Sting , formerly of The Police , released his first solo album, The Dream of the Blue Turtles , in 1985. Among the 10 songs, one stood out: "Russians".
The musician will come to Brazil in February 2025 – learn more here.
The song was released during a sensitive period, serving as a critique of the policy of mutually assured destruction between the United States and the then-existing Soviet Union during the Cold War.
In the song, Sting sings: “There is no monopoly of common sense / On either side of the political fence / We share the same biology / Regardless of ideology.”
In 2010, Sting revealed that he had a friend at university who had invented a way to steal the satellite signal from Russian TV
“We would drink some beers and climb a small staircase to watch Russian television… At that time of night, we could only watch children’s programs, like Sesame Street ,” the musician recounted. He also commented that he was impressed by “the care and attention they gave to their children’s programs.”
Creation of “Russians”
“Russians” features a melody inspired by Lieutenant Kizhe , a work by the Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev . The introduction includes a segment from the Soviet news program Vremya , in which the presenter Igor Kirillov says in Russian: “(…) The British Prime Minister described the talks with the head of the delegation, Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev , as a constructive, practical and friendly exchange of views (…)”
The excerpt refers to Gorbachev's meeting with Margaret Thatcher in 1984. The Soviet leader at the time was Konstantin Chernenko. Background sounds from the Apollo-Soyuz mission also appear in the track.
Critical reception to "Russians" was positive, with Billboard describing the track as "a sober political/humanitarian message framed by soaring chords and quotes from Prokofiev."
“Russians” rarely appears in Sting’s live repertoire, but the song gained attention again in 2022 when he released an acoustic version during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The profits were donated to humanitarian and medical aid for the Ukrainian people.
In 1994, Sting stated that he “never thought [the song] would be relevant again.” However, in light of “a man’s bloody and misguided decision to invade a peaceful and non-threatening neighbor,” the artist sees the song as a renewed appeal to ordinary humanity.
Listen to the song below, then check out the full lyrics in English and Portuguese.
In Europe and America
There’s a growing feeling of hysteria
Conditioned to respond to all the threats
In the rhetorical speeches of the Soviets
Mister Khrushchev said: We will bury you
I don't subscribe to this point of view
It would 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?
There is no monopoly of common sense
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
What might save us, me and you
Is if the Russians love their children too
Translation
In Europe and America
there is a growing sense of hysteria
conditioned to respond to all threats
in the rhetorical speeches of the Soviets.
Mr. Khrushchev said, "Let's bury him."
I don't agree with his point of view.
It would be such an ignorant thing to do.
If Russians love their children too...
How can I save my boy
from Oppenheimer's deadly toy?
There is no monopoly on common sense
on either side of the political fence.
We share the same biology,
regardless of ideology.
Believe me when I tell you,
I hope Russians love their children too.
There is no historical precedent
for putting those words in the president's mouth.
There is no such thing as a war being won.
It's a lie we no longer believe.
Mr. Reagan said, "He will protect you."
I don't agree with his point of view.
Believe me when I tell you,
I hope the Russians love their children too.
We share the same biology,
regardless of ideology.
What can save us, you and me,
is if Russians love their children too.
Sting in Brazil
The Sting 3.0 will pass through three Brazilian cities, starting in Rio de Janeiro on February 14th (Farmasi Arena), continuing to São Paulo on February 16th (Ibirapuera Park) and ending in Curitiba on February 18th (Pedreira Paulo Leminski).
Sales will take place through the Ticket Master , and tickets will be available in an exclusive pre-sale for Santander Clients starting next Wednesday, the 25th, while general sales begin on Friday, the 27th, both days at 10 am.
Currently, the musician is accompanied by guitarist Dominic Miller and drummer Chris Maas .