"After the end of World War II, the world was split into two -- East and West. This marked the beginning of the era called the Cold War." - Big Boss, Metal Gear Solid 3 Snake Eater
The Cold War and the thought of nuclear devastation instilled fear within all. It is only natural for the culture to reflect this, and what better measure of culture than its music? Disco was born in the United States and it died only decades after its adoption whereas other music forms have lived on. It slowly lost popularity, changing styles throughout the 1980s. Disco gave rise to funk and from funk pop music was born as we know it today, but in Disco's original form -- we see it no longer. Therefore, I think it is only fitting for the Cold War to be discussed when talking about Disco, it was born in that era and it died in that era.
The song Rasputin by Boney M reflects a lot of interest in the affairs of Russian history. Perhaps it seeks to explain the origins of Lenin's Russia. During the red scare, many in the United States believed whole heartily that Communists didn't have the capability of humor, romance, or even compassion. Lines 13, 39, and 45 all refer to Rasputin as "Russia's greatest love machine" and as we all know, Rasputin was brutally murdered by the proletariat of Russia. Could this be a symbolic preface to what was to come in the years after with Communism? I think so.
redue of 1st verse translation
15 years ago
5 comments:
This seems to have a lot of historical information about the song. Can you find ways to analyze the songs deeper content? For example certain words or sentences? This is good post and it makes sense about what your discussion/ argument is.
So in those lines (13,39 and 45) are you saying it foreshadows what's to come because Russia is great no more?
Or because the proletariat rose up to kill Rasputin and then would rise up to build a communist state? (in theory it was the proletariat, at least)
Or because "love is dead" in Russia?
I remember learning a little bit about Rasputin in high school. I might be wrong but I thought I learned that Rasputin was a very sexual man. He would include sex in his rituals and was very fond of women if you know what I mean. I could be totally wrong but it's just what came to mind when you were talking about the line that says "Russia's greatest love machine". It might be something to take into consideration when anaylyzing the song.
you seem very well informed...
ooo kristenlagos brings up some info that could really change how I read this song ... I think we're going to need some history on Rasputin.
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