About The Song
Their signature song, Rocking Son of Dschinghis Khan, was a chart-topping sensation in 1979. It wasn’t your typical disco anthem. Sure, it had the driving rhythm, the pulsating synths, and the all-important cowbell that defined the era. But Rocking Son threw in a surprising twist: a lyrical homage to the mighty Genghis Khan, albeit with a decidedly modern twist.
Imagine this: you’re cruising down the disco lane, the glitter ball raining down a thousand sparkling shards of light. Suddenly, the music takes a turn, and a chorus of voices explodes with the line, “He’s the rocking son of Dschinghis Khan!” Heads turn, a smile creeps across your face, and you can’t help but tap your feet to the infectious beat.
Rocking Son wasn’t meant to be a historical documentary set to music. It was a playful, energetic song that reveled in the absurdity of its own concept. The lyrics, a mix of German and English, told the story of a young descendant of the legendary Mongol leader who, unlike his conquering ancestor, preferred rocking out to ruling empires.
This wasn’t the first time disco had dabbled in historical figures. Bands like ABBA had explored Egyptian mythology in “Dancing Queen,” and The Village People donned Native American garb for “YMCA.” But Dschinghis Khan took it a step further, injecting a healthy dose of humor into the mix. The outrageous costumes, a blend of disco chic and Mongolian flair, added to the campy appeal.
Rocking Son of Dschinghis Khan might not be the song you’d expect to find on a classic disco playlist, but that’s precisely what made it so memorable. It was a novelty hit that transcended language barriers and cultural references. It was a song that made you laugh, dance, and maybe even learn a little something about history (in a very non-traditional way, of course!). So, put on your dancing shoes, crank up the volume, and prepare to be transported back to a time when disco reigned supreme and the Rocking Son of Dschinghis Khan ruled the dance floor.