Rasputin (1979) – Boney M.

Introduction

“Rasputin” is a song by the German disco group Boney M. It was released in 1978 as the second single from their third studio album, Nightflight to Venus. The song is a catchy and upbeat disco tune with a memorable chorus, and it quickly became a global hit, reaching number one in several countries around the world.

The song is based on the life of Grigori Rasputin, a Russian mystic and faith healer who rose to prominence during the reign of Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna. Rasputin was a controversial figure, both during his lifetime and since his death. He was admired by some for his spiritual powers and his ability to heal the sick, but he was also reviled by others for his hedonistic lifestyle and his close relationship with the Tsar and Tsarina.

The song “Rasputin” paints a somewhat romanticized portrait of the historical figure. It describes him as a charismatic and powerful man who was irresistible to women. The song also suggests that Rasputin had magical powers, and that he was able to survive multiple assassination attempts.

While the song’s lyrics are not entirely accurate, they do capture the mystique and fascination that surrounds Rasputin to this day. The song also reflects the popularity of disco music in the late 1970s, and its ability to combine elements of different musical genres, such as pop, funk, and rock.

The song “Rasputin” was written by Frank Farian, the producer of Boney M. Farian was inspired to write the song after reading a book about Rasputin. He was fascinated by the figure’s charisma and power, and he wanted to write a song that would capture his mystique.

The song’s lyrics were written by Fred Jay, and the melody was composed by Farian and Jay together. The song was recorded in Munich in 1978, and it was released as a single in August of that year.

“Rasputin” was a huge commercial success, reaching number one in several countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Australia. The song also became a popular hit in the United States, where it peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song’s success was due in part to its catchy melody and upbeat disco beat. However, the song’s subject matter also played a role in its popularity. Rasputin was a controversial figure, and the song’s portrayal of him as a powerful and charismatic man was intriguing to many listeners

Watch The Music

Lyrics

There lived a certain man in Russia long ago
He was big and strong, in his eyes a flaming glow
Most people look at him with terror and with fear
But to Moscow chicks he was such a lovely dear
He could preach the Bible like a preacher
Full of ecstasy and fire
But he also was the kind of teacher
Women would desire

RA RA RASPUTIN
Lover of the Russian queen
There was a cat that really was gone
RA RA RASPUTIN
Russia’s greatest love machine
It was a shame how he carried on

He ruled the Russian land and never mind the Tsar
But the kazachok he danced really wunderbar
In all affairs of state he was the man to please
But he was real great when he had a girl to squeeze
For the queen he was no wheeler dealer
Though she’d heard the things he’d done
She believed he was a holy healer
Who would heal her son

RA RA RASPUTIN
Lover of the Russian queen
There was a cat that really was gone
RA RA RASPUTIN
Russia’s greatest love machine
It was a shame how he carried on

[Spoken:]
But when his drinking and lusting and his hunger
For power became known to more and more people
The demands to do something about this outrageous
Man became louder and louder

“This man’s just got to go!” declared his enemies
But the ladies begged “Don’t you try to do it, please”
No doubt this Rasputin had lots of hidden charms
Though he was a brute they just fell into his arms
Then one night some men of higher standing
Set a trap, they’re not to blame
“Come to visit us” they kept demanding
And he really came

RA RA RASPUTIN
Lover of the Russian queen
They put some poison into his wine
RA RA RASPUTIN
Russia’s greatest love machine
He drank it all and said “I feel fine”

RA RA RASPUTIN
Lover of the Russian queen
They didn’t quit, they wanted his head
RA RA RASPUTIN
Russia’s greatest love machine
And so they shot him till he was dead

[Spoken:] Oh, those Russians…