Russians

Russians is a song by Sting, from his debut solo album, The Dream of the Blue Turtles. It was also released as a single. Sting cautions about the repercussions of the Cold War, singing how he hopes that the "Russians love their children too", since he sees this as the only thing that protects the world from a nuclear holocaust. "Russians" uses a theme borrowed from the Suite from Lieutenant Kije, by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. (Sting subsequently served as narrator for Peter and the Wolf: A Prokofiev Fantasy, one of the many recorded versions of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf.)

[Verse 1] 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 Mr. 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 [Verse 2] 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 [Chorus] We share the same biology Regardless of ideology Believe me when I say to you I hope the Russians love their children too [Instrumental Break] [Verse 3] 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 Mr. 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 [Instrumental Break] [Chorus] We share the same biology Regardless of ideology What might save us, me and you Is if the Russians love their children too [Instrumental Outro]