"Russians" uses a theme borrowed from the Suite from Lieutenant Kije, by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. (Sting subsequently served as narrator for Peter and the Wolf: A Prokofiev Fantasy, one of the many recorded versions of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf.)
Russians
Sting Lyrics
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Conditioned to respond to all the threats
In the rhetorical speeches of the Soviets
Mister Krushchev said, "We will bury you"
I don't subscribe to this point of view
It'd be such an ignorant thing to do
If the Russians love their children too
How can I save my little boy from Oppenheimer's deadly toy?
On either side of the political fence
We share the same biology, regardless of ideology
Believe me when I say to you
I hope the Russians love their children too
There is no historical precedent
To put the words in the mouth of the president?
There's no such thing as a winnable war
It's a lie we don't believe anymore
Mister Reagan says, "We will protect you"
I don't subscribe to this point of view
Believe me when I say to you
I hope the Russians love their children too
We share the same biology, regardless of ideology
But what might save us, me and you
Is if the Russians love their children too
Sting's "Russians" is a powerful song that reflects on the tense political atmosphere between the Soviet Union and the Western world during the Cold War. The opening lines of the song express the growing sense of hysteria in Europe and America as countries were primed to respond to perceived threats from the communist Soviet Union. The song then turns to a moment when Russian premier Krushchev threatened to bury the Western world, and Sting responds with an expression of disbelief and a statement of hope that the Russian people understand the folly of mutual destruction. The lyrics capture the fact that, in the end, common sense and shared biology could be the factors that save humanity from the brink of nuclear war.
The second verse of the song confronts the notion that war could be "winnable" as President Reagan had suggested. Sting, however, sees war as a lie that humanity no longer believes in. He repeats his earlier sentiment, saying, "I hope the Russians love their children too," expressing his hope that both sides recognize the importance of life and the value of mutual understanding. In the end, regardless of ideology and differences, humanity is united by the shared biology we all share, which should be protected at all costs.
Line by Line Meaning
In Europe and America there's a growing feeling of hysteria
The people in Europe and America are becoming increasingly scared and anxious.
Conditioned to respond to all the threats
They have been trained to react to every danger, even if the threat is not real.
In the rhetorical speeches of the Soviets
The Soviets often use persuasive speeches to influence people.
Mister Krushchev said, "We will bury you"
Krushchev threatened that Soviet power would overcome Western power.
I don't subscribe to this point of view
The singer does not agree with the idea of Soviet domination.
It'd be such an ignorant thing to do
Forcing one view or culture upon another would be foolish.
If the Russians love their children too
The Russians are human just like everyone else, and have a desire to protect their loved ones.
How can I save my little boy from Oppenheimer's deadly toy?
The singer is worried about nuclear weapons, which could harm innocent people, including his child.
There is no monopoly on common sense
Nobody has exclusive ownership of rational thinking.
On either side of the political fence
Both sides of the conflict share the same basic goals and principles.
We share the same biology, regardless of ideology
All humans are biologically similar, no matter their political views.
Believe me when I say to you
The artist is making an earnest plea to be heard and understood.
I hope the Russians love their children too
The singer hopes that the Russians share his concern for the safety of innocent people.
There is no historical precedent
There is no past example to follow in this situation.
To put the words in the mouth of the president?
It's not fair to put all the blame on the president, because it's a complex issue.
There's no such thing as a winnable war
No one truly wins a war, because everyone suffers in some way.
It's a lie we don't believe anymore
The idea of war as an effective solution is no longer accepted by many people.
Mister Reagan says, "We will protect you"
Reagan promised to defend his country, but the singer does not fully agree with him.
I don't subscribe to this point of view
The singer doesn't wholeheartedly agree with Reagan's stance on defense.
Believe me when I say to you
The singer is emphasizing his honesty and sincerity.
I hope the Russians love their children too
The singer expresses his desire for everyone to have a vested interest in the safety of all people.
We share the same biology, regardless of ideology
Once again, the artist highlights our biological similarity as human beings.
But what might save us, me and you
The solution to this complex problem may require insight and cooperation from everyone.
Is if the Russians love their children too
If everyone shares a desire for safety and well-being, it may be possible to find a peaceful resolution.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Serge Prokofieff, Gordon Sumner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kolektivo Azul
Russians <3
@user-ec7rl2or9y
@@guygomel До сих пор актуально! - Русские
В Европе и Америке
Нарастает чувство истерии,
Обусловленное ответом на все угрозы,
Прозвучавшим в риторических речах Советов.
Товарищ Хрущёв сказал: «Мы вас закопаем»,1
Я не подпишусь под этой точкой зрения –
Было бы столь глупо поступить так,
Если русские тоже любят своих детей.
Как мне уберечь своего малыша,
От смертельной игрушки Оппенгеймера?2
Нет монополии на здравый смысл
Ни на одной из сторон политического ринга.
У нас одна и та же биология,
Несмотря на идеологию,
Поверьте мне, когда я говорю вам,
Что надеюсь, что русские тоже любят своих детей.
Не было прецедента в истории,
Чтобы президенту приписали слова,
Нет такой войны,
В которой может быть победитель,
Это – ложь, в которую мы больше не верим.
Мистер Рейган говорит: «Мы защитим вас»,
Я не подпишусь под этой точкой зрения.
Поверьте мне, когда я говорю вам,
Что надеюсь, что русские тоже любят своих детей.
У нас одна и та же биология,
Несмотря на идеологию,
Что может спасти нас, меня и тебя –
То, что русские тоже любят своих детей..
@minmogrovingstrongandhealthy
Speaking of it's all over again, the west invaded Europe and Africa and Russia was there to clean it up while you bark at Russians for doing their job, of protecting their own.
This happened over and over again yet no one learns a damn thing about anything.
Especially today. NATO invaded Europe and is attacking Russia while magically Russia is an invaidor on it's own lands ...
Same was applied to Serbia and bunch of other who NATO is in war with. NATO invades and kills natives magically those natives are the aggressors and are invading themselves.
Do world a favor and just f-ck off. Especially things you can't comprehend even a concept of let alone the entire thing, nor clearly want to even try to learn.
The west and their zombies should leave out of their filthy mouths the countries that are centuries far older then your pathetic fake ones, in any negative way.
Because whatever your spoiledass have today is thanks to those same old countries your officials butcher and pillage.
@user-yl3sz8ge6r
«Хотят ли русские войны?
Спросите вы у тишины
над ширью пашен и полей
и у берез и тополей.
Спросите вы у тех солдат,
что под березами лежат,
и пусть вам скажут их сыны,
хотят ли русские войны.»
Евгений Евтушенко, Александрович
@spumatei
As a Russian, I hope that we all love our children, on either side of the political fence. Peace to all.
@JanosRado-gd2od
Yes brother from an Australian born German. Peace too you.
@Ouliiii
We love a lot our children. I love all the children of the world. For them please don't do the war.
@lpatterson5005
What is sting saying that Russians don't love their children??? England doesn't love children the world allows child trafficking the people love the children the people who like to think they rule us DO NOT
@user-gf7pt1rb4c
Підтримуєш Путіна?
@itsshrimpinabag9544
Thanks. I hope you know that good, true Americans over here don't believe the American media or government. We know it is all corrupt. Even the European government and media. We don't want to be the agressors. But you could say we are a conquered country. Conquered by the elites.
@sunnyfrisch
In these current times this song should go viral again…
@jfkforever
Never thought it would have been contemporary again…..
History has the nasty habit to repeat itself….
@garyshapiro5196
That's why I'm here.