Shura No Hana

Meiko Kaji's 'Shura No Hana' is a hauntingly beautiful song that delves deep into themes of vengeance, loss, and emotional desolation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman who has forsaken her tears and emotions, walking a path of darkness and retribution. The imagery of 'funeral snow' falling on a 'morning of death' sets a somber tone, suggesting a world where life and warmth have been replaced by coldness and sorrow. The distant howl of a stray dog and the creaking sound of wooden clogs further emphasize the loneliness and desolation of the protagonist's journey.

The recurring motif of the '蛇の目の傘' (janome no kasa, or snake-eye umbrella) symbolizes the woman's solitary and determined path. This umbrella, often associated with traditional Japanese imagery, serves as a shield against the harsh elements, much like how the woman shields herself from her own emotions. The lyrics mention that she has 'thrown away her tears long ago,' indicating a deep-seated resolve to pursue her path of vengeance without being swayed by feelings of sorrow or regret.

The song also touches on the concept of fate and inevitability. The woman is described as walking the 'path of life' and the 'path of resentment,' suggesting that her journey is one of destiny, driven by a sense of duty or karmic retribution. The lines '義理も情けも 涙も夢も 昨日も明日も 縁のない言葉' (duty, compassion, tears, dreams, yesterday, and tomorrow are all words with no connection to her) highlight her complete detachment from the world and its emotions. She has surrendered herself to the 'river of resentment,' fully embracing her role as an avenger, leaving behind any semblance of a normal life.