For decades, Boney M's energetic track 'Ra Ra Rasputin' has been a staple on dance floors worldwide since its release in 1978. However, in the modern digital era, this disco anthem has experienced a surprising and humorous rebirth, finding new fame not for its original subject but as an unlikely soundtrack for memes about Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Unlikely Fusion: A Disco Tribute Meets Modern Politics
The connection between the song and Putin is not based on historical fact but is purely a creation of internet culture, born from coincidence and a shared sense of humour. The key link is the similar-sounding names—Rasputin and Putin—and the perception of both as powerful, enigmatic Russian figures. The song's dramatic and over-the-top lyrics about Rasputin being "Russia's greatest love machine" and surviving assassination attempts proved to be perfect material for playful reinterpretation.
Over the years, edited videos synchronising Putin's public appearances—his speeches, his distinctive walk, and official photo-ops—with the pulsating beat of 'Ra Ra Rasputin' have flooded the internet. Viral YouTube compilations, often titled "Rasputin Putin," have amassed millions of views, jokingly portraying the president with the same mythical flair given to the mystic.
The Meme Ecosystem: TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit
Social media platforms have become the primary engine for this ongoing joke. On Instagram and TikTok, dedicated accounts like @ras.putin.life and @vladimirzarputin have built entire profiles around clips of Putin moving, often with a stern expression, to the disco rhythm. The comedic contrast between his serious demeanour and the song's flamboyant energy is a consistent source of engagement.
Reddit communities, such as r/dankmemes, have also embraced the trend. Users create edits that twist the song's lyrics about Rasputin surviving poison and bullets into ironic commentary on Putin's perceived political invincibility, especially in the context of events like the Russia-Ukraine war.
The meme's longevity is significantly bolstered by a simple yet effective pun: splitting "Rasputin" into "Ras-Putin." This wordplay has inspired countless jokes, satirical narratives, and even fictional mashups, like ones showing Putin in a disco duet with former US President Donald Trump.
The Historical Facts Behind the Song and the Meme
It is crucial to clarify that the song was never about Vladimir Putin. Boney M's hit is a dramatised, disco-fied account of the life of Grigori Rasputin, the controversial Siberian mystic who gained significant influence over Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra in the years preceding the Russian Revolution.
The song playfully highlights several aspects of Rasputin's legend:
- His reputation as a womaniser ("Russia's greatest love machine").
- His deep involvement in the political affairs of the Romanov court.
- His bizarre spiritual practices and alleged healing powers, which he used to help the haemophilic Tsarevich Alexei.
- His near-mythical ability to survive assassination attempts, culminating in his death in 1916 at the hands of nobles led by Prince Felix Yusupov.
So, is Vladimir Putin related to Rasputin? No, they are not related. The only tenuous connection is an anecdote mentioned by Putin himself: his grandfather, Spiridon Putin, worked as a chef at St. Petersburg's Hotel Astoria in the early 1900s and once served Rasputin, who tipped him a gold ruble. Spiridon later cooked for Soviet leaders like Lenin and Stalin, but there is no familial link to the mystic.
Why This Internet Joke Continues to Thrive
The enduring appeal of the 'Ra Ra Rasputin' meme lies in its perfect blend of irony, a catchy disco beat, historical curiosity, and modern political commentary. It demonstrates how internet culture can creatively repurpose pop art from a previous generation. The track continues to trend during TikTok challenges, pops up in geopolitical discussions, and remains a popular choice at Indian weddings and social media reels, proving the timeless appeal of a great disco tune.
Ultimately, while the internet enjoys merging the figures of Vladimir Putin and Grigori Rasputin for laughs, the two men belong to completely different historical epochs. They share nothing more than a rhyming surname and the boundless imagination of the online world.
