Album: Nightflight To Venus (1978)

Charted: 2

License This Song 

• There lived a certain man in Russia long ago
  He was big and strong, in his eyes a flaming glow
  Most people looked 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 czar
  But the cassock 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
  
  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 'til he was dead
  
  Oh, those Russians Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 15

• Anarchy from WorldAnyone know the names of the three chorus women. The four in the main band get all the credit but the three women in the background were great!
• Paul from The Hague, NlWas Rasputin really the lover of the Russian queen? There is no evidence for that. Because the illness of the crown prince was a secret people started wondering why Rasputin was around at the court. "He must have been her lover"
• Joshua Vanderpool Phd. Md. Esq. Jr. Ii from Ithaca, Ny, UsaBobby dieing on Dec 30th in St Petersburg isnt a coincidence. The universe is aligned and we are all united energy.
• Mikayla from OhioI love that song so much
• Naimul Islam from Dhaka, BangladeshOne of my favorite songs. Love it.
• Thyrocyte from Bangkok, ThailandI like the tempo and Russian style of background music. The lyrics is also historically narrative.
• Paul from Kennewick, WaWould've been a good opener to The Third World War, August 1985, has the movie planned for the book ever made it to the screen. Great piece,and lasting.
• Liquid Len from Ottawa, CanadaBoney M was ALWAYS no band, just a backing track. After Boney M's star had faded, the man-behind-the-curtains, Frank Farian, moved on to create the backing tracks for Milli Vanilli.
• Andrew from Sydney, AustraliaMe too Tobias, Ive seen Boney M twice-seem to be doing the rounds at most rissols (RSLs) around Sydney for the past couple of years...
• Jolene from Melbourne, AustraliaLove a song that you can dance to and also learn a historical lesson. They did the same thing with their song Ma Baker.
• Jameson from Lexington, KyThis song was covered by the group Boiled in Lead, on their "Antler Dance" album. Also, a wonderful job.
• Pete from Nowra, Australiaanybody know what the little bloke with the fuzzy hair actually did in the band , apart from jumping up and down and spinning around
• Pete from Nowra, Australiaheard Liz Mitchell the main lead singer is doing a Boney M thing.....no band ..just a backing track
• Don from Watford, EnglandCongratulations.
  
  You are aware, however, that each original member (or at least most of them) has their own version of Boney M now so you didnt actually see the originals aren't you?
• Tobias from Sydney, AustraliaI am proud...i have seen Boney M in concert! I am 15! And i have seen Boney M!

More Songfacts:

One DanceDrake

Drake's "One Dance" was the first ever song to rack up one billion streams on Spotify.

Come On EileenDexys Midnight Runners

Dexys Midnight Runners' "Come on Eileen" is based on a real girl called Eileen that the band's Kevin Rowland had a relationship with in his early teenage years.

Shine On You Crazy DiamondPink Floyd

Pink Floyd's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" is about their founding member Syd Barrett, who became an acid casualty. Notice the S-Y-D in the title.

Zoot Suit RiotCherry Poppin' Daddies

"Zoot Suit Riot" isn't just a Cherry Poppin' Daddies song - the Zoot Suit Riots were real riots in Los Angeles that took place in 1943 and inspired the song's lyrics.

Happy Xmas (War Is Over)John Lennon

"Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" is based on billboards John Lennon and Yoko Ono posted two years earlier declaring "War Is Over! If You Want It."

Rhythm Of My HeartRod Stewart

"Rhythm Of My Heart" by Rod Stewart is about a soldier at war - his heart is beating like a drum because he's in battle.

Editor's Picks

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Bible LyricsMusic Quiz

Rockers, rappers and pop stars have been known to quote the Bible in their songs. See if you match the artist to the biblical lyric.

Protest SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?

AdeleFact or Fiction

Despite her reticent personality, Adele's life and music are filled with intrigue. See if you can spot the true tales.

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.