Meet Sweden’s Melodifestivalen 2019 1st Semi Final Entries

One of Europe’s most expected national final of the season, the Swedish Melodifestivalen will KIck of this Saturday.

Like every year the show will have 28 songs competing in 4 semi-finals and 1-second chance round before the final on Stockholm’s Friends Arena March 9th, 2019. Top 4 from each semi will continue for the next rounds as the top 2 will go directly to the final and places 3-4 continue for the second chance will take place a week before the final (March 2nd). All events will be hosted by Marika Carlsson, Eric Saade, Kodjo Akolor and Sarah Dawn Finer.

This year for the first time, SVT, The Swedish broadcast, has changed to the voting system and the public televote system will be decided into eight different groups of age

• Green: 3–9 years
• Turquoise: 10–15 years
• Blue: 16–29 years
• Purple: 30–44 years
• Pink: 45–59 years
• Red: 60–74 years
• Orange: 75+
• No color: Phone

This first semi-final will take place in Göteborg’s Scandinavium arena. Please welcome, Melodifestivalen 2019 Semi-Final 1 artists: (inc. some hints about their entries and performances on the official postcards).

Listen to the songs snippets HERE

1. Nano – Chasing Rivers

Written by: Lise Cabble, Linnea Deb, Joy Deb, Thomas G:son, Nano Omar

Nano came 2nd in 2017 Melodifestivalen singing his mega-hit “Hold On”.

Lyrics:

I can’t keep chasing rivers
I can’t keep chasing rivers
My heart keeps saying no more
Na na na na na no

Been down that road for so long
Trying find a new way back home
But I can’t keep chasing rivers
It was only when I was torn
That I found a new break of dawn

I’m gonna come back come back come back
I’m gonna come back
Come back
Come back
I don’t wanna stay at the bottom for the rest of my life
And no one’s gonna know the way back better than I
Better than I

Uuuuh
Uuuuh
Uuuuh
Whooooa

Can’t keep on chasing rivers
Can’t keep on chasing rivers
I come through the cracks in the mirrors
Na na na na na no

I live through stormy waters
Beat down them lies of others
Cuz I can’t keep chasing rivers
It was only when I was torn
That I found a new break of dawn

I’m gonna come back come back come back
I’m gonna come back come back come back
I don’t wanna stay at the bottom for the rest of my life

And no one’s gonna know the way back better than I
Better than I

Come back come back come back
I wanna show them youngsters
Come back come back come back
There’s no need to keep chasing rivers
I don’t wanna stay at the bottom for the rest of my life
I wanna show them youngsters
No one’s gonna know the way back better than

I’m gonna come back come back come back
I’m gonna come back come back come back
I don’t wanna stay at the bottom for the rest of my life

And do one’s gonna know the way back better than I
Better than I
Better than I

Uuuuh
Uuuuh
Uuuuh

2. High 15 – No Drama

Written by: Joy Deb, Linnea Deb, Kate Tizzard 3.

High 15 are Amie Parfitt, Alva Lindgren, Lleucu Young, Tiana Salmon.

Lyrics:

I’m done I’m done with over over thinking
It always ends up with me over drinking

It’s like I’m loving anxiety
Keep making it my priority

I’m stuck on things I don’t I don’t remember
Whooo
I go from striker to being defender
Whooo

I gotta kill the anxiety
Keep make it my priority

I’m gonna fix up all them dramas
But Imma drink them til tomorrow
Ah no no no
Ah no no no

I’m gonna fix up all them dramas
But Imma drink them til tomorrow
Ah no no no
Ah no no no
I just wanna drink up no drama just drink up
Drink up no drama just drink

Drink up no drama just drink
Here we go again

Drink up no drama just drink up
Drink up no drama just drink
Drink up no drama just drink

I say im cool but I got my doubts
I’ve got a talent of freakin out

I take a piece of your gravity
To level up my insanity

We say we forgive and don’t forget
Whooo
We give the answers then question it
Whooo

We gotta hold on to gravity
Hey yeah yeah yeah
And mix it up with insanity
Hey yeah yeah yeah

I’m gonna fix up all them dramas
But Imma drink them til tomorrow
Ah no no no
Ah no no no

I’m gonna fix up all them dramas
But Imma drink them til tomorrow
Ah no no no
Ah no no no

I just wanna drink up no drama just drink up
Drink up no drama just drink
Drink up no drama just drink
Here we go again

Drink up no drama just drink up
Drink up no drama just drink
Drink up no drama just drink

I’m done I’m done with over over thinking
It always ends up with me over drinking

It’s like I’m loving anxiety
Keep making it my priority whooooah

I’m gonna fix up all them dramas
But Imma drink them til tomorrow

I just wanna drink up no drama just drink up
Drink up no drama just drink

Drink up no drama just drink
Here we go again

Drink up no drama just drink up
Drink up no drama just drink
Drink up no drama just drink
What

3. Wiktoria – Not With Me

Written by: Joy Deb, Linnea Deb, Wiktoria Johansson

Wiktoria is well known to Melfest and reached twice to the contest final. In 2016 she came 4th with the song “Save Me” and in 2017, her second attempt “As I Lay Me Down” ranked 6th.

Lyrics:

Hey are we done
Cuz’ I feel like it’s not working out

Got a lot on my mind
Tried to tell you but nothing came out

I know I can be hard sometimes

Didn’t wanna let you down
Said a lot of things just to hurt you

Know you did the same so please
Now I ask you honestly
Do you even wanna be with me

Gave you my heart
Can’t believe you just tore it apart
They keep telling me girl you’ll be fine

But how can I be
When you’re not with me

You said I won’t leave
I never believed in your lies

I hate that I was right
Cuz’ you left me
Now I’m dying inside

Gave you my heart
Can’t believe you just tore it apart
They keep telling me girl you’ll be fine

But how can I be
When you’re not with me

Tried to forget
But who’s gon‘ sleep on your side of the bed
They keep telling me girl you’ll be fine

But how can I be
When you’re not with me

I remember how I used to look in your eyes
I thought you would always be mine
So why did you leave me
Leave me here

Oooohooo gave you my heart
Can’t believe you just tore it apart
They keep telling me girl you’ll be fine

But how can I be
When you’re not with me

Tried to forget
But who’s go‘ sleep on your side of the bed
They keep telling me girl you’ll be fine

But how can I be
When you’re not with me
When you’re not with me

4. Zeana feat. Anis Don Demina – Mina bränder

Written by: Thomas G:son, Jimmy Jansson, Anis Don Demina, Pa Moudou Badjie, Robin Svensk

Anis played saxophone for Samir & Viktor’s song “Shuffla” last year.

Lyrics:

Du är het
hetare än elden
livet är nice som länge du är i det
tala är silver och tiga är guld men
ditt namn vill jag alla ska höra

För ingen kan komma stoppa våran låga
dom som hatar på oss ska bara våga
se beundrar då får inte röra
låt alla veta nu att du är min gameover

Jag glöder jag blöder
du vinner och jag brinner
Vi är som eld och vatten

Jag drömmer vi rymmer
jag blundar och vi hinner
Du och jag vi står på toppen utav världen

Jag känner ojojojojojojojjojoj
Den eld som brinner nu är det bara du som tänder

Jag känner ojojojojojojojjojoj
och det är bara du som kan släcka mina bränder

Släcka mina bränder
Mina bränder mina bränder
Släcka mina bränder
Bränder

Får du är speciell och het som eld
och du är sensuell det är vi ikväll
och du har allting man kan drömma om
utstrålning vacker som en solnedgång

Du är min drottning på tronen
en på miljonen
när jag får hybris tar du ner mig på jorden
en klass för sig
en klassig tjej
finns ingen alls som dig
betyder allt för mig

Jag glöder jag blöder
du vinner och jag brinner
Vi är som eld och vatten

Jag drömmer vi rymmer
jag blundar och vi hinner
Du och jag vi står på toppen utav världen

Jag känner ojojojojojojojjojoj
Den eld som brinner nu är det bara du som tänder

Jag känner ojojojojojojojjojoj
och det är bara du som kan släcka mina bränder

Släcka mina bränder
Mina bränder mina bränder
Släcka mina bränder

Jag lägger mig i dina händer
och lättar på garden för dig
du och jag vi står på toppen utav världen

Ojojojojojojojjojo
och det är bara du som kan släcka mina bränder

Jag känner ojojojojojojojjojoj
Den eld som brinner nu är det bara du som tänder

Jag känner ojojojojojojojjojoj
och det är bara du som kan släcka mina bränder

Jag känner ojojojojojojojjojoj
Jag känner ojojojojojojojjojoj
och det är bara du som kan släcka mina bränder

5. Arja Saijonmaa – Mina fyra årstider

Written by: Göran Sparrdal, Arja Saijonmaa

Another Melodifestivalen icon. Arja came 2nd in 1987 with her Melodi entry “Högt över havet’. she also ranked the 8th last place on Melodifestivalen 2005 second semi final singing”Vad du än trodde så trodde du fel”. Arja also tried her lack in another song selection. the neighbor Finland. her first attempt in 1971 “Talvilintu” finish last and Gabriela in 1990 came 3rd.

Lyrics:

Då när vårens alla blommor
Smyger upp ur jordens famn

Då när sommarns alla dagar
Värmer moder jord och jag blir varm

Ja då vill jag dig få binda
I en härlig harmoni
En bukett av jordens färger
för att visa den är din

Ja när solen lyser upp vår himmel varje dag
Vandrar vi alltid hand i hand
och jag vill ta dig i min famn

Ja då ler jag hela vägen genom hav och land
för vi måste visa kärleken
rädda våra årstider min vän

Och när höstens vackra färger
pryder skogens alla träd

Och när vinterns kalla kyla
sprider ut sitt täcke så långt jag ser

Ja då ler jag när den andas
När jag ser den i ett sken

För jag känner jorden lever
Och jag känner den är min

Ja när solen lyser upp vår himmel varje dag
Vandrar vi alltid hand i hand
och jag vill ta dig i min famn

Ja då ler jag hela vägen genom hav och land
för vi måste visa kärleken
rädda våra årstider min vän

Ja när solen lyser upp vår himmel varje dag
Vandrar vi alltid hand i hand
och jag vill ta dig i min famn

Ja då ler jag hela vägen genom hav och land
för vi måste visa kärleken
rädda våra årstider min vän

6. Mohombi – Hello

Written by: Alexandru Florin Cotoi, Thomas G:son, Mohombi Moupondo, Linnea Deb

Mohombi participated in Melodifestivalen 2005 second semi-final and came 6th singing “Big up” as a part of the group Avalon.

Lyrics:

I try to find you in all the fairy tale that I read
I want that perfect kiss from that famous movie scene
If I could break the walls between my reality and my dream
Every day I would wake up to see you smiling back at me

Oooooohooooh
Had my palm read a million times before
Ask myself whn you’ ll come and knock on my door

Ain’t no crystal ball to show me where you are
Wonder where is that love that starts with hello

Hello
Hello
Hello
Hello
Where is that love that starts with hello

Hello
Hello
Hello
Hello
Wish love could be just that simple

What’s the point building a kingdom if there is no queen

I’m screaming from the top of my lungs right now can you here me calling

One day my mama told me you’d come and I’ve been waiting
For the day when I’ll wake up and see you smiling back at me

Had my palm read a million times before
Wonder where is that love that starts with hello

Hello
Hello
Hello
Hello
Where is that love that starts with hello

Hello
Hello
Hello
Hello
Wish love could be just that simple

I know I’ll love every inch of your body baby

Already see our future in your eyes baby
Oh I miss you

Had my palm read a million times before
Wonder where is that love that starts with hello

Hello
Hello
Hello
Hello
Where is that love that starts with hello

Hello
Hello
Hello
Hello
Where is that love that starts with hello

7. Anna Bergendahl – Ashes To Ashes

Written by: Thomas G:son, Bobby Ljunggren, Erik Bernholm, Anna Bergendahl

Anna Bergendahl actually won the Melodifestivalen in 2010 with “This Is My Life”. The song finished 11th in the 2nd semifinals of the Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo. BTW, that was the only time Sweden has missed the final.

Lyrics:

Like a beacon in the night
A boxer ‘fore a fight
A tiger pacing the cage
Coming through as my own hero again

In the cracks I see the light
see the wuthering heights

A glimmer in the silver lining
It’s not busted, just bent

Oh they say that it’s a broken arrow
Well just watch me as I shoot

There’s a fire on the horizon and I’m the spark
I’m gonna shine I’m gonna glow I’m gonna burn
Ashes to ashes and dust to dust

There’s a new sun and it’s rising up from the dark
I’m gonna live I’m gonna die I’m gonna burn
Ashes to ashes and dust to dust
Ashes to ashes again

As the river flows to sea
I know I’ll carry me
I’m the ship I’m the wind I’m the water
I am the final destination

Like the top of the mountain
Like a wishing well fountain
I am the luck of the draw
And not busted just bent

Oh they say that it’s a broken arrow
Well just watch me as I shoot

There’s a fire on the horizon and I’m the spark
I’m gonna shine I’m gonna glow I’m gonna burn
Ashes to ashes and dust to dust

There’s a new sun and it’s rising up from the dark
I’m gonna live I’m gonna die I’m gonna burn
Ashes to ashes and dust to dust
Ashes to ashes again

I’m gonna live I’m gonna die I’m gonna burn
Ashes to ashes and dust to dust

Oh they say that it’s a broken arrow
Well just watch me as I shoot

There’s a fire on the horizon and I’m the spark
I’m gonna shine I’m gonna glow I’m gonna burn
Ashes to ashes and dust to dust

There’s a new sun and it’s rising up from the dark
I’m gonna live I’m gonna die I’m gonna burn
Ashes to ashes and dust to dust
Ashes to ashes again

The sage is already build up and ready for all artist to rock the place and officially open Melodifestivalen 2019 season. Sweden’s journey will continue across the country every Saturday till the grand final on March 9th.

• Semi final 2 – February 9th Malmö, Malmö Arena
• Semi final 3 – February 16th, Leksand, Tegera Arena
• Semi final 4 – February 23rd Lidköping, Sparbanken Arena
• Second chance – March 2nd Nyköping, Nyköpings Arena Rosvalla
• Final – March 9nd, Friends Arena

All shows will be broadcast live on SVT Play.

The #Melfest stage looks impressive in real life! The artists will try it for tomorrow's rehearsals, so you will soon see much more of it. pic.twitter.com/wLxkg6a5N5

— Melodifestivalen (@SVTmelfest) January 30, 2019

Statistically, Sweden has a tough draw this time as they will participate in the first half of second Semifinal 2 on May 16th. Sweden finished 7th in Lisbon’s final with Benjamin Ingrosso‘s “Dance You Off”.

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