Nikita (song)

Last updated

"Nikita"
Nikita (Elton John single - US cover art).jpg
Single by Elton John
from the album Ice on Fire
B-side
  • "The Man Who Never Died"
  • "Restless"
Released4 October 1985 (1985-10-04) [1]
RecordedJanuary 1985
Genre
Length
  • 5:44 (album version)
  • 4:43 (UK single version)
  • 4:54 (single version)
Label Rocket
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Gus Dudgeon
Elton John singles chronology
"That's What Friends Are For"
(1985)		"Nikita"
(1985)		"Wrap Her Up"
(1985)
Music video
"Nikita" on YouTube

"Nikita" is a song by English musician Elton John from his 19th studio album, Ice on Fire (1985). It was released as the album's lead single on 4 October 1985, charting at number three on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number seven in the United States, and reaching the top 10 worldwide, topping the charts of eight countries. The song features George Michael on backing vocals and Nik Kershaw on guitar.

Contents

Song synopsis

In the song, John describes his crush on a person called Nikita, an East German border guard patrolling the Berlin Wall whom he cannot meet because he is not allowed into East Germany. Though the name Nikita can refer to women in other languages, it is a male name in Russian. [2] In interviews, John has said that he was aware of Nikita being a male name in Russian. [3]

Composition

The song is composed in the key of G major in 4/4 time. The song employs a verse-chorus-verse format, with the second chorus being shorter than the first, plus an instrumental bridge mechanically-themed breakdown halfway through the second chorus.

Reception

Cash Box said the "tune is as sensitive as the subject matter" and that the song has "a mesmerizing tempo, well textured production and John’s inimitable vocal style." [4] Billboard called it a "lilting tune." [5]

Music video

The video for the song was directed by Ken Russell. John accepted the proposed script written by Russell which was a male–female love interpretation of the song, depicting his attempted romance of an blonde female East German border guard at a Berlin border crossing with short hair and bright blue eyes. Scenes showed the two together in various happy situations, including wearing the colours of Watford FC, of whom John is a supporter and former chairman. The video also features a red Bentley Continental Convertible, which was owned by John from 1985 to 2000. [2]

Anya Major plays the role of Nikita; Andreas Wisniewski plays a male border guard who seems to be her commanding officer.

Live performances

John played "Nikita" during the album's tour in 1985 to 1986 and again in the 1988–1989 Reg Strikes Back Tour plus the 1998 leg of The Big Picture Tour. John continued to perform the song in mid-2000s, however the song was only played on his solo concerts ever since. [6]

Allegation of plagiarism

Elton John, Bernie Taupin and Big Pig Music were accused of plagiarism by South African photographer and songwriter Guy Hobbs. Hobbs wrote a song in 1982 entitled "Natasha", about a Russian waitress on a cruise ship, who was never allowed to leave it. The song was copyrighted in 1983, and sent to Big Pig Music (John's publisher) for a possible publishing deal, but Hobbs never heard back from the publisher. In 2001, Hobbs came across the lyric book to "Nikita" and noticed similarities with his song. Despite repeated attempts by Hobbs to contact John over the issue, he never heard from him and so commenced legal action in 2012. [7]

On 31 October 2012, a US federal judge granted John and Taupin's motion to dismiss, finding that the song did not infringe Hobbs' copyright because the only similar elements were generic images and themes that are not protected under copyright law. [8] [9]

Track listings

  1. "Nikita" – 4:54
  2. "The Man Who Never Died" – 5:10
or "Restless" – 4:26
or "I'm Still Standing" – 3:03
or "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" – 6:12
  1. "Nikita" (album version) – 5:43
  2. "The Man Who Never Died" – 5:10
  3. "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" (live) – 3:26
  4. "I'm Still Standing" (live) – 4:38

Personnel

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for "Nikita"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Austria (IFPI Austria) [52] Gold50,000*
Belgium (BEA) [53] Gold100,000 [53]
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) [54] Gold30,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [55] Gold45,000‡
France (SNEP) [56] Silver250,000*
Netherlands (NVPI) [57] 2× Platinum200,000^
Poland (ZPAV) [53] Platinum20,000*
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland) [58] Gold25,000^
United Kingdom (BPI) [59] Silver250,000^

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kyrie (song)</span> 1985 single by Mr. Mister

"Kyrie" is a song by American pop rock band Mr. Mister, from their album Welcome to the Real World. Released around Christmas in 1985, it hit the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1986, where it was number 1 for two weeks. It also hit the top spot on the Billboard Top Rock Tracks chart for one week. In the UK, the song peaked at number 11 in March 1986.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Your Song</span> 1970 single by Elton John

"Your Song" is a song written by musician Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin, and performed by John. It was John's first international Top 10 chart single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">On My Own (Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald song)</span> 1986 duet by Burt Bacharach

"On My Own" is a duet by American singers Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald. It was written and produced by Burt Bacharach and his then-wife Carole Bayer Sager and originally recorded by singer Dionne Warwick for inclusion on her album Friends (1985). The song was eventually recorded by LaBelle and McDonald for her eighth studio album, Winner in You (1986). It was released as the album's lead single on March 22, 1986, by MCA Records. Lyrically, "On My Own" was based on a relationship that had reached its end with both parties going their separate ways in a melancholy state with the occasional option of coming back together again one day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Edge of Heaven</span> 1986 single by Wham!

"The Edge of Heaven" is a song by English pop duo Wham!, released on Epic Records in 1986. It was written and produced by George Michael, one half of the duo, and was promoted in advance as Wham!'s farewell single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Easy Lover</span> 1984 single by Philip Bailey and Phil Collins

"Easy Lover" is a song performed by Philip Bailey of the band Earth, Wind & Fire and Phil Collins of the band Genesis, jointly written and composed by Bailey, Collins, and Nathan East. The song appears on Bailey's solo album, Chinese Wall. Collins has performed the song in his live concerts, and it appears on both his 1990 album, Serious Hits... Live!, and his 1998 compilation album, ...Hits. It is Bailey's only US Top 40 hit as a solo artist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word</span> 1976 single by Elton John

"Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" is a song written by English musician Elton John and songwriter Bernie Taupin. It was recorded by John and released in 1976, both as a single and as part of the Blue Moves album. It was John's second single released by The Rocket Record Company. The song is a mournful ballad about a romantic relationship which is falling apart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Broken Wings (Mr. Mister song)</span> 1985 song

"Broken Wings" is a 1985 song recorded by American pop rock band Mr. Mister. It was released in June 1985 as the lead single from their second album Welcome to the Real World. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1985, where it remained for two weeks. It was released as the band was just about to embark on a US tour opening for Tina Turner. "Broken Wings" became the first of two consecutive number ones of the band on the American charts, the other chart-topper being "Kyrie". Outside of the United States, "Broken Wings" topped the charts in Canada, peaked within the top ten of the charts in Australia, Belgium (Flanders), the Netherlands, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and West Germany, and the top twenty of the charts in Austria, New Zealand, Spain and Sweden.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">How Am I Supposed to Live Without You</span> 1982 song written by Doug James and Michael Bolton

"How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" is a song co-written in 1982 by Doug James and Michael Bolton. The track was originally recorded by Laura Branigan in 1983, charting at number one in both the US and Canadian Adult Contemporary charts. Bolton later recorded his own version of the song that topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and became a worldwide hit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Border Song</span> 1970 single by Elton John

"Border Song" is a song by Elton John with music by John and lyrics by Bernie Taupin. The song initially appeared on the 1970 album Elton John, and was released in the spring of 1970 as the LP's first single. After failing to chart in the UK, it was released in North America a few months later. It met with more success there, especially in Canada, where it peaked at No. 34. The appearance of "Border Song" on the Canadian charts was John's first chart appearance in any country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Is a Battlefield</span> 1983 single by Pat Benatar

"Love Is a Battlefield" is a song by American singer Pat Benatar, released on September 12, 1983, as a single from Benatar's live album Live from Earth (1983), though the song itself was a studio recording. It was written by Holly Knight and Mike Chapman. The song was ranked at number 30 in VH1's list of the 100 Greatest Songs of the 1980s. "Love Is a Battlefield" went on to sell over a million records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hello (Lionel Richie song)</span> 1984 song by Lionel Richie

"Hello" is a song by American singer and songwriter Lionel Richie. Taken as the third single from his second solo album, Can't Slow Down (1983), the song was released in 1984 and reached number one on three Billboard music charts: the pop chart, the R&B chart, and the Adult Contemporary chart. The song also went to number one on the UK Singles Chart for six weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Let's Hear It for the Boy</span> 1984 single by Deniece Williams

"Let's Hear It for the Boy" is a song by Deniece Williams that appeared on the soundtrack to the feature film Footloose. The song was released as a single from both the soundtrack and her album of the song's same name Columbia Records. It was written by Tom Snow and Dean Pitchford and produced by George Duke. The song became Williams' second number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 on May 26, 1984. It also topped Billboard's dance and R&B charts and on the Cash Box Top 100. It peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, behind "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" by Wham!. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 57th Academy Awards, and was certified platinum in the US and gold in Canada and the UK by the Recording Industry Association of America, Music Canada and the British Phonographic Industry, respectively. The music video was released in mid-April 1984. The song features background vocals from George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, who would go on to form the duo Boy Meets Girl.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human (The Human League song)</span> 1986 single by the Human League

"Human" is a song by English synth-pop band the Human League, released as the lead single from their fifth studio album, Crash (1986). The track, which deals with the subject of infidelity, was written and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The song topped the charts of the United States, becoming the band's second single to top the Billboard Hot 100 after their 1981 single "Don't You Want Me". It also went to number one in Canada while reaching number five in Germany and number eight in the band's native United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sacrifice (Elton John song)</span> 1989 single by Elton John

"Sacrifice" is a song by British musician Elton John, written by John and Bernie Taupin, from John's 22nd studio album, Sleeping with the Past (1989). It was first released in October 1989 as the second single from the album. It achieved success in 1990, particularly in France and the United Kingdom, becoming John's first solo chart-topper in both nations. The song describes how hard it is to stay faithful and devoted in a marriage, challenging the mantra that a successful union requires sacrifice. Due to the song's success, John has played this song in various locations in the years since it was released.

"Don't Leave Me This Way" is a song written by Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff and Cary Gilbert. It was originally released in 1975 by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes featuring Teddy Pendergrass, an act signed to Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International label. "Don't Leave Me This Way" was subsequently covered by American singer Thelma Houston in 1976 and British duo the Communards in 1986, with both versions achieving commercial success.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me</span> 1974 single by Elton John

"Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" is a song written by English musician Elton John and songwriter Bernie Taupin. It was originally recorded by John for his eighth studio album, Caribou (1974), and was released as a single that peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and reached number 16 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Go Breaking My Heart</span> 1976 duet by Elton John and Kiki Dee

"Don't Go Breaking My Heart" is a duet by English musician Elton John and English singer Kiki Dee, released by The Rocket Record Company on 25 June 1976. It was written by John with Bernie Taupin under the pseudonyms "Ann Orson" and "Carte Blanche", respectively, and intended as an affectionate pastiche of the Motown style, notably the various duets recorded by Marvin Gaye and singers such as Tammi Terrell and Kim Weston. John and Taupin originally intended to record the song with Dusty Springfield, but ultimately withdrew the offer; Springfield's partner Sue Cameron later said this was because she was too ill at the time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sad Songs (Say So Much)</span> 1984 single by Elton John

"Sad Songs (Say So Much)" is the closing track on English musician Elton John's 18th studio album Breaking Hearts, written by John and Bernie Taupin, released in 1984 as the lead single of the album. It reached No. 7 on the UK chart and No. 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song reached the Top 10 of many countries except in Germany and Italy where it reached the Top 20. The single version of this song appeared on the 1990 box set To Be Continued... and various versions of the 2007 compilation Rocket Man: The Definitive Hits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm Still Standing</span> 1983 single by Elton John

"I'm Still Standing" is a song written by English musician Elton John and songwriter Bernie Taupin, from John's 1983 studio album Too Low for Zero. It was the lead single from the album in North America, but released as the second single in the UK.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heartache All Over the World</span> 1986 song by Elton John

"Heartache All Over the World" is an upbeat song by English musician Elton John from his 20th studio album, Leather Jackets (1986). Written by John and Bernie Taupin, it was released as the album's lead single in September 1986, charting at number 45 in the UK Singles Chart and at number 55 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and reaching the top 10 in Australia, where it peaked at number 7. The song talks about not being able to date for a night.

References

  1. ↑ "…Stop press". Number One . 28 September 1985. p. 6. Retrieved 14 July 2022– via Flickr.
  2. 1 2 "Elton John Song Facts: Nikita" . Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  3. ↑ Bernardin, Claude; Stanton, Tom (1996). Rocket Man: Elton John from A–Z. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Publishing. p. 186. ISBN   978-0-275-95698-1.
  4. ↑ "Single Releases" (PDF). Cash Box. 18 January 1986. p. 8. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
  5. ↑ "Reviews". Billboard. 18 January 1986. p. 58. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
  6. ↑ "Nikita by Elton John Song Statistics | setlist.fm". www.setlist.fm. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  7. ↑ Voelker, Daniel (26 April 2012). "Guy Hobbs (Plaintiff) versus Sir Elton Hercules John, Bernard John Taupin, & Big Pig Music (Defendants)" (PDF). Entertainment Law Digest. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 December 2016. Retrieved 2 May 2012.
  8. ↑ Heller, Matthew (31 October 2012). "Elton John Kicks Copyright Suit Over 'Nikita' Lyrics". Law360. Retrieved 1 November 2012.
  9. ↑ Sullivan, Shawn (3 November 2012). "Elton John's 'Nikita' Didn't Infringe Copyright In Earlier Cold War Love Song". SullivanLawNet. Retrieved 5 November 2012.
  10. ↑ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, NSW: Australian Chart Book. pp. 158–159. ISBN   0-646-11917-6.
  11. ↑ "Elton John – Nikita" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  12. ↑ "Elton John – Nikita" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  13. ↑ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 0655." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  14. ↑ "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 9445." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  15. ↑ "European Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Eurotipsheet . Vol. 2, no. 48. 2 December 1985. p. 12. OCLC   29800226 – via World Radio History.
  16. ↑ "Elton John – Nikita" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  17. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Nikita". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  18. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 49, 1985" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  19. ↑ "Elton John – Nikita" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  20. ↑ "Elton John – Nikita". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  21. ↑ "Elton John – Nikita". VG-lista. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  22. ↑ "Top 3 in Europe" (PDF). Eurotipsheet. Vol. 3, no. 1. 6 January 1986. p. 18. OCLC   29800226 – via World Radio History.
  23. ↑ "SA Charts 1965–1989 (As presented on Springbok Radio/Radio Orion) – Acts J". The South African Rock Encyclopedia. Archived from the original on 16 November 2018. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  24. ↑ Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (in Spanish) (1st ed.). Madrid: Fundación Autor/SGAE. ISBN   84-8048-639-2.
  25. ↑ "Elton John – Nikita". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  26. ↑ "Elton John – Nikita". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  27. ↑ "Elton John: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  28. ↑ "Elton John Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  29. ↑ "Elton John Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  30. ↑ "Cash Box Top 100 Singles – Week ending March 29, 1986". Cash Box . Archived from the original on 1 October 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2014.
  31. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – Elton John – Nikita" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  32. ↑
    • Zimbabwe. Kimberley, C. Zimbabwe: singles chart book. Harare: C. Kimberley, 2000
  33. ↑ "Bolivia Top 20 – Del 9 al 15 de Agosto, 2021" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino . Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  34. ↑ "National Top 100 Singles for 1985". Kent Music Report . No. 599. 30 December 1985 – via Imgur.
  35. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten 1985 – Singles" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  36. ↑ "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 1985" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  37. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1985" (in Dutch). Dutch Charts . Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  38. ↑ "Top 100 Singles". Music Week . London. 18 January 1986. p. 10. ISSN   0265-1548.
  39. ↑ "Jahreshitparade Singles 1986". austriancharts.at (in German). Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  40. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten 1986 – Singles" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  41. ↑ "Top 100 Singles of '86". RPM. Vol. 45, no. 14. 27 December 1986. p. 5. ISSN   0033-7064 – via Library and Archives Canada.
  42. ↑ "European Hot 100 Singles – Hot 100 of the Year 1986" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 3, no. 51/52. 27 December 1986. p. 28. OCLC   29800226 – via World Radio History.
  43. ↑ "Top 100 Single-Jahrescharts – 1986" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  44. ↑ "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 1986" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  45. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1986" (in Dutch). Dutch Charts. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  46. ↑ "Top Selling Singles of 1986". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  47. ↑ "Top 20 Hit Singles of 1986". The South African Rock Encyclopedia. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  48. ↑ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 1986". hitparade.ch (in German). Retrieved 5 November 2016.
  49. ↑ "Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 1986". Billboard. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  50. ↑ "Adult Contemporary Songs – Year-End 1986". Billboard. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  51. ↑ "The Cash Box Year-End Charts: 1986 – Top 100 Pop Singles". Cash Box. 27 December 1986. Archived from the original on 30 September 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2014.
  52. ↑ "Gold & Platinum Awards 1987" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 4, no. 51/52. 26 December 1987. p. 44. OCLC   29800226 – via World Radio History.
  53. 1 2 3 "Gold & Platinum Awards 1986" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 3, no. 51/52. 27 December 1986. pp. 33–34. OCLC   29800226 – via World Radio History.
  54. ↑ "Brazilian single certifications – Elton John – Nikita" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil . Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  55. ↑ "Danish single certifications – Elton John – Nikita". IFPI Danmark . Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  56. ↑ "French single certifications – Elton John – Nikita" (in French). InfoDisc. Retrieved 27 January 2021.Select ELTON JOHN and click OK. 
  57. ↑ "Authentic Dutch Double Platinum Award – "Nikita" in Holland". Getty Images. April 1986. Archived from the original on 27 January 2021. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  58. ↑ "Elton On Fire" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 3, no. 17. 3 May 1986. p. 3. OCLC   29800226 – via World Radio History.
  59. ↑ "British single certifications – Elton John – Nikita". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 21 May 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.