Meaning of "Putin" by Randy Newman

Randy Newman's "Putin" is a satirical take on the persona and leadership style of Vladimir Putin, portraying him as a man who sees himself as larger than life. The lyrics explore Putin's power and influence, depicting him as someone who can drive a tractor across Russia and power a nuclear reactor solely with his brain. The song also touches on Putin's relationships, such as his ex-wife Lyudmila and his dislike for vulgarity. Newman's lyrics playfully suggest that Putin believes he is destined to lead Russia to greatness, even if historical figures like Lenin and Stalin couldn't achieve it. The song's humor lies in the absurdity of Putin's self-importance and exaggerated abilities, while also touching on the complexities of leadership and national identity.