しかばねの踊り (shikabane no odori) (Corpse Dance)

Kikuo's 'しかばねの踊り (shikabane no odori) (Corpse Dance)' is a song that delves into the macabre and surreal, inviting listeners to a dance with the dead. The lyrics repeatedly call for a dance, the 'Corpse Dance,' which seems to symbolize an escape from the painful realities of life. The song's haunting melody and the repetitive nature of the lyrics create an eerie atmosphere that is both unsettling and captivating.

The phrase 'とりついた、とりついた、とりついた、なにかが' which translates to 'possessed, possessed, possessed by something,' suggests a loss of control or being overtaken by an external force. This could be a metaphor for the overwhelming feelings that can consume a person, such as despair or obsession. The invitation to leave the 'painful world' behind and join the 'joyful, enjoyable Corpse Dance' implies a desire for liberation from suffering, possibly hinting at themes of escapism or the search for peace in death.

Kikuo is known for creating music that often explores dark themes with a unique blend of electronic and traditional Japanese sounds. 'Corpse Dance' is no exception, as it uses the concept of dancing with the dead as a powerful image to convey deeper emotional states. The song's narrative seems to offer a place among the dead, a 'companion' to those who are struggling, which can be interpreted as a darkly comforting notion that in death, one is not alone.