Introduction:
Get Ready to Party in Red Square: The History of Dschinghis Khan’s “Moskau”
The infectious beat of “Moskau” (“Moscow” in German) by Dschinghis Khan isn’t just a catchy disco tune – it’s a snapshot of a specific time period and cultural exchange. Released in 1979, the song by the German Eurodisco group rode a wave of disco popularity but presented a unique theme: a celebration of Moscow.
Dschinghis Khan, known as Genghis Khan in some countries, wasn’t about Mongolian conquerors. The group’s name and outlandish costumes were meant to represent a fun, international vibe. “Moskau” wasn’t a political statement but a party anthem.
The lyrics paint a lively picture of Moscow, highlighting its grand architecture (“Towers of red gold”), contrasting it with a fiery spirit (“Cold as ice, Moscow / Yet whoever truly knows you / Knows a fire burns within you, so hot”). It throws in iconic elements like Cossacks, vodka toasts (“Towarisch”), and beautiful women (“Natascha”) to create a party atmosphere.
While some found the song stereotypical, it resonated with audiences in Europe. Released during the Cold War, “Moskau” offered a rare glimpse into Soviet culture for Western listeners, albeit through a disco lens. The song became a massive hit in Germany and across Europe, topping charts and selling millions of copies. Its energetic performance on shows like “[ZDF Disco]([German television show])” solidified its place in pop culture history.
So crank up the volume and prepare to sing along to “Moskau.” It’s a time capsule of Cold War disco, a celebration of a fascinating city, and a guaranteed dance floor filler.