Zakuro
Suilen
The Duality of Desire in Suilen's 'Zakuro'
Suilen's song 'Zakuro' delves into the complex and often conflicting emotions associated with desire and intimacy. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and vivid imagery, painting a picture of a deeply internal struggle. The word 'Zakuro,' which means pomegranate in Japanese, serves as a central metaphor throughout the song. The pomegranate, with its tough exterior and juicy, seed-filled interior, symbolizes the duality of the singer's emotions—an outer facade of calmness and an inner world teeming with intense feelings.
The lyrics express a yearning to confirm the presence and reality of the beloved, as seen in the lines 'あなたをきんでたしかめたい' (I want to confirm you by binding you). This desire to possess and understand the other person is juxtaposed with the fear of what might happen if these emotions are fully unleashed. The singer describes living in a state of partial existence, where one half is alive and the other is suppressed. This duality is further emphasized by the contrasting imagery of the outer world being 'transparent and serene' while the inner world is 'black-purple and feverish.'
The song also explores the idea of transformation and consumption. The repeated phrase 'Nuttari nametari' suggests a fluid, almost liquid state of being, where boundaries blur and merge. The singer's desire to 'turn you into liquid' and 'mix and stroke' indicates a longing for a deep, almost primal connection. The imagery of the pomegranate bursting open, with its seeds spilling out, symbolizes the release of pent-up emotions and the ultimate surrender to desire. This intense, almost visceral portrayal of love and longing makes 'Zakuro' a hauntingly beautiful exploration of human emotions.