Kiss Of Death
Mika Nakashima
The Allure and Danger of a Forbidden Love
The song "Kiss Of Death" by Mika Nakashima is a poignant exploration of the themes of love, fate, and the inherent risks of passion. The lyrics suggest a love that is intense and possibly forbidden, as indicated by the recurring question, 'Will your lips taste the kiss of death?' This line implies that the love between the two individuals could lead to their undoing, evoking the idea that there is something dangerous or fatal about their connection.
The singer implores their lover not to fear them, even as they acknowledge their own destructive tendencies ('そばにきてくずれゆくよくせい ぼくをこわがらないで'). The imagery of a flightless bird dreaming of the sky suggests a longing for something unattainable or out of reach, which could be a metaphor for their love. The use of color, specifically 'ちがうれっど' (a different red), may symbolize a love that stands out from the rest, unique and possibly perilous.
The physical act of kissing is central to the song, with the singer expressing a desire to taste and experience their lover fully ('きみをあじわいたい'). The kiss represents both a literal and metaphorical merging of selves, which is both desired ('だれよりもとけあいたいよダーリン') and feared. The song captures the tension between the yearning for closeness and the fear of the consequences that such a deep connection might bring. Mika Nakashima's evocative performance adds to the emotional depth of the song, making it a powerful statement on the complexities of love.