Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
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
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
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
"This man's just gotta 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 he 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 'til he was dead
Oh, those Russians
About This Song
"Rasputin" is a disco-funk historical narrative that dramatizes the life and death of the infamous Russian mystic Grigori Rasputin, blending dark historical themes with an irresistibly danceable beat. The song portrays Rasputin as a larger-than-life figure whose magnetic charisma and alleged supernatural powers made him both feared and desired, particularly emphasizing his scandalous reputation with women and his manipulative influence over the Russian royal family. Musically, it features Boney M.'s signature Euro-disco sound with a hypnotic bassline, theatrical vocals, and an infectious groove that contrasts strikingly with the sinister subject matter. The track's genius lies in its ability to transform a tale of political intrigue, debauchery, and assassination into a catchy party anthem, creating an almost surreal juxtaposition between its dark historical content and celebratory musical style. It became one of Boney M.'s biggest hits and remains a distinctive example of how disco could tackle unconventional subject matter while maintaining mass appeal.
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