Rengoku

Akiko Shikata's 'Rengoku' is a hauntingly beautiful song that delves into themes of despair, unpredictability, and the cyclical nature of suffering. The lyrics, written in Italian, paint a vivid picture of a world where rules and reason are absent, leading to a sense of chaos and unpredictability. The opening lines, 'Né regole né comandamenti né ragione / In altre parole : imprevedibile,' set the tone for the rest of the song, suggesting a world where anything can happen, and often, it is the unpleasant that does.

The song's narrative is filled with metaphors and imagery that evoke a sense of tragedy and hopelessness. The repeated references to a 'tragedy' and 'infinita disperazione' (infinite despair) highlight the cyclical nature of suffering, where each night brings a new act of the same tragic play. The character of Beatrice, described as a 'maga crudele' (cruel witch) and of 'bellezza senza pari' (unparalleled beauty), symbolizes an inescapable enchantment, a source of both allure and torment. This duality of love and hate, beauty and cruelty, is a recurring theme in the song, reflecting the complex emotions that come with deep despair.

The imagery of an 'isola cupa e deserta' (dark and deserted island) and 'fiamme del purgatorio' (flames of purgatory) further intensifies the sense of isolation and suffering. The song speaks to the human condition, where individuals are trapped in their own personal hells, unable to escape the pain and sorrow that life often brings. The final lines, urging listeners to 'affondate le unghie' (dig in your nails) and 'piangete e urlate' (cry and scream), emphasize the raw, visceral nature of this suffering, leaving a lasting impression of a world consumed by malvagità (wickedness).