Nikita

"Nikita" is a song by English musician Elton John from his 19th studio album, Ice on Fire (1985). It was released as the album's lead single on 4 October 1985, charting at number three on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number seven in the United States, and reaching the top 10 worldwide, topping the charts of eight countries. The song features George Michael on backing vocals and Nik Kershaw on guitar. Song synopsis In the song, John describes his crush on a person called Nikita, a border guard whom he cannot meet because he is not allowed into the country. Though the name Nikita can refer to women in other languages, it is a male name in Russian. In interviews, John has said that he was aware about Nikita being a male name in Russian. Composition The song is composed in the key of G major in 4/4 time. The song employs a verse-chorus-verse format, with the second chorus being shorter than the first, plus an instrumental bridge mechanically-themed breakdown halfway through the second chorus. Reception Cash Box said the "tune is as sensitive as the subject matter" and that the song has "a mesmerizing tempo, well textured production and John’s inimitable vocal style." Billboard called it a "lilting tune."