Paper Bouquet

Mili's 'Paper Bouquet' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of identity, transformation, and the struggle to find one's place in a world that often feels predetermined. The song opens with the imagery of a 'silky ribbon' and a 'scarlet letter,' suggesting a facade or a hidden truth. The protagonist seems to be navigating a world where appearances are meticulously crafted, as indicated by 'manuals in hand' and the act of painting the world 'a bit redder.' This could symbolize the effort to conform or to stand out in a society that demands both.

The recurring theme of burying a 'new friend' and the decomposition of 'sailor shirts' and 'pleated skirts' evokes a sense of loss and the passage of time. The protagonist dresses up and sees themselves as 'Cinderella' in the mirror, hinting at a desire for transformation and escape. However, the line 'too late to reborn' suggests a resignation to their current state. The mention of being a 'reaper' without color who endures for the future adds a layer of existential duty and sacrifice.

The song also delves into the concept of fate and free will. The protagonist questions whether the future is set in place and if it's 'too late to be a good girl today.' This internal conflict is mirrored in the imagery of 'sapphires laying on sand,' where beauty and fragility coexist. The whispered words that 'only I can hear' and the act of ripping out pages of scriptures to fold 'a billion paper flowers' symbolize a personal rebellion and the creation of something uniquely beautiful from the remnants of imposed beliefs. The journey down the 'aisle unexplored' signifies a path of self-discovery and the acceptance of remaining strangers in a world that often feels alien.