The Cold War : The Russians by Sting (1985)

"Russians" is a topical anti-war song by Sting, from his debut solo album, The Dream of the Blue Turtles, released in July 1985, and released as a single in November. The song is a commentary and plea that speaks about the then-dominant Cold War foreign policy and doctrine of mutually assured destruction (MAD) by the United States and the U.S.S.R., in which both sides engaged in a stance that they would destroy the other upon sufficient provocation or any attack.

In his 2010 interview with World Entertainment News Network, Sting admitted that the song was inspired by watching Soviet TV via satellite:^[4]

"I had a friend at university who invented a way to steal the satellite signal from Russian TV. We'd have a few beers and climb this tiny staircase to watch Russian television... At that time of night we'd only get children's Russian television, like their 'Sesame Street'. I was impressed with the care and attention they gave to their children's programmes. I regret our current enemies haven't got the same ethics."

After listening to the song, answer the questions.

LISTEN AND WRITE

1/ Where is the "growing feeling of hysteria"?

2/ What does the hysteria respond to?

3/ Who was Mr Kruschev? What was his message?

4/ Who was Mr Reagan? What was his message?

5/ What is Oppenheimer's deadly toy?

6/ What do Russians, Europeans and Americans all share?

7/ What don't they share?

WEBQUEST use the internet for the next four questions

8/ Who was Mr Kruschev?

9/ Who was Mr Reagan?

10/ How long did the cold war last?

11/ Translate the following lyrics into French:

There's no such thing as a winnable war, it's a lie we don't believe anymore

THINK AND WRITE!

12/ Why does Sting say 'What might save us, me and you, is if the Russians love their children too"?

What do you think  of this song? Why?

(Note: might is a modal auxiliary which expresses a possibility)

YOUR TURN TO SPEAK! 

13/ Read the following lyrics and record your voice.🎤 Send your audio to lockesenglish@gmail.com

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 childre

I hope the Russians love their children too.

We share the same biology, regardless of ideology.
But what might save us, me and you,
Is if the Russians love their children too

        BONUS QUESTION!  

Who is Sting? Write a short paragraph about the important events in his life and the causes he defends. (Maximum 6 sentences)