Stalin Wasn't Stallin'

Robert Wyatt

About Stalin Wasn't Stallin'

"Stalin Wasn't Stallin' (A Modern Spiritual)" was a song written in 1943 by Willie Johnson and originally recorded by the a cappella gospel group the Golden Gate Jubilee Quartet (of which Johnson was a member) in 1943. Robert Wyatt recorded a cover of the song in 1980.


Year:
1982
3:24
722 
#2

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Stalin wasn't stallin'
When he told the beast of Berlin
That they'd never rest contented
Till they had driven him from the land

So he called the yanks and English
And proceeded to extinguish
The fuhrer and its vermin
This is how it all began

Now the devil, he was readin'
In the good book one day
How that lord created Adam
To walk the righteous way

And it made the devil jealous
He turned green onto his [?]
And he swore by things unholy
And he made one of his own

So he packed two suitcases
Full of greed and misery
And he caught the midnight special
Going down to Germany

Then he mixed his lies and hatred
With fire and grim stones
Then the devil sat upon it
That's how Adolf was born

Now Adolf got the notion
That he was the master race
And he swore he'd bring new order
And put mankind in its place

So he set his scheme in motion
And was winnin' everywhere
Until he [?] and got the notion
For to kick that Russian bear

Stalin wasn't stallin'
When he told the beast of Berlin
That they'd never rest contented
Till they had driven him from the land

So he called the yanks and English
And proceeded to extinguish
The fuhrer and its vermin
This is how it all began

Yes, he kicked that noble Russian
But it wasn't very long
Before Adolf got suspicious
That he had done somethin' wrong

Cause that bear grabbed the fuhrer
And gave him an awful fight
Seventeen months he grabbed the fuhrer
Tooth and claws, day and night

Then that bear smacked the fuhrer
With a mighty armored core
And Adolf broke all records
Runnin' backwards to Krakow

Then Goebbels sent a message
To the people everywhere
That if they couldn't hit the fuhrer
God, then hit that Russian bear

Stalin wasn't stallin'
When he told the beast of Berlin
That they'd never rest contented
Till they had driven him from the land

So he called the yanks and English
And proceeded to extinguish
The fuhrer and its vermin
This is how it all began

Then this bear called on his buddy
The noble fighting yank
And they sent the fuhrer runnin'
With their ships and planes and tanks

Now the fuhrer's havin' nightmares
Cause the fuhrer knows damn well
That the devil's done roast welcome
On his residence in hell

Stalin wasn't stallin'
When he told the beast of Berlin
That they'd never rest contented
Till they had driven him from the land

So he called the yanks and English
And proceeded to extinguish
The fuhrer and its vermin
This is how it all began

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Robert Wyatt

Robert Wyatt (born Robert Wyatt-Ellidge, 28 January 1945, Bristol) is an English musician, and founding member of the influential Canterbury scene band Soft Machine, with a long and distinguished solo career. He is married to English painter and songwriter Alfreda Benge. more »

1 fan

Written by: WILLIE T. JOHNSON

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Historical Context
The song "Stalin Wasn't Stallin'" is not originally by Robert Wyatt but is a cover version. It was written during World War II by Willie Johnson, originally recorded by The Golden Gate Quartet in 1943.
Sociopolitical Connection
The song praises Soviet leader Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Red Army for their efforts against Hitler during World War II. Although controversial, during the period of the song's writing, the Soviets were appreciated for their role in resisting the Nazis.
Artist Background
Robert Wyatt is one of the pioneers of the English rock scene in the 1960s and 1970s, co-founding Soft Machine and spinning off a successful solo career.
Album Information
"Stalin Wasn't Stallin'" is part of Wyatt's album called "Nothing Can Stop Us" released in 1982. This album comprises primarily of cover songs with various political themes.
Musical Style
Wyatt’s rendition of the song carries a distinctive style that mixes elements of pop, rock, jazz, and avant-garde.
Reception
Despite the controversial topic, "Stalin Wasn't Stallin'" has been critically acclaimed, garnering praise for both its daring subject matter and Wyatt's engaging performance.
The Controversy
Over the years, the song has sparked divisive opinion due to its depiction of Stalin, who, although led the Soviet Union's fight against Hitler, is also known amongst history’s most brutal dictators.
Song Theme
The song, in its original context, is a piece of propaganda that showcases the anti-Fascist sentiment during World War II. However, in Wyatt's interpretation, it can be seen as a poignant reminder of how collective memory and popular history could be manipulated.
Impact on Artist's Career
The album which houses the song “Stalin Wasn’t Stallin” is one of Wyatt's most successful works and helped cement his reputation as a keen political commentator in the music industry.
Song Influence
The song continues to influence modern musicians due to its historical significance, political roots, and the distinctive rendition by Robert Wyatt.

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