Zettai Unmei Mokoshiroku

The song "Zettai Unmei Mokoshiroku" by Revolutionary Girl Utena is a haunting and enigmatic piece that delves into themes of fate, destiny, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. The repetitive chant of "ぜったいうんめいもくしろく" (zettai unmei mokushiroku), which translates to "absolute destiny apocalypse," sets the tone for a narrative that is both mystical and foreboding. This phrase suggests an unchangeable fate, a destiny that is written in stone and cannot be altered, reflecting the overarching themes of the anime series it is associated with.

The lyrics are rich with metaphors and symbolic imagery. Phrases like "やみのさばくにさんばうば" (yami no sabaku ni sanba uba) and "きんのめっきのとうげんきょう" (kin no mekki no tougenkyou) evoke a sense of a desolate, dark desert and a gilded utopia, respectively. These contrasting images highlight the duality of existence, the constant interplay between hope and despair, and the pursuit of an ideal world amidst the harsh realities of life. The mention of "そどむのやみ" (Sodom no yami) and "ひかりのやみ" (hikari no yami) further emphasizes this duality, referencing the biblical city of Sodom as a symbol of darkness and corruption, juxtaposed with the paradoxical concept of 'light's darkness.'

The song's structure, with its repetitive and almost hypnotic chanting, mirrors the cyclical nature of fate and the inescapable loops of time and destiny. The lines "ひるとよるとがぎゃくまわり" (hiru to yoru to ga gyakumawari) and "ときのめっきのしつらくえん" (toki no mekki no shitsurakuen) suggest a world where day and night are reversed, and time itself is a gilded paradise lost. This surreal imagery reinforces the idea that the characters are trapped in a world where the normal rules of reality do not apply, and they must navigate a labyrinth of existential challenges.

"Zettai Unmei Mokoshiroku" is not just a song but a profound exploration of the human condition, encapsulating the themes of destiny, duality, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. It serves as a powerful anthem for the series, encapsulating its philosophical depth and emotional intensity.