Russian Roulette

The song 'Russian Roulette' by The Lords Of The New Church is a vivid and chaotic exploration of living life on the edge, filled with cultural references and a sense of reckless abandon. The lyrics paint a picture of a protagonist who is caught up in a whirlwind of experiences, from a helicopter ride through Vietnam to feeling like Superman in Leicester Square. This imagery suggests a life that is both thrilling and dangerous, much like the game of Russian Roulette itself, where the stakes are life and death.

The repeated line 'Hey hey hey, we're in the movie' emphasizes the surreal and cinematic quality of the protagonist's experiences. This could be interpreted as a commentary on how life can sometimes feel like a movie, with the individual playing a role in a larger, unpredictable script. The mention of 'Frank Coppola's dreams' and 'a headful of Hendrix' further grounds the song in a specific cultural context, referencing the influential filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and the legendary musician Jimi Hendrix. These references highlight a desire to live out grand, dramatic fantasies, even if they come with significant risks.

The chorus, 'Gimme gimme gimme some Russian Roulette,' encapsulates the song's central theme of seeking out danger and excitement. The protagonist's lust for glory and the thrill of the unknown drive them to engage in risky behavior, symbolized by the deadly game of Russian Roulette. This can be seen as a metaphor for the human desire to push boundaries and seek out intense experiences, even when they come with the potential for self-destruction. The song captures the exhilaration and peril of living life on the edge, making it a compelling and thought-provoking piece.