☝️ Key Points
- The song 'Nikita' is about unrequited love amidst the political climate of the Cold War, directed towards a border guard named Nikita.
- The first verse references Nikita's isolated and harsh world, characterized by cold scenes and military presence ('tin soldiers').
- In the chorus, the impossibility of their relationship is reflected, Nikita will never know anything about the singer's home. The singer expresses his longing for Nikita to reciprocate his feelings and read the letters he writes.
- The last verse brings hope for a future where Nikita is no longer restricted by 'guns and gates' and has the freedom to make a choice and find a 'friend'.
- Overall, the song describes a picture of forbidden love, political separation, and hope for a better future.
Interpretation
The lyrics of 'Nikita' by
Elton John are about unrequited love during the Cold War. The singer addresses a border guard named Nikita, who is stationed on the opposing side of the Iron Curtain.
The first verse describes the cold, isolated world in which Nikita lives ('Hey Nikita, is it cold / In your little corner of the world'). The 'tin soldiers' represent the militarized atmosphere, and the 'eyes that look like fire on ice' show the hardness and determination that Nikita must display in her situation.
The chorus reflects the impossibility of the relationship ('Oh Nikita, you will never know anything about my home...'). The singer wishes that Nikita would reciprocate his feelings and read the letters he writes ('Do you ever dream of me / Do you ever see the letters that I write').
The final verse holds hope for a possible future where 'guns and gates' no longer confine Nikita and she is able to make a choice and find a 'friend'.
Overall, 'Nikita' is a song about forbidden love, political separation, and the hope for a better future.