Russians
Sting & The Police Lyrics

In Europe and America there's a growing feeling of hysteria
People in Europe and America are starting to feel an increasing sense of fear and panic.

Conditioned to respond to all the threats
They are being trained to react to every danger.

In the rhetorical speeches of the Soviets
The cause of this fear is the speeches given by Soviet leaders.

Mister Krushchev said, “We will bury you”
The fear stems from quotes like Khrushchev's famous statement that the Soviet Union would one day triumph over the United States.

I don't subscribe to this point of view
The artist does not agree with this fear-mongering point of view.

It'd be such an ignorant thing to do
This point of view is not wise.

If the Russians love their children too
The singer believes that the Russians, like all people, care about their own children.

How can I save my little boy from Oppenheimer's deadly toy?
The artist is grappling with the reality that even if one nuclear power doesn't attack, catastrophic damage can still occur from use of nuclear weapons.

There is no monopoly on common sense
The artist believes that all people are capable of rational thinking.

On either side of the political fence
This ability to think rationally exists on both sides of the political divide.

We share the same biology, regardless of ideology
All people have the same basic physical makeup, no matter what their political beliefs or nationality.

Believe me when I say to you
The artist wants the listener to trust that this is true.

I hope the Russians love their children too
The singer hopes that the Russians will make the responsible choice to not use weapons of mass destruction because they value the lives of their children.

There is no historical precedent
There is no example from the past to support the idea that a nuclear war can be won.

To put the words in the mouth of the president?
Is it wise to let the president say things like that?

There's no such thing as a winnable war
The artist believes that no war, especially not a nuclear one, can truly be won.

It's a lie we don't believe anymore
Most people no longer believe that a war can be won without massive loss of life.

Mister Reagan says, “We will protect you”
President Reagan claims that he will keep Americans safe from attack.

I don't subscribe to this point of view
The singer does not necessarily believe that Reagan's approach will work.

But what might save us, me and you
What could prevent a nuclear conflict is if everyone values life equally.

Is if the Russians love their children too
If the Russians prioritize protecting the lives of their children, they are less likely to use weapons of mass destruction.