Miuri (身売り)
Roce
The Melancholic Tale of a Courtesan: Roce's 'Miuri (身売り)'
Roce's song 'Miuri (身売り)' delves into the poignant and melancholic life of a courtesan, exploring themes of unrequited love, longing, and the harsh realities of her existence. The title 'Miuri' translates to 'selling oneself,' which sets the tone for the narrative of a woman who sells her nights to men she does not love, all while yearning for someone who remains indifferent to her.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the courtesan's nightly routine, where she is surrounded by the flickering lanterns and the allure of the night. Despite the attention she garners, her heart is fixated on a man who does not reciprocate her feelings. This unrequited love becomes a source of deep sorrow, as she finds herself falling for someone who remains oblivious to her existence. The repeated plea to '旦那' (danna, meaning 'master' or 'patron') to buy her nights and dreams underscores her desperation and the transactional nature of her relationships.
The song also highlights the internal conflict and emotional turmoil of the courtesan. She is torn between her duties and her desires, as she sells her nights to men she does not care for, while her heart belongs to someone else. The lyrics '心は田の所に体はここに' (my heart is there, but my body is here) encapsulate this dichotomy. The courtesan's life is depicted as a series of fleeting, unfulfilled dreams, culminating in a sense of hopelessness and despair. The imagery of sinking into an endless darkness symbolizes the inescapable nature of her plight, making 'Miuri' a hauntingly beautiful yet tragic narrative.