Korol i Shut (King and Jester) was one of Russia’s most influential punk rock bands, formed in St. Petersburg in 1988.
Led by vocalists Mikhail “Gorshok” Gorshenyov and Andrey “Knyaz” Knyzev, the band became famous for their unique approach to punk rock, incorporating elements of Russian folk storytelling and fairy tales into their music.
About the Song
“Sorcerer’s Doll” (Кукла колдуна) was released by Russian punk rock band Korol i Shut (Король и Шут, meaning “King and Jester”) in 2001.
The song tells a dark fantasy story typical of the band’s theatrical horror-punk style, involving a mysterious doll created by a sorcerer.
The song became one of the band’s most popular hits and helped establish their signature storytelling approach that blends folk elements with punk rock.
| Title | “Sorcerer’s Doll” (Кукла колдуна) |
|---|---|
| Artist | Korol i Shut (Король и Шут) |
| Release Date | 2001 |
| Album | Как в старой сказке (Like in an Old Fairy Tale) |
| Writers | Mikhail Gorshenyov, Andrey Knyzev |
| Producers | Korol i Shut |
| Description | A punk rock song with folk influences that tells a dark fantasy story about a mysterious enchanted doll. The track features the band’s characteristic storytelling style and theatrical horror elements, set to energetic punk instrumentation. |
Песня Sorcerer’s Doll Song by Король и Шут
Куплет 1
Тёмный, мрачный коридор
Я на цыпочках, как вор
Пробираюсь, чуть дыша
Чтобы не спугнуть
Тех, кто спит уже давно
Тех, кому не всё равно
В чью я комнату тайком
Желаю заглянуть
Чтобы увидеть…
Припев
Как бессонница в час ночной
Меняет, нелюдимая, облик твой
Чьих невольница ты идей?
Зачем тебе охотиться на людей?
Куплет 2
Крестик на моей груди
На него ты погляди
Что в тебе способен он
Резко изменить?
Много книжек я читал
Много фокусов видал
Свою тайну от меня
Не пытайся скрыть!
Я это видел!
Припев
Как бессонница в час ночной
Меняет, нелюдимая, облик твой
Чьих невольница ты идей?
Зачем тебе охотиться на людей?
Куплет 3
Очень жаль, что ты тогда
Мне поверить не смогла
В то, что новый твой приятель
Не такой, как все!
Ты осталась с ним вдвоём
Не зная ничего о нём
Что для всех опасен он
Наплевать тебе!
И ты попала!
Припев
К настоящему колдуну
Он загубил таких, как ты, не одну!
Словно куклой, в час ночной
Теперь он может управлять тобой!
Аутро
Всё происходит, будто в страшном сне
И находиться здесь опасно мне!
Sorcerer’s Doll Song by Korol i Shut Lyrics In English
Verse 1
Dark, grim-looking corridor
Sneaking like an intruder
Make my way without a breath
Trying not to wake
Those already fast asleep
Those who have something to keep
In those rooms, discreetly in
I want to take a peek
To take a look at…
Chorus
How insomnia in the night
Is leaving your humanity far behind
Whose intention is in your mind?
And why’d you want to prey on humankind?
Verse 2
Crucifix hangs from my neck
Any power does it have
When we talk of you?
Many pages have I read
Many tricksters have I met
And your secrecy of blood
Don’t you try to hide!
‘Cause I have seen it!
Chorus
How insomnia in the night
Is lеaving your humanity far behind
Whose intention is in your mind?
And why’d you want to prеy on humankind?
Verse 3
It’s a shame that you before
Have decided to ignore
That your fresh-acquired friend
Isn’t like we all!
And you even stayed with him
While knowing barely anything
And that he’s a threat-to-all
Didn’t bother you!
And then you fell to:
Chorus
A true sorcerer’s dooming spell
From which a lot like you were damned to hell
Like a doll to him during night
He now has full control of you in your plight!
Outro
It all occurs as if in dire dream
And full of danger feel I staying here!
Similar Songs Like Sorcerer’s Doll Song by Korol i Shut
Here are similar songs with narrative-driven, fantasy/horror-themed songs by Korol i Shut:
- Lesnik (The Forester) – A dark tale about a mysterious forester who lures travelers into the woods and is revealed to be a supernatural creature. Like “Sorcerer’s Doll,” it features strong storytelling elements and became one of their signature songs.
- Zombie Girl (Девушка и граф) – Another supernatural narrative about a nobleman who falls in love with a mysterious woman who turns out to be undead. The song shares the same gothic horror elements and theatrical presentation.
- Blood on My Hands (Кровь на моих руках) – A dramatic story-song about a murderer’s confession featuring the same kind of dark narrative structure and theatrical delivery that characterizes “Sorcerer’s Doll.”
- Marionettes (Марионетки) – A thematically similar song about magical puppets and dark magic, which parallels the supernatural elements of “Sorcerer’s Doll” while exploring themes of control and manipulation.
- The Horror Tale (Ужасная история) – One of their classic horror-punk narratives that follows the same storytelling format, describing a terrifying encounter with supernatural forces in their characteristic theatrical style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Main Themes in “Sorcerer’s Doll”?
“Sorcerer’s Doll” explores themes of dark magic, obsession, and transformation. The song delves into the consequences of supernatural manipulation and the price of forbidden desires.
At its core, it tells a cautionary tale about the dangers of dark magic and the folly of trying to control others through supernatural means.
How Does “Sorcerer’s Doll” Fit into the Overall Style of Korol i Shut?
The song perfectly exemplifies Korol i Shut’s signature blend of punk rock energy with Russian folk storytelling traditions.
Like many of their most popular works, it combines theatrical vocals, driving punk instrumentation, and a narrative structure that feels like a modern fairy tale. This approach became a blueprint for many of their subsequent releases.
What Inspired the Dark Fantasy Story in “Sorcerer’s Doll”?
The song draws inspiration from Russian folklore traditions and gothic horror elements. While the exact inspiration isn’t documented, it follows the band’s tradition of creating original dark fairy tales that echo traditional Slavic storytelling patterns while incorporating modern horror elements.
Are There Any Live Performances of “Sorcerer’s Doll” Available?
Yes, the song was a regular feature in Korol i Shut’s live performances until 2013. Several notable performances were recorded, including their major stadium shows and festival appearances.
The song was often accompanied by theatrical elements during live shows, with the band sometimes incorporating costume elements and dramatic staging.
How Did the Band’s Storytelling Style Influence the Reception of “Sorcerer’s Doll”?
The song’s success helped cement Korol i Shut’s reputation as a masterful storyteller within the Russian rock scene.
Its popularity demonstrated that its unique approach of combining punk rock with narrative storytelling could reach a broad audience while maintaining its artistic integrity.
The track became one of their most requested songs and influenced other Russian bands to experiment with narrative-driven rock music.
