Moskau

Rammstein's 'Moskau' is a song that paints a vivid picture of Moscow, personifying the city as a seductive yet corrupt woman. The lyrics, a mix of German and Russian, describe the city as a 'dirne' (prostitute) with 'rote flecken auf der stirn' (red spots on her forehead), suggesting a sense of shame or disease. The city's 'zähne aus gold' (teeth of gold) symbolize wealth amidst decadence, and despite being 'fett' (fat), she remains 'hold' (gracious or lovely), indicating a complex attraction to the city's grandeur and its darker sides.

The song delves into the transactional nature of the city's allure, where everything has a price, including beauty and companionship. The repeated line 'Sie zieht sich aus, doch nur für geld' (She undresses, but only for money) reinforces the theme of commodification of the city's charms. The chorus, with its commanding 'Moskau!' followed by a count in Russian, 'Raz, dva, tri' (One, two, three), evokes a sense of order and power, perhaps alluding to the city's historical and political significance. The mention of 'Pionery' (Pioneers) and 'Pesni Leninu poyut' (singing songs to Lenin) references the Soviet era, adding a layer of nostalgia and historical weight to the song.

The latter part of the song introduces a more personal perspective, with the singer confessing to seeing something in the city that others do not. This secret vision, perhaps a metaphor for a deeper understanding or connection to the city's essence, is something that 'du nicht siehst' (you do not see) and 'Das siehst du nie' (You will never see). The song, therefore, is not just about Moscow's physical attributes but also about an intimate relationship with the city that is both passionate and painful.