "Dance of Death") is a hauntingly beautiful piece that intertwines elements of gothic romance and dark fantasy. The lyrics draw heavily from the classic fairy tale of Cinderella, but with a macabre twist. The song opens with a promise to fulfill Cinderella's desires, setting the stage for a night of enchantment and mystery.

The lyrics speak of a love and dream that are fleeting, adorned in an aurora-like dress, symbolizing something ethereal and unattainable. The imagery of the glass slipper, a central motif in the Cinderella story, is used to signify the transient nature of the magical night. The protagonist wishes for the night to never end, to keep dancing until the glass slipper is removed, highlighting a desire to escape reality and remain in the dreamlike state.

The song also delves into themes of time and inevitability. The mention of the clock's hands and the intertwining pillars suggests a struggle against the passage of time and the inevitable return to reality. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and desperation to hold onto the magical moment, even as it slips away. The final lines evoke a sense of an unending, unsalvageable dream, forever trapped in the long corridor of time.

"Shi No Butou" is a masterful blend of gothic aesthetics and fairy tale elements, creating a darkly romantic narrative that captivates the listener. Malice Mizer's unique musical style, characterized by its dramatic and theatrical elements, enhances the song's haunting atmosphere, making it a memorable and evocative piece.