Urami Bushi (My Grudge Blues/ trilha do Kill Bill vol.2 )

Meiko Kaji's 'Urami Bushi,' famously featured in Quentin Tarantino's 'Kill Bill Vol. 2,' is a hauntingly beautiful song that delves deep into the themes of betrayal, sorrow, and resilience. The title itself, which translates to 'My Grudge Blues,' sets the tone for a narrative steeped in emotional turmoil and unrelenting strength. The song's lyrics, delivered in Kaji's evocative voice, paint a vivid picture of a woman who has been wronged but refuses to be broken.

The opening lines, '花よきれいと、おだてられ / さいてみたなら、すぐ散らされる' ('They praised the flower for its beauty / But as soon as it bloomed, it was scattered'), use the metaphor of a flower to represent the fleeting nature of beauty and the harsh reality of being discarded. This imagery is a powerful commentary on the societal expectations placed on women and the transient value often assigned to them. The repetition of 'ばかな、ばかな / ばかな女の…うらみ節' ('Foolish, foolish / Foolish woman's... grudge blues') underscores the self-awareness and bitterness of the protagonist, who recognizes her own naivety but is determined to voice her grievances.

As the song progresses, the lyrics 'にくい、くやしい、ゆるせない / けすにけせない、わすれられない' ('Hateful, frustrating, unforgivable / Can't erase, can't forget') highlight the depth of the protagonist's pain and the enduring nature of her grudge. This section captures the essence of unresolved anger and the struggle to move past betrayal. The recurring theme of '女、女 / 女涙の…うらみ節' ('Woman, woman / Woman's tears... grudge blues') serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional burden carried by women who have been wronged.

The final verses, '死んで花見が、咲くじゃなし / うらみひとすじ、生きてゆく' ('Dying won't make flowers bloom / Living with a single grudge'), encapsulate the song's core message of resilience. Despite the pain and betrayal, the protagonist chooses to live on, fueled by her grudge. This powerful declaration of survival and defiance resonates deeply, making 'Urami Bushi' not just a song of sorrow, but also one of unyielding strength and determination.