【FLOWER】 Better Off Worse / CircusP [ ⚠ CW ]

I'm better 🔇
⚠ CONTENT WARNING: Viewer discretion is advised.
Scroll down for a full list of warnings ⤵
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CMYK available on streaming services 05.26.2023
vocacircus.com/cmyk/
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Song by Circus
/ vocacircus
Video by rice
/ ricedeity
CMYK art by Ibble
/ ibblescribbles
/ ibblescribbles
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Instrumental + VSQ: www.dropbox.com/s/n0tgpearbea...
NicoNico upload: www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm4220...
BiliBili upload: www.bilibili.com/video/BV1e24...
vocacircus.com/
CW: Visual depictions of blood, strangulation and mild nudity
Lyrical mentions of death and disordered eating

[@ricedeity]

i'll follow you until you love me

[@KimberlyJordanA6]

Hey, Rice, I'm Kimberly Jordan. Have you heard of so many Vocaloids lately? All the official Crypton figures have been completed.

[@PeriluneStar]

​@@KimberlyJordanA6 u sound like a bot

[@jacobrzeszewski6527]

No love 💔

[@KimberlyJordanA6]

@@PeriluneStar I'm just a human, really.

[@PeriluneStar]

@@KimberlyJordanA6 sureeeee... pretty much nobody talks like that tho

[@frost5640]

Ok the part where vflower being happy was shown as a skippable ad was genius

[@lewi_1307]

Yeah! Especially in connection with how this part only has a few viewers

[@camocat2038]

0:55 if anybody missed it

[@canalalex0119]

OH I GET IT NOW

[@jslxsf]

And the profile pic changes from her being happy to being sad

[@canalalex0119]

@@jslxsf Does it?

[@radiozap2717]

2:36 (in the music video) is referencing a specific performance of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi"! she had been concealing fake blood packs for most of the song but at the final chorus, they began bleeding, as she "bled out" on stage for the audience, ending it by dangling on a rope by one hand smeared in blood just like flower does in this song. lady gaga elaborated, saying: “If I’m gonna be sexy on the VMAs and sing about the paparazzi, I’m gonna do it while I’m bleeding to death and reminding you of what fame did to Marilyn Monroe. And what it did to Anna Nicole Smith." ABSOLUTELY in the spirit of this song. (also, the fact that this is a reference is all but confirmed by rice's pinned comment, since that's a line from Paparazzi's chorus- also pretty much right when the fake blood becomes most noticeable in that particular performance.)

[@flowersmedia832]

i forgot that happened in the paparazzi performance im such a dumbass

[@duchessnoor]

Holy shit I thought I recognised that specific scene from somewhere!! God I love Lady Gaga and love to see her referenced here in such a heavy hitting song like this.

[@sangsterxx1897]

I immediately recognized the reference when I saw it, I was looking for a comment like this.

[@sinfulsystem6248]

I WASNT THE ONLY ONE WHO CAUGHT IT OMG

[@Eclipse-Senpai]

We need more people like you online, you just wrote a informational comment without gaining anything from it

[@ThePipofDespair]

flower's English is literally amazing here??? She sounds like she actually has an English voicebank! I've never heard her like this before!

[@FreakyLulu]

V6 Editor make this possible

[@bluforrestleaf]

@@FreakyLulu Actually I have a spoil, this song was released to his Patrons in August 2022, V6 released in October. I could be wrong as he couldve gotten a demo copy, but my first thought is he actually spent a lot of time tuning the JPN phonemes

[@capricefrenata]

Plus, only V6 original banks can be Englished the way you're probably thinking.

[@disgustof-riley8338]

GHOST can do it too 👀

[@Len_Kagamine02]

​@@disgustof-riley8338Literally her dream

[@suzie-p]

this is genuinely probably the coolest vocaloid MV i've seen in a hot minute. the captions are SO creative and i LOVE all the references, rice did such an amazing job here. not to mention the song ittself??!! i... can relate to a lot to the lyrics here and i'm happy you made a darker song. it's comforting to see that sometimes. please keep making amazing work, you two! 🙏

[@gemndiamonds6425]

YES THE CAPTIONS!!!! THEY’RE SO SCRUMPTIOUS

[@jslxsf]

Suzie!!! Nice to see you here

[@hawkfeather6802]

Thanks for the tip! Now I can try and catch all the words with the captions 😄

[@fjsjgdjgdgdjgdjhgdj]

YES

[@marko_c3]

0:28 "started streaming August 25 2010"

[@bluforrestleaf]

ohhhhh thaat makes sense

[@karimi8467]

ohh i was wondering if the date was referencing something, thank you!

[@Akikai.2]

I think some of the outfits are references to old songs... the only one I can recognize is the second "better" at 2:03 being Gumi's outfit in copycat tho

[@future1894]

​@@Akikai.2 every single outfit is referenced from another vocaloid song!! My personal faves were Detrimental, How To Pretend, Misery Loves Company, and Circus Monster :)

[@vlbonnie]

This one hit different. The concepts of "all good art is born from suffering" and "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" really shine through here, and I also feel like there's a little bit of anger at people preferring how one was "back then", regardless of one's growth. I love how the MV is made to look like a livestream or premiere as well, with Flower essentially suffering for the entertainment of the audience.

[@FifthHydra39076]

I'm so guilty of this. I'm basically a fictional character sadist at this point but at least I want them to succeed in the end.

[@krel7160]

@@FifthHydra39076 "Creator, why have you tormented me so?" 'Hold fast, creation. You will understand the joy of existence soon.' "The fires still haunt my dreams, creator." 'And one day, you will stop the fires of another.' 'One day, you will find the love you have missed.' 'And like Horace, the days of Job we will be behind you.' "Creator, am I going to die?" 'That fate is yet to be written - But you will be happy.'

[@knockout8157]

@@FifthHydra39076oh bro I am _exactly_ the same way XD

[@Mycorrhiza]

​​@@FifthHydra39076the creator of this song isn't a fictional character though, that's the point.

[@moonlightnymph7975]

@@FifthHydra39076look, I relate, but you missed the point entirely

[@acephoenixgamer]

Circus really woke up and chose violence with this one and I LOVE IT. And putting a reference to Wildfire in the climax of a song about fans obsessed with older work is just peak music

[@disgustof-riley8338]

YEAH I CAUGHT THAT ONE TOO

[@kagaminerinnoorenji]

OMG YEAH THE WILDFIRE AND CRYSTALINE REFENCES

[@kagaminerinnoorenji]

I MADE VIDEO TALKING ABOUT THOSE LOL

[@Bea_the_AO3er]

NO ESPECIALLY CAUSE CIRCUS’S NEW SONGS ARE SO UNDERRATED AND EVERYONE RANTS ABT HIS OLD ONES AND THE NEW ONES ARE JUST KINDA IGNORED

[@EEnde]

I'm a little confused because the songs are credited to Crusherp, was it a collaboration between vocacircus and crusher? I do know they used to collaborate a lot but I was under the impression they had a falling out after producing music. Of course for both of them, some audience members consider a lot of things they did together their "magnum opus" works so it's fitting for this song

[@d0gwaterc0la]

So I may be wrong of course, but here is what I think this song is about…usually I don’t have a super clear idea of EXACTLY what a song’s meaning is, but this one clicked instantly. I love Circus’s work, his older and newer songs are all just amazing. But- as it seems with many producers…darker works get more attention. Some of Circus’s most popular songs are ones like InSaNiTy, Copycat, Goodbye, Circus Monster…and these songs are all very deep and even painful. But many of his newer songs- songs that come from places of joy and creativity, passion and collaboration- don’t get as much attention. I’m a creator myself and when something you put so much work into- something you make as an escape or to cope/vent gets so much more traction and support than something you make as you’re recovering…it doesn’t feel great. I really truly wish more producer’s songs would get the appreciation they deserve, especially Circus. Putting heart and soul into your creations takes a lot out of someone. This is an incredibly well made song, as always, and everyone that was part of it did an amazing job. ❤

[@bashekis]

THIS EXACTLY^^^^^^

[@PassiveMarmelade]

As much as I empathise for the fact that, as a creator, you would want your more joyful pieces to be enjoyed more, especially since I can see how constantly working on some darker stuff could impact one's mental health, I think that the fact that an audience, quite large at that, relates (or at least vibes) so much to pretty dark and intense works is quite symptomatic of how much mental health is an issue right now. I wish people would feel good, I wish people would be in the mood to enjoy the singing birds and sunlight and dance and stuff, but sometimes, and I speak from experience, you just can't enjoy these things, when there are bad thoughts roaming, it's not a happy song that will cheer you up. If only it was this simple. That's why, at least personally, I relate a lot more to the darker songs than the lighter ones (even though they're bangers). Still, I anyone, be it Circus or another creator, wants to depart from darker themes, they really should! Share the happiness with the world! Maybe get a new audience along the way, it's not as if all the previous work would suddenly disappear :) Please continue making stuff that you enjoy making, even if I'm not in the mood for joyful music, I'll still be happy that people are ❤ Take care of yourselves and remember, would you rather be your own best friend or your worse enemy?

[@flowersmedia832]

this isn't so true, songs like mercy are like that but are barely noticed. i'm not trying to go against ur point, but not all of his dark songs get attention, don't forget finale isn't that well-known either.

[@SP-zx1my]

You know, for some reason. Looking at the chat on the side makes this feel. So much worse. The emotion and part of this song saying just how upsetting it is to see the only content you make that gets popular is when you are at your worst, and just looking at all the people saying things like "slay" and stuff, just kinda... Is sad. Like no harm was intended. It's just a sad thought.

[@kiixyz]

I seem to understand a little bit people who prefer sad and depressing songs because I listen to them too. I can't find happiness in my life and everything is getting worse and worse. Because of this, I look for an escape in such music. I think a lot of people have that too, they want to identify with something and find an escape.

[@aeliaaaa]

Reference + time for each outfit because why not: 0:30 Addicted 0:31 Haywire + Love Song 0:32 Fall Away + Insanity 0:36 1/4th 0:37 Detrimental + Frigid Hearts 0:38 Last Words + Wake Me Up 0:39 Puzzle 0:44 Monochrome 0:50 Treat Me(So Right) + Goodbye 0:51 Afraid of Everything + Like Whatever 0:52 Patches 1:43 Miki's Outfit (Shatter Specifically) + I Am Here 1:44 Cause & Effect + Ten Thousand Stars 1:45 Can't Stand You 1:49 Golden Afternoon 1:50 See + Poltergeist 1:51 Just for Tonight + キミを探す (Rana Song) 1:52 Deja Vu 1:57 Circus Monster 2:03 Dolphin (I Found You) + State of Isolation 2:04 The Start + Nana 2:05 SLASHER 2:10 (In Order bc this is a lot) Ghoulish, Round and Round, Lie, Karma, aiSeNMa, Finale II, Hello Again, Copycat, Different Seas, SF-A2 Miki Wants a New Original Song, 僕のもの (Piko Song), Breathe, Dreaming With You, Quicksand, Beast, Falling Out of Love, FADE, DynaMIC Letter, Dawn, What Goes Around, Spectrum, What I Need (MONEY), mErcy, How to Pretend, Bronze to Gold, Bubble Gum, The Tale of A 10 Year Old Vampire Queen, Wrong + Right, Welcome to the Circus, Last of Me, Crystalline, Wildfire 3:04 Calm Before the Storm, Center Stage 3:05 Misery Loves Company, Castaway 3:06 Memory 3:10 iNFeCTioN 3:11 甘い言葉, I (Love) 3:12 Evergreen, Glow, Orbit 3:18 Nebuholic 3:24 Sabotage, Muffins, Decay, Enough Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on any of them

[@canalalex0119]

Dang, someone did their homework! Impressive!

[@rhiabloom12]

Literally was working on doing this myself, and you got some references that I didn't so job well done. I think Monochrome is right. Your other 2 maybes, I too am clueless.

[@just_a_fxking_angel]

And I thinking i'm a CicrusP fan...

[@Anais_Mimiqui]

Gg!

[@confusedscreaming689]

so much flower♡♡

[@disgustof-riley8338]

I love these "meta" songs about the struggles artist and producers deal with, when their branding or famous works revolve around the "marketability" of their pain. I already really liked Vane's "Digital Heart" and RI-P's "Pyrite Girl," but Circus' take... man, it hits really hard. It's such a complex and unfortunate issue. And hell, I know those in the mainstream music industry struggle even more to recover their mental health, especially the young ones with a lot of money, because SO MANY PEOPLE with more power in the industry benefit and profit from their suffering. It's actually quite sickening. Which, that's why acknowledging the "eras" of an artist are so important. Recognizing that just because you no longer share a particular struggle with a favorite artist doesn't mean your connection to their music is totally gone. Celebrating the conclusion/closure to their "arc," to that painful period in their life, with them, even through simple comments and reshares, means a lot. And with indie producers, we have the privilege of being able to cheer them on more closely. We love you, Circus! Cheers to more happiness for you!

[@cyyboi2889]

another good one would be decos chimera!

[@terrorhorrorcryptid]

wait, can i ask, how are digital heart and pyrite girl about producer’s struggles?

[@terrorhorrorcryptid]

@cookiecrumb2715 ohh, i see! please listen to digital heart, it’s actually really really good and unique

[@j_nsei]

In a cruel twist, I can totally see this song becoming crazy popular Edit: 1M views in 10 months... 😶

[@eye_cancer]

Fr

[@rafathekitty]

YUHHHHHHHH

[@anonymousfandommix6850]

Absolutely

[@jackakumu2557]

already is for me, this is my 100th reply of the song in a row

[@X.Cyb3r.Starzz]

i can see this becoming an animation meme

[@itzpris15634]

Circus, i have the sudden urge to go out and give you a hug The line “behind every piece of art is a human to be heard” hit me the hardest, man

[@flowersmedia832]

me too, iv'e been a fan since 2021, and although insanity and mercy resonated with me well, your happy works deserve regonition too. ❤

[@trashcat4886]

Man it makes me do a double take every time I go to click on something- in the best way, I think. Especially with Vocaloid songs, we get so swept up into 'these are funky characters to make narratives with!' a lot of them are purposefully storytelling, and I think it can fuck with the way that we interact with songs (I hate to keep quoting the song, but) "As you tear them down line by line" like we often do. Not even just Circus' older songs, too. This song is six days old and it has triple the views of 'Fall Away'- a song Circus released thirteen days ago. It features Una and is so downright adorable, even if she's a less known synth, that's still a wide ass gap. Hell, it almost doubles Dolphin (I Found You) and is fighting Puzzle BOTH of which came out last YEAR and are genuinely so wholesome and amazing. All of which feature incredible English and are gloriously adorable. Even 'Misery Loves Company' which is a drool worthy song featuring DEX has ALMOST TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND VIEWS even though it came out months after Puzzle did. They absolutely deserve the credit, but so do the other songs that are just as high quality and amazing. Circus didn't come to fuck around. I honestly didn't realize just how big that gap was, because I've always listened to songs as they come, and, yeah, Circus is GLORIOUS at darker, gritty songs. Misery Loves Company and Better Off Worse both scratch this brain itch and use two of my favorite vocals- but Dolphin and Puzzle are both so incredibly wonderful and wholesome and inspiring.

[@V33EX]

I like how this song is straightforward telling you "HEY IM NOT FUCKING OKAY" in stark contrast to the generally cryptic messages sent by the songs in question. they even mention fans analyzing their pain line by line and how they hate it, which explains why the song is so straightforward

[@nyanbinary69]

its morbidly ironic how this song is taking off so fast compared to other songs, despite literally being about how people prefer when creators create based off their suffering - i think the reason this happens is bc people want things to relate to, and cling onto it when they find it, but people seem to forget that the happy shits just as good a lot of the time i can see this becoming a song for animation memes too honestly-

[@fjsjgdjgdgdjgdjhgdj]

Yeah,i saw this song and instantly trought like this is going to be an animation meme.

[@bluforrestleaf]

Especially with the chorus constantly changing wardrobe

[@AverageConsumer-uj8sm]

And then also, views get views. Interaction gets views. I got this song on my KZbin Mix, it knew what it was doing.

[@letsnot27]

honestly i haven’t liked circusp music in a while but this song is actually good to me so that’s why i’ve been watching this, i’m sure some old voca fans like me feel the same. not hating or nothing

[@MonochroMenace]

I CAUGHT THAT WILDFIRE LYRIC REFERENCE!! I heard "you'd think by now-" and nostalgia just SLAPPED me in the face. Circus, this is insanely good. This encapsulates that really dark part of being a content creator SO well. Incredible job to everyone who worked on this. Wow.

[@flowersmedia832]

I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO NOTICED THAT 😭

[@ramrammatelot]

I KNEW IT WAS FAMILIAR

[@luxbee_]

I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO NOTICED IT

[@sankyumiku]

“You think by now that we would’ve learned Behind every piece of art is a human to be heard” oh my god that part hit like a truck

[@ShirotaniArt]

You just won't stop dropping absolute bangers lately, huh?

[@Skriff9756]

While I have perfectly understood the actual meaning of the song, I really love how it can also apply to mental health issues as a whole around treatment and people's perception. If you're not looking sick then you aren't really. It's like you're better off worse, always opening older wounds and showing the worst because saying you're ok means the end of the support you need to actually be ok. Also : "I oversimplify the tears I cry while you tear them down line by line" is exactly my relationship with therapists tbh

[@jjaa_joyjoyartist]

Yup, that's my first impression. Then I read the comments and related on multiple levs

[@lowkie78]

yes and apparently this would also refer to eating disorders

[@Sorana914]

This got covered like 5 times in less than 18 hours. That tells you how good this song is. It's what makes the vocaloid community so special. Covering your friends songs is ENCOURAGED and celebrated.

[@funnylittlecreature]

Is this in response to something?

[@noonerelevant]

​@@funnylittlecreaturefrom what i've gathered from surfing the comments, it's about how edgier or sadder vocaloid songs from this artist perform better then their happier, wholesome works. it reflects how in general their work has stopped getting as much attention now that they make happy stuff, as if art should stop being valued when it's not miserable and sad.

[@RituPepper]

Reading the comments, I think a couple people are missing the point! It's not that you can't like edgy and depressive content, it's that you *can* like those but should *also* support the more upbeat content from your favourite creators. You're only a "bad fan" if you start vocally complaining about how their "old" content was better or how you miss a style they had before, or if you ignore everything else they do and only get excited when new edgy content comes out!

[@A_Void_Of_Clovers]

I honestly needed to hear that, thank you. :)

[@idoit5067]

Can I just not like it though?

[@MonsterPlusArt]

@@idoit5067 Depends on your preference. Making the author feel there's an obligation to go certain ways in order to actually get appreciation is a no-no though.

[@ransom2610]

If someone only likes edgy content, they should not feel obligated to watch something they do not want. This has the side effect of garnering more views and putting pressure on the creator to focus on more edgy content as people tend to watch it more, generating more revenue towards that content. I would not call them bad fans for that, as it is not okay to make people listen to songs they do not like or vibe with. People are often depressed than not, and listening to an upbeat, happy song when feeling depressed feels patronizing and can make one's mental health worse, and the song is probably much more unrelatable. It would be fine to only like a small subsection of songs and then go add a bunch of alternative songs you do not vibe with into your playlist that you do not care about to support the artist, but that should remain a personal choice. It should not be pained as being a "Bad fan" to do otherwise (plus I do not think the music artist would want people to shame themselves into listening to the more upbeat stuff) I think listening to a new upbeat song can be thoughtful to the creator but calling people "bad fans" for not clicking on all of the upbeat songs is not very empathetic to the listeners. If they only like the edgy songs, then let them. If the artist wants to focus on creating an audience that mainly watches the upbeat stuff, then lowering the number of edgy songs being published and uploading more upbeat songs will slowly build up that audience. If I watch a KZbinr for Game reviews and they upload Fortnite content, I am NOT a bad fan for deciding not to watch the Fortnite content they post. It is the choice they make to appease the audience they have for edge things, It is not the obligation of the audience to change the tastes they have to match the new content the creator is making. I did not mean this in a grumpy or mean way, It just got long on accident;-;

[@Spore-ific]

This comment isn't a personal attack on people that like edgy songs or saying people that like edgy songs are Bad, it's more saying that the people that go on an artist's page and demand they go back to the edgy stuff are refusing to treat the artist like a person because they are a source of entertainment. Viewing this song as a personal attack on you when it's more a cry for help than anything really shows how true the song is. Even when saying "hey guys, this really hurts my feelings" artists get shit for saying anything. As creators we aren't obligated to make what you like or listen to you when you're being an ass to us in a comment.

[@roenais]

loving this song feels like a double edged sword because my brain keeps going ''oh i love the darker tone and the references to past songs, especially wildf-- OH NO I'M THE PROBLEM'' /j jokes aside this really hit hard, both the song and the pv pop off hard! this isnt a topic you hear a lot about and i respect that a lot

[@meg.da.kachidog-p]

Gosh, Circus. Your talent at making non English voice banks sing in perfect English, and the emotions you put in each word... your effort astounds me with every new release. I hope you'll use Flower for more songs, but whoever you choose is fine. Please continue impressing us.

[@FireFlight711]

Amazing, loved the Closed Caption and how it went with the MV design.

[@raspberryjam]

THATS WHAT I THOUGHT

[@snailoid850]

"Behind every piece of art is a human to be heard" hits so hard

[@BluebellKitty1]

It's sad that the depressing songs are what get the most content, but unfortunately, it seems as though that is what people may relate to nowadays. I love the newer, happier songs. I really felt the raw emotion of the old songs and how hard they hit. It was relatable. Happy songs are relatable now, but everyone can connect to the raw, miserable emotion.

[@Ecliptic-P]

imma say that i love how the closed captions are a part of the pv. it adds to the whole "youtube" vibe of it.

[@dizzypaws]

YES

[@mirelle_mojena]

THAT'S WHAT IM SAYING

[@JakauYT]

idk if anyone noticed but when shes dressed as wildfire her mouth is covered, idk if its intentional but it makes sense when you remember the song was removed from youtube like shes been silenced (crystaline was too tho so idk)

[@_Rhatsody]

This song was better better better better better better better better better better than my expectations. Amazing job to everyone

[@PickledThyme1]

I think this is incredibly poignant, and it must hurt to see your expressions of pain celebrated more than your joyous songs, but I think those darker songs speak to a lot of people who are in a similar space to where you were when you made them. I was in a really bad place when I first found you years ago, and songs like yours helped me feel less alone, helped me process feelings that were looming in the back of my head. I don't want to know where I'd be without your music. I can't imagine how painful it must be to have to relive your past trauma so much, but with those songs you're continuing to help people through theirs.

[@dweeborea]

I tend to lurk but I feel compelled to comment because you guys completely KNOCKED THIS ONE OUT OF THE PARK HOOOOLY CRAP between the earworm of a rhythm and lyrics that really get stuck in your head- to the fantastic visuals (rice hOW MANY OUTFITS DID YOU DRAW) and designs, (I love how the numbers jump up and down constantly it really adds to it all jfgcg Also the breathing feels so *heavy* and the dangling and just MAN RICE YOUR VISUALS) how perfectly it all goes and ALSO how the CC actually *contributes* to the video in a visual way if you decide to use them I'm just. In awe of all the care that's gone into this. You guys are amazing. Power Group of the century godbless you

[@ricedeity]

88 i think lol :) thank youuuuu

[@flowersmedia832]

@@ricedeity 88????? HOW LONG DID THAT TAKE???

[@crabbyjade4321]

dayum... this is relateable to a degree. the notion of a starving/suffering artist is tragic on a societal scale. why do us artists have to suffer in order to be seen? i really don't know.

[@EmillyaP_VT]

some might've missed this, but the chat is full of characters from circus's other songs. there are also times where the "chat" turns into lyrics from their respective songs for a second before changing back into the scrambled text throughout the rest of the video. here's where i saw it: - 1:00 - 1:12 - 1:17 - 1:20 - 1:55 - 1:57 - 2:00 - 2:12 - 2:15 - 3:04 - 3:07 - 3:10 - 3:21 - 3:25 there's also moments around 3:53 but it's only part of the chat that changes. also, at 3:04, flower's pfp changes from an image of their younger self to an image of them displayed in this song. even the smallest details here show how much this song wants conveys the unfairness of darker songs getting more attention than others and the darker memories creators relive when hearing these songs. they feel "better off worse" for their content to grow, and this song again shows that perfectly. i really hope you're doing alright, circus. please know that there are many people here in the community that love all of your songs equally and want you to be happy. you're an amazing and talented individual. ❤ ❤ ❤

[@brycethorner]

Props to whoever did the subtitle annotations, I love how they change WHILE Flower sings to account for emphasis!

[@ellfoster2906]

I know it wasn't really the point of the song and this will likely go unnoticed amongst a sea of comments, but I just wanted to share how important this song is to me. I came upon this song during a particularly hard time in my life, as I had just been suddenly blocked and discarded by my best friend of 5 years. We started to drift away when I committed to mental health recovery, but he never wanted to change. Listening to this song made me cry the first time, and the subsequent times as well. It really did feel like, to him, I was better off worse. then, he might have liked me enough to stay. it's been several months now and I'm coping with the grief much better, but this song still holds that special place in my heart. It came to me at a perfect time and, in a way, helped me realize how I was not at fault. It's not fair to only be given attention and love when you're at your worst. I guess it took a song like this to help me realize that, and I'm so glad it was one as amazing as this one.

[@charcolor]

this pv is soooo cool to look at. some easter eggs i noticed are the stream start date (the release date of circus monster - during the live action shot it switches to april 10. admittedly i'm not sure what this is in reference to), "you'd think by now that we would have learned" i'm PRETTY sure is a direct reference to a line from wildfire (same melody and almost word for word), the "chat" is full of users named after a circus song with their "message" being a line from the song (for the brief moments when it's not garbled text)... something that caught my attention is "it's 4am on a school night." because i know circusp was still in high school (maybe even late middle school?) when he started making songs. and i think i specifically remember him saying once on like, a livestream? that he made most of iNSaNiTy at around 4am. i might be misremembering. and of course flower constantly changing costumes to match like...every single song circus has made. that's a lot of flowers that rice had to draw!! i know it probably comes from a place of a lot of hurt but i hope at least the song was cathartic to make.

[@charcolor]

also 2:19 i think this one is mErcy? representation win

[@Shadowthian]

YES YES YES!! i've been dying for this to be uploaded to youtube so i can loop it properly!! can't wait to see the PV, since the song is already amazing edit after premiere: YES YES YES IT'S REAL!! i've loved Better Off Worse since the first time i heard it, and this mv is SO beautiful. the references to all of the songs both new and old, Flower is SO clear here, and the meaning hits hard. so excited to preorder CMYK!

[@jacobrzeszewski6527]

OMG Circus is releasing an album?

[@anonymousfandommix6850]

@@jacobrzeszewski6527 ​ it’s on the CMYK Album. He made a video recently showing where you can preorder it. There’s also info on it at the end of the video

[@melonfiend8309]

GOD. as both an artist and longtime circus-p fan, this song hits really hard. it feels like if you stop being ill and upset all the time, you suddenly won't have the ability to make "good" art. at least not art that other people take interest in. people want to see you at your worst, because they're also suffering, and if your suffering can bring them some sort of comfort... then your cries of help can serve as comfortable ambiance for them. it's one thing to willingly share vent art. it's another for people to only ever want your vent art. the lyrics in this song are so direct yet REALLY well written and powerful. I love it. and whoever did the captions is nuts. happy new year y'all, it's time to be unapologetically happy.

[@bashekis]

oh my god i could rant for HOURS about this song.. it's so so well done, i love all the references and they fit absolutely perfectly with the theme. it compliments the other songs in cmyk, especially puzzle. it's like they're two sides of the same coin. it's absolutely genius. (personal rant below) ↓↓↓ i was first introduced to vocaloid through circus' darker songs, i remember goodbye and circus monster specifically. those and a few others will always hold a special place in my heart, i remember feeling so much less alone when someone put the pain i was feeling at the time into words. but i also remember when i got back into vocaloid around a year ago, and i saw that circus was now making music from a place of passion and joy rather than pain, i felt so happy. it gave me so much hope to see that the same person who created the songs i cried to as a young teen was now using their talent to bring happiness into the world and celebrate the joys of life. those people who say that an artist has "fallen off" when they create art about having recovered... they don't understand that living in pain is not sustainable. yes, art can be a good outlet for suffering, but that's not all there is to it. a light-hearted love song holds just as much emotion and artistic merit as one about despair, and i wish more people would recognize that. even in the comments section here, on a song that sends a message as clear as day, there are people who seem to be ignoring the actual message and just celebrating because "circus finally made another dark song!!!". it feels like they just don't care.

[@megaupsilon]

Oh man this hit hard. Seeing Crystalline and Wildfire referenced shows a lot, and knowing you’re at a point where you can look back at those now shows a lot of growth I think a big issue these days is people not viewing music as art, rather as content to be consumed, and ignoring the person behind it all It’s been absolutely amazing to see your growth over the years and I can’t way to see what more is in store

[@YurikoKayla]

and the way it shown with Circus baby too...

[@Hitmonchu]

An absolutely bewildering, gorgeous music video; the little details like "BRO/KEN" in the subtitles styled like SLASH/ER, the momenta of Flower beibg happy represented as an ad with 10 views, and every different flower design being lovingly drawn and bouncy in a way that i cant stop lookin at. its all so perfect. so delightfully fucked up and sad (also i was just gonna comment "damn flower ur bobbie's" but like that felt like itd be missing the point of their pain and sorrow so sorry flower (and your bobbies))

[@user-gq8ht5iq9p]

もうすぐ一年かあ…ずっと聴いてるなあ

[@Eria3412]

Wow, this one hits hard. It's very raw, the message is really clear... and the MV helps to highlight this even more. And sorry if I'm being a hypocrite saying this, but I really liked it, the sincerity on this song. But, honestly, I like all your works, the dark and the fun ones 💜

[@thejaguarmc6647]

OMG I can't believe it, this song is so good! I was freaking out when I saw Crystalline and Wildfire at 2:22, they had been my favorite songs for a very long time and I'm glad vocacircus finally makes a reference to them after so many years

[@kagaminerinnoorenji]

YEAH ITS SO COOL

[@laruchann]

ME TOO!! i find it so interesting tho considering they've been removed from youtube for so long and he now acknowledges them again, but I'm so happy bc i loved circrush back then!!

[@Shadowthian]

i just noticed the detail of the premiere chat not just being nonsense, its all of the other songs he's produced occasionally flickering to a line from that song! brilliant detail and great way to showcase a little bit of your entire discography

[@shsl-fool3835]

someone else may have mentioned it already but i really like the detail of like. every version of flower aside from their past happy self is wearing a choker or some other form of restrictive neckwear like being the way they are now is suffocating them is a very neat touch esp considering we literally see them choking their happy self because they cant be like that anymore, because no one wants them when theyre happy and free. they have to restrict themself and their happiness, even to the point it suffocates them, because thats how people want them. idk maybe im reading way too much into a simple choice of accessory, but i thought it was a neat subtle touch.

[@user-nd5wh5sn6b]

it's 4 AM on a school night 100 calorie life Making sure the set ups just right, just right Burning every bridge that I grace Making sure that I feel pain Getting in a bitter headspace At this pace I'm ready to go I know your craving for a brand new low I'm ready to go To halt my growth and put on a show To you I'm better-better-better off worse You listen when it hurts too much to bear It's like I'm better-better-better off worse My happiness is never cared for Over-analyze my broken heart As the tempo kicks up a notch 'Cause I'm better-better-better off worse You only ever like me in this spiral of despair No, we must go back Go back to 'my' roots if you could call it that Go back to the hurdles that I've already passed Reliving them over and over And when there is closure We gotta go bolder I'm ready to go Because I know my woes are a product to be consumed Now you're running low I know you want something new But what else can I do? Oh, what else can I do? To you I'm better-better-better off worse You listen when it hurts too much to bear It's like I'm better-better-better off worse My happiness is never cared for Over-analyze my broken heart As the tempo kicks up a notch 'Cause I'm better-better-better off worse You only ever like me in this spiral of despair Better off recovering than recovered Better off hurting than to have hurt Better off in the dark than in the light Better off near death than be alright Bleed out for audience approval Tragic, but perfectly on schedule You think by now that we would have learned Behind every piece of art is a human to be heard But I'm still better-better-better off worse You listen when it hurts too much to bear It's like I'm better-better-better off worse Rejecting change to keep you there Because I'm better-better-better off worse You listen when I'm running out of time It's like I'm better-better-better off worse The mourning of one still alive I oversimplify the tears I cry While you tear them down line by line 'Cause I'm better-better-better off worse You only ever like me- Only ever like me when I wanna die

[@trashcat4886]

There is genuinely so much to be said and all of it ends up coming out ironic and almost empty, because of the song, itself- there's something so relatable in despair that makes others flock to it in music, and you're right we never learn that PEOPLE produce songs, which can be almost... worse in the vocaloid community? Because of the use of vocaloid as nothing more than a storytelling medium. Holy shit, the art is INCREDIBLE and adds so much to the lyrics- from the subtle additions of other song references (Puzzle and I believe that was Circus Monster stood out to me the most- not to mention the interlude with Paparazzi) in addition to the pile of Flowers laying on the ground. Obviously, the tuning is gorgeous and it perfectly uses vFlower's voice with that robotic, yet emotional voice and the strength at which it carries. Absolutely amazing use of a voicebank that doesn't have an English option, drool worthy music, and it's all put together perfectly- but even in saying that it still can have this empty sort of sting behind it. "You're suffering is beautiful when you put it like that," and it almost defeats the point of the message, itself. But one thing I will say unironically is DAMN!! vFlower somehow looks both transmasc and transfemme at the same time and it is such a banger to see. Got THE gender of all time. The Link of vocaloid.

[@trashcat4886]

VFLOWER IN A MISERY LOVES COMPANY FIT AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[@trashcat4886]

MAN there is just something to be said about how the message gets stronger the more you enjoy it- this, this is sTILL suffering, it's still hurt, it's still sorrowful, but holy shit it's amazing. I'm shaking. Everything about this is so beautiful, so tragic, so tragically beautiful. It hurts in the same way that it makes you feel better. The MV, the art, the music, the tuning, the everything- every hand that has touched this makes it a heartbreaking masterpiece. And yet what can we do? We praise the hurt, the pain, the struggles. We pedestal this suffering, more and more and feed into the very same things that build up this song. The sheer LAYERS, the emotions this song digs up is incredible. Phenomenal. Heartbreaking. It's sickening and glorious all at once. A tragic, gut wrenching masterpiece.

[@hollalaland]

The Link of vocaloid- I CANTTT

[@ricedeity]

this is my favorite comment

[@kttstrwbry]

The part where you said vflower is the gender of all time,... so truem.. I want vflowers gender. The comparison of them to Link is so accurate oml!!!!

[@aileenthealien9659]

THIS IS SO GOOD MY GODDDDD And I really enjoyed spotting the setup of the pv and the references to your previous songs. I can tell this can be resonant to how most of your earlier works (and the darker ones at that) are more praised than his newer ones. Or just at the "suffering artist" trope in general! I think this song is so aware of that fact and executes it so well, I got chills watching it! And once again I am reminded of your growth as a producer, and I am so proud of how far you've come. I'll always be looking forward to all your works then, now, and in the future 💜

[@eliza-cat61]

So, CircusP, I know you probably won't see this, but I have a few things to say . . . First thing: as an aspiring author going to lessons on how to become a good writer, the message of "better off worse" is so true in writing. We're taught that if your character isn't fundamentally flawed and doesn't go through a lot of hardship, people will get bored of the book and put it down. That message just from an artistic standpoint is spot-on. Second thing: I'll admit that there's some of your newer music that I haven't been huge on, but that's completely not because I preferred your old stuff either, being a newer fan--I'm just not into love songs. It's just not my thing. But that leads me into my third thing: the song that actually led to me subscribing to your channel was your original version of Someone New. That song isn't sad. Unlike a lot of older fans, I was brought in by that song because the pandemic was so hard for me and I was super behind in school, but I listened to that song, and I know it's not the meaning you were intending for, but it was like it was telling me that I could do it, that I could change from the person I was and become that person with good grades. And I actually did it eventually. That and the song was just so beautiful with the high harmonies layering over Cangqiong's already beautiful voice. Again and again, I've listened to it and it's helped me. I know it had to be unlisted, but I'll forever stand by that that song has a power that I haven't felt in many other songs. The other song of yours that I really loved was Puzzle because it was just so happy. It was like, yeah, life is hard, but you'll get through it, and every step forward will, in a sense, put another piece into the puzzle of life. I can relate to that on so many levels. Great song. Your sadder songs also hold a special place in my heart, as they've helped me figure out my characters in my stories and inspired me to create dynanic contrast between the sadder moments and the happier ones, but when you started writing happier songs, at least I knew you were happier, and that's what really matters in the end whether or not I could relate to all of them. You make music. I assume you enjoy making music, or else why would it have such a large part in your life? Feeling pressured to revisit old emotions from your past shouldn't take away in that joy. And sometimes, making a happier song that some may not relate to may actually help someone else or inspire them to keep trying. Sad songs have the power of connection, but happier songs have the power of creating new beginnings. So know that many are here because they want to see more of your darker content, but there are also some of us like me that originally hit that subscribe button because of the positive impact your more inspiring music had on us. And above all else, your happiness is what really matters. It doesn't matter how many people listen or like the newer music just as long as you're getting the same enjoyment out of it as you always have. I look forward to your next song no matter the theme and I hope you have a good day, CircusP!

[@Bacon-lover101]

This song is a banger and all, but considering the other comments picking up on the theming of this song. I think this is a good time for us to remind ourselves. The artists whose works we love and praise, they are culpable of growth, improvement and experimentation like other artists. And as fans/audience members the onus is on us to at least acknowledge and respect that part. Preachy as that probably sounds.

[@kanita5389]

How on earth do you make Una and Flower speak perfect english?? This is so real, art is not content, it's human expression and a space of comfort for the artist

[@Ravenpaw29]

The fact that v flower doesn't even have an english voice bank means that VocaCircus literally tuned her to make her sound like she was speaking english is SO impressive!

[@DogDogGodFog]

This probably isn't V4 Flower. I mean, she can't sound this realistic, English or not. Hell, nor V3 nor V4's voice's sound like this. This probably has to be Ci Flower It would take A LOT for me to believe that this is V3/V4 Flower

[@akfjskngksj]

@@DogDogGodFogthe wip for this was released to patrons before ci flower was even announced. also, i don’t know if you’ve ever listened to anything that uses ci flower, but she sounds nothing like this. this is definitely v4 based on the way the words are pronounced

[@DogDogGodFog]

@@akfjskngksj But V4 pronounces words NOTHING like this

[@akfjskngksj]

@@DogDogGodFog ?? of course it doesn't if you leave it all untuned, but it absolutely *can* sound like this.. have you ever even used v4?? i don't own any english v4 voicebanks but with a certain amount of editing and messing with parameters and settings, i managed to make rin's english (again, not the english voicebank) sound pretty intelligible. also, listen very carefully. any time there's an "L" sound, you can very clearly hear the japanese phonemes, even if they've been edited and messed with to sound more like the letter L. that wouldn't happen with AI voicebanks, speaking from experience.

[@DogDogGodFog]

@@akfjskngksj This sounds literally nothing like Flower. It sounds like a completely different Vocaloid.

[@OrigamiAhsoka]

Something I haven't seen anyone mention is the stream date in the video; it's the original release date for Circus Monster.

[@dogofchaos]

That was raw f.cking pain there. I stand by what I said once during a live stream. I really appreciate that you're willing to share these emotions with us.

[@MrMasterLay]

The part that breaks me is that there are moments in this video where in the "live chat" section You can see Circus's previous songs commenting with their own lyrics... 3:21

[@eruanee]

circus-p making a song with flower is all i've ever wanted. the amount of references in this is absolutely insane gosh, rice did an amazing work with the mv as always! i've been listening to circus' work for a WHILE now (more than a decade, which is kinda crazy) and i could definitely see myself grow up with his songs. his music style has evolved so much over the years and i love that it's still so unique and recognizable. feeling like people only care about your stuff when you're at your worst and that "good" art only really comes from suffering is very real, but please keep up with the good work.

[@SILiAProd]

Okay, I think this one is my favorite song of yours, I think I had some tears falling off my face but I couldn't really feel those because of the lyrics and the feelings that went literally crazy, I think? (geez idk how to explain myself 😭) But that song, those lyrics, this melody, in particular, touched me... Thank you for making this song.

[@MoffyMoth]

This song cuts deep for me because I can see a different interpretation than what is obvious. In my personal life I’ve felt and feel like no cares about me unless I’m crying, dying or actively s**cidal. And I often draw to get my feeling out and it seems the when I draw darker themes that’s the only art people want to focus on cuz it “has a deeper meaning” “there’s so much emotion in this piece” so I understand where circus is coming from and I still love his music either way especially the cute ones like dolphin and puzzle.

[@ngahang8141]

"Behind every piece of art is a human to be heard." That line stuck at me hard so much😢. Incredible work CircusP❤ PS: The intro of video is absolutely genius!

[@Alphaismyname]

1 Million views! I remember the day the song came out

[@OftwougWeilder]

Absolute banger that makes me feel guilty for listening on repeat i PROMISE IM NOT HERE TO COMMODIFY YOUR MISERY THIS SONG JUST GOES HARD IM SORRY,

[@Extremebasilfan.]

I cant believe flowers been streaming for 12 years

[@coraxa6461]

I'm sorry, but this might actually be my favourite off the album. It's just too relatable and the lyrics are genius tbh. Also I love VFlower, all the references, the art, the video and of course the song itself. Great job everyone!! But please take care of yourselves too...

[@idkplzhalp]

Dude the way you tuned flower is INSANE ! You gave her a totally different accent??? How did you do that?????? She almost sounds like Reol in this!! Its crazy good. The effort put into this song is incredible.

[@floppafan7278]

1:17 omg i love the attention to detail on here having the chat be previous songs and the message being the lyrics.

[@XEZOREST]

(This comment was written in Japanese and posted based on the output from DeepL translation) I saw a post on NOTE (a blog-like service for posting text) that said, "Unlike other vocaloids such as Hatsune Miku, V flower has few works in which the character of V flower itself is sought after, and the songs are such that there is no necessity for them to be sung by V flower". This song reminded me of a post that said something like, "Unlike works sung by other Vocaloids such as Hatsune Miku, there are few works in which the character's picture is clearly shown in the music video". In this music video, V flower is wearing clothes of synthetic voice characters such as Hatsune Miku, MEIKO and other Vocaloids, school uniforms like Synthesizer V characters, UTAU costumes and so on, although I am not sure. In this song, V flower surely wanted to draw attention to herself and have a reason to be, like other synthetic voice characters, but no one would pay attention to her as she is, so she dressed up as other synthetic voice characters. However, the fact that she was only wearing a costume and her own hair and other parts of her head are still the same is becauseshe still felt she could not erase herself, and she wanted to draw attention to herself, even if there were other characters. Sadly, most artists did not create works featuring V flower's character, and some of them chose to use V flower as a "Better Off Worse" because other Vocaloids had too much of the same character. I am Japanese and do not fully understand the lyrics of this song or the original music video, so if you find anything strange, I would appreciate it if you could point it out to me. Also, if you can tell me the name of the character V flower is cosplaying in this music video, it would be very helpful. I think most of them are probably foreign UTAU characters, but there are so many different UTAUs out there that I know very little about them.

[@11vein]

I think your interpretation despite the language barrier is very good! A lot of the outfits that V flower wears in this video are outfits or references to this producer's other works (including demo songs for Vocaloid, Synth V, and so on). Your comment about V flower herself not being a character in a lot of works rings very true. I think for the theme of this song it works very well to use her voice and image! The general theme of the song itself is about how content that is darker and negative tends to be more sought out than happier works. However, creating those darker songs can often reflect the wellbeing of a producer.

[@flowersmedia832]

@@11vein omg mors- but yeah seriously this is very accurate i mean, her being out of character is true (seeing that she's cosplaying vocaloids/synthv/utaus such as miki, gumi, luka, and more) which could mean that she's trying to appeal to the audience, like people don't pay attention to her being herself, and she gets more attention being other synths. (i'd like to say my interpretation of the song too)

[@HeruruMeruru]

I know my response is late, but the actual meaning is not so much about VFlower but about the producer being frustrated that his older, sad songs made while he wasstruggling in real life get more attention than their newer more positive songs. People would rather see the characters and artist suffer than let them be happy. The costumes are all from other songs CircusP has made.

[@Nuggetlover96]

I deeply appreciate the appearance of Flower with her longer hair. You don't see people use it very often

[@firestorm5371]

It is slightly ironic how well this song is doing

[@lucian2290]

flower’s icon is originally her when she’s happy…but by 3:05 it’s changed to how she looks in the rest of the video :(

[@user-qy8sd7os9y]

たくさんのflowerの書き込みにとにかく愛を感じる 中毒的なサビの中でたくさんの花ちゃんを見れるのがホントに素晴らしい

[@yonakaentropy]

this is like, the best usage of flower in an english song i've ever seen

[@mapleburns32sierra29]

Circus? I just want to say no matter what theme your songs are, dark or light, I'll always be a fan! All of your music is wonderful,and if you are going through something difficult,please be safe and rest if needed! I also would like to thank you for everything you've done! Your music is wonderful and it has gotten me through a dark time and it's helping me feel happy! Please keep up the glorious work and continue to make wonderful music!!❤😂😊

[@Aceburn5]

Respect to VFlower for streaming for 13 years straight

[@len7486]

I noticed the Venti cosplay at 0:38 lol

[@niloinreverse]

Omaga, I freaking knew it in my bones

[@xmyttzx]

What i think a lot of people noticed, is as if her outfits changes, she cosplays (?) As a different Vocaloid.

[@corasundae]

She's cosplaying different CircusP songs.

[@disgustof-riley8338]

​@@corasundae OH SHIT YOU RIGHT

[@xmyttzx]

@@corasundae Yes. That's also right, because we can see other cosplays, not only from vocaloid.

[@waswaswassi]

歌詞はちょっとしか理解出来てないけど曲とMV凄くカッコイイ！

[@akgalvis1256]

Ok but no one is going to talk about the design ref?! Like I felt something when the "new" Flower was with her V4 design but her "happy" self was with her v3 design. I feel like everyone didn't payed sm attention to Flower in her V3 first release, but when she got her V4 and her new boyish design everyone started to use her for maaaaany songs, more than before... And if Flower were a real person I would think this is how she feels, like why do you prefer the new me who is tired and exhausted more than the last me where I was more myself without your critics?... Also this song, yeah is a bang but... I really felt the emotion here and it made me analyze a little bit myself if I was a good or bad fan while looking to my favorite accounts, do I care about their life? They're humans after all, it hurts rlly much-

[@lowkie78]

I noticed too! and now people like it less now that Flower has yet another new design

[@nagitashinjiro]

I feel bad for loving this song despite it showing how much Circus has improved, but I've been here since Creepy Toast as a kid, and I love to see Circus improve in every way possible; it just makes me feel bad to even be excited over the nudges to the older, popular songs, considering this song itself in lyric and MV (which is amazingly made and with a lot of dedication, I can see, great job Rice! I'm super impressed) is calling out types like me who know Circus from the older popular songs while disregarding the producer himself. However still I'm glad to see you call out those who only *did* care about the darker songs and not about the human behind and the effort put in. I feel genuinely bad for relating so much to every lyric. It feels great to grow up listening to Circus' music, but as the comments said, this song is a double edged sword. Personally I dropped off the map from Vocaloid/Vocal Synths for a long time and came back roughly around the time of Puzzle's release. Those older songs gave me comfort when I was younger as I could relate, (Finale I remember thinking a lot about when I was....11) and I imagine a lot of others, and the most painfully ironic thing is that this MV and song I relate the most to in this case. despite it's very dark nature, and definitely not the first or last it'll be.... (chuckles) im the problem (im also spiraling on the brink haha!) In seriousness, if you read this Circus, you've improved *so* much and I can only hope that you're doing well. It's been great to see you grow into the person you are today along with myself, both musically and mentally. I've been a lurking viewer too scared to comment really anything for like, 13 years, and I'm sorry about that. Your album looks like it's coming along great and I'm hyped to see what else you could have planned for the future. Your skills have definitely improved immensely and it's great to see this song with your current skills. I hope the best for you.

[@nagitashinjiro]

I'm sorry for this long-ass comment, (and had to edit it to fix things as I am terrified my wording might be bad and opposite to how I want the comment to be portrayed) I am not in a good enough headspace to put together coherent thought Thank you for your hard work over the years, Circus. I wanted to pick up music due to your works way back then when I was a kid, but never could understand how to make music, or anything really, so I'm glad to see you come so far.

[@anonymousfandommix6850]

examples- 1:51 is poltergeist, 2:10 is round and round, 2:12 is aisenma The theme that people are only listening to music that’s made at the cost of it being when it’s creator wasn’t doing the hottest- I love the detail of adding in Circus P songs that match the description.

[@Lenahys]

I listened to this song on Patreon and didn't know what to say at this time so, I'll finally say it here : I love your actual songs. I love your happy songs, I love your popish songs, I love every single one of them. Heck, the one I have an hyperfocus right now is Captain. It's "Disney-esque" like you said but that's why it's so cool. Of course, I like your darker songs too, and I know there is less views too, but I'm 100% sure your actual audience wants you healthy and happy. Even if we are fewer, even if some of us only lurk and rarely talk, we just want one of our favorite artist to be ok. On a personal note, you were also the one who gave me confidence to buy my favorite voicebanks and try to do covers thanks to your streams. So, please be proud of you and your work ❤️

[@bashy-p]

god, this is absolutely genius. i have no words. you got the message of the song across so clearly, it hits so hard in the perfect way.

[@-weep-8745]

THIS. THIS IS A MASTERPIECE! I love every bit of it, the entire thing is just a bop! Actually reading the captions for the lyrics tho- oh that hits somewhere in hurts. Whether ur an artist for drawings, maybe music or other wonderful mediums, this song can hit hard. Either way, wonderful song! To everyone who's reading this, stay safe and take care of yourself! And if ur an artist of any media, all your work is wonderful!

[@schizophrenicP]

Just realized that the song lasts to 4:04 (404 error Code)

[@N_LoverXD]

Lyrics it's 4 AM on a school night 100 calorie life Making sure the set ups just right, just right Burning every bridge that I grace Making sure that I feel pain Getting in a bitter headspace At this pace I'm ready to go I know your craving for a brand new low I'm ready to go To halt my growth and put on a show To you I'm better-better-better off worse You listen when it hurts too much to bear It's like I'm better-better-better off worse My happiness is never cared for Over-analyze my broken heart As the tempo kicks up a notch 'Cause I'm better-better-better off worse You only ever like me in this spiral of despair No, we must go back Go back to 'my' roots if you could call it that Go back to the hurdles that I've already passed Reliving them over and over And when there is closure We gotta go bolder I'm ready to go Because I know my woes are a product to be consumed Now you're running low I know you want something new But what else can I do? Oh, what else can I do? To you I'm better-better-better off worse You listen when it hurts too much to bear It's like I'm better-better-better off worse My happiness is never cared for Over-analyze my broken heart As the tempo kicks up a notch 'Cause I'm better-better-better off worse You only ever like me in this spiral of despair Better off recovering than recovered Better off hurting than to have hurt Better off in the dark than in the light Better off near death than be alright Bleed out for audience approval Tragic, but perfectly on schedule You think by now that we would have learned Behind every piece of art is a human to be heard But I'm still better-better-better off worse You listen when it hurts too much to bear It's like I'm better-better-better off worse Rejecting change to keep you there Because I'm better-better-better off worse You listen when I'm running out of time It's like I'm better-better-better off worse The mourning of one still alive I oversimplify the tears I cry While you tear them down line by line 'Cause I'm better-better-better off worse You only ever like me- Only ever like me when I wanna die

[@MikuMiku399]

Not sure whether this was intentional or not, but I like how at the beginning, it can be heard as either “making sure that I feel okay, getting in a better headspace” or “making sure that I feel pain, getting in a bitter headspace” like!!! It fits the song so well… just thought I’d point that out, bc the subtitles say the second option, but the first one fits well too

[@thetotallyrandom]

If you turn on captions, there’s a neat detail at 1:59 and 2:00 where the word “broken” gets split in two with a slash

[@kiro9291]

if you build fame with sadness, people will know you for sadness, and like you because they can be sad with you if you no longer want to make sad content, your sad audience will leave, but a new, non-sad audience will grow it's why there's always butthurt old fans that say "blablabla fell off" cuz they changed the content they do, including gaming channels that switch to vlogs or music. youtube is an unfortunate environment like that but I like your content, old and new. I was around before haywire was uploaded. I love your sad songs, and I love your happy songs. Golden Afternoon, Orbit, Treat Me So Right, Just For Tonight, Dawn, Ghost Night Parade, Dreaming With You, Nana, the Creative Remix, and Infection and I'm surely not the only one. take a break if you have to, and embrace your growth. haters and whiners are loud, but your supporters are numerous and will grow with time. be yourself

[@otiusoam]

AHH I REMEMBER THAT I LISTENED TO THIS SONG ON THE DAY IT WAS RELEASED, AND NOW IT HAS ALREADY GOT A MILLION VIEWS, IT IS ABSOLUTELY DESERVED!!! I told all my friends about this and they love it (Written through a translator)

[@VeryGoodDad]

What a great song. Even if you don't produce art or music, it's easy to get caught up in romanticizing and obsessing over emotional pain, getting stuck and fearing recovery. You believe you don't deserve to feel better. That type of mindset is very prevalent in some online circles unfortunately. Good stuff

[@miinya8592]

Have been listening to this on repeat and at some point the repeated "better better better better-" started to sound like "bitter, bitter, bitter, bitter-"

[@pandapan5797]

Oh my gooooood as a classic Vocacircus fan and flower-obsessed vocaloid maniac, I loved this song. Which is ironic, because the whole message is about how bad experiences turn into love and attention. Wonderful MV tho, great tuning, like impressibly great flower tuning. Thank you.

[@FrostyPhoenyx]

THIS IS GOES SOOO HARD OMG THE MUSIC AND THE MV IS SO COOL?? THE DETAILS HHH THE CRYSTALLINE REF 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺💖

[@Pinkieshy-ut1dr]

You deserve to feel and be better. It sucks that people love/relate to misery in art and music - everyone deserves a chance to be happy and to express that happiness.

[@NattalaChao]

So I don’t usually comment but considering the content of the song I did want to say something. So I’ve been a fan of Circus’ work since I was in my early twenties I think? I was still in university at the time. I’m in my thirties now. And while I really liked and related to Circus’ angsty stuff at the time, I have changed a lot since then and it makes sense that Circus has changed too. And I really like Circus’ new stuff. One of my favourite ‘recent’ songs from Circus is Dreamin With U, which is such a sweet love song that I definitely can relate more to now as a married woman than I probably could have as the weirdo loner I was in my early twenties . I guess the reason I bring this all up is just that this song is a sobering reminder that behind the content we consume is a person and people change. Especially when you’ve been making content as long as Circus has. Which I really appreciate. Back when Circus started making music, the English Vocaloid scene was still very niche’. Now there’s a tonne of well-known producers! But Circus’ music is still my fave.

[@violetkatgrove5007]

im hoping theres a better CW at the start of the MV, cause "CONTENT WARNING: Viewer discretion is advised" tells me literally nothing. i already know what the song is from patreon but i worry for others EDIT: ending up missing premiere, but im glad the description was updated with better CWs! honestly one of my favorite MVs from rice now. its so good

[@finne0n]

don't worry, it's in the description !! :]

[@violetkatgrove5007]

@kottełki Honestly, you're right. i love the song and mv but the lack of proper warning before the song is sad to see

[@MaceeTheToast]

i love how the chat on the side sometimes turns into actual lyrics from different songs. nice touch and amazing song!! :D

[@fnooblorbl9225]

I think that this sort of thing has been a big factor in the English Vocaloid scene for a long time. I'm not very familiar with your work, other than running into your stuff in Vocaloid compilations and stuff. Back when I was at my lowest, which conveniently lined up with me discovering Vocaloid, I wasn't able to get into (almost) any English producers, because they were all too painful for me to bear back then. I always felt bad for not being able to appreciate them because I knew that anybody writing those songs had it much worse than I. Now that I'm doing better I've been able to catch up some on what I missed then, and I've enjoyed artists like RIP and Ghost dabbling in more hopeful stuff. Thanks for sharing what it's like from the other side, and I'm glad things seem to be looking up for you :)

[@MiniEmber]

Circus also has a lot of happier songs. Highly recommend them

[@bookgobloblin8412]

I never thought I'd be listening to an angsty Vflower song that was guilt tripping me for liking angsty Vflower songs.

[@Flowersimp]

Yeaahh...

[@everythingz888]

Man I love these lyrics, they convey the message in such a raw way! Not to mention your tuning is amazing as expected