"12" is a 2022 single by Russian rap artist Morgenshtern. The song was released on 14 March 2022 on social media platform Telegram after several unsuccessful attempts to release "12" on streaming platforms.[1]
Background
"12" is dedicated to Morgenshtern's younger brother. In addition, the song is named in honor of Morgenshtern's younger brother's birthday, who had turned 12 on 14 March 2022.[2][3] The song also speaks about the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, calling for peace and friendship between Russia and Ukraine, while also condemning the actions of Russia from the invasion.[4][5]
Composition
The song starts off with words from Dmitry Gordon, a Ukrainian journalist, saying "get the fuck out of here, fucking motherfuckers!"[6] The song talks numerous situations, including the economic collapse of the ruble, the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and Morgenshtern's own problems with the law.[7] During the chorus, Morgenshtern condemns Russian generals bringing Russian soldiers to the frontlines of the war, saying "Big bosses will send [you] to the slaughterhouse, [and] bosses never give a fuck'.[8] At the end of the song, a voice recording with a woman, who is later revealed as Ukrainian producer Vladislav Palagin's mother, speaks that she is safe in a bomb shelter after a bombing raid.[9] In the music video, the video ends with the caption "He is Ukrainian, I am Russian. We make music together. We want peace. We want friendship."[6]
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