Beauty Song (Jia Ren Qu)

Shigeru Umebayashi's 'Beauty Song (Jia Ren Qu)' is a hauntingly beautiful piece that captures the essence of timeless beauty and its profound impact on the world. The lyrics, originally a classical Chinese poem, speak of a woman from the north whose beauty is unparalleled. Her presence is so captivating that it can cause the downfall of cities and even nations. This metaphorical language emphasizes the immense power and influence that beauty can wield, transcending mere physical appearance to touch the very fabric of society and history.

The song's lyrics, 'Běifāng yǒu jiārén, Juéshì ér dúlì,' translate to 'In the north, there is a beauty; she stands alone in the world.' This opening line sets the stage for the rest of the poem, highlighting the woman's unique and solitary magnificence. The subsequent lines, 'Yī gù qing rén chéng, Zài gù qing rén guó,' meaning 'One glance from her can overthrow a city; another glance can overthrow a nation,' further illustrate the extraordinary power of her beauty. This hyperbolic expression serves to underscore the idea that true beauty is not just skin deep but has the potential to influence and change the course of events.

The final lines, 'Níng bùzhī qīngchéng yǔ qīng guó, Jiārén nán zài de,' which can be interpreted as 'Wouldn't you know that a city and a nation can be overthrown? A beauty like this is hard to find,' encapsulate the rarity and preciousness of such beauty. It suggests that while beauty can be a powerful and sometimes dangerous force, it is also something to be cherished and revered. Umebayashi's musical composition, with its ethereal and melancholic tones, perfectly complements the lyrical content, creating an immersive experience that invites listeners to reflect on the profound themes of beauty, power, and influence.