Welcome to our new series of posts!
The moment of truth has come, and all of the 40 competing songs of Eurovision 2022 have been revealed.
Therefore, we are ready for an extended review of them and of course ranking the songs.
Each post in the series will focus on 5-6 songs.
The 6th post in the series will focus on 6 countries that will participate in the second semi-final:
Australia, Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, Ireland, and Sweden
You can reach the previous chapters here:
- Chapter 1 (Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Slovenia) is available here
- Chapter 2 (Armenia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Ukraine) is available here
- Chapter 3 (Austria, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, The Netherlands) is available here
- Chapter 4 (Cyprus, Malta, Montenegro, North Macedonia, San Marino, Serbia) is available here
- Chapter 5 (Azerbaijan, Estonia, Georgia, Israel, Poland, Romania) is available here
Artist: Sheldon Riley
Sheldon Riley (real name: Sheldon Hernandez) is a 23 year-old Australian singer-songwriter.
His first steps in the music industry were in 2016. He then auditioned for the 8th season of “X-Factor Australia“. Initially, he didn’t pass for the bootcamp round (as a solo artist in the young artists category). However, mentor Iggy Azalea chose to include him in a brand new boy band that made it to the live shows. The band was eliminated in the first week of the live shows.
In 2018, he competed in the 7th season of “The Voice of Australia,” mentored by Boy George.
Sheldon finished in the 3rd place in the final.
In 2019, he returned to the all-star season of “The Voice of Australia“. He was mentored by Delta Goodrem and was eliminated in the semi-finals.
In 2020, he competed in the 15th season of “America’s Got Talent“, where he was eliminated in the 3rd quarter-final.
Selection Process: Australia chose both an artist and a song via their national selection – “Australia Decides 2022″. 11 artists competed in the selection. The results were determined by 50% public vote and 50% international jury vote.
Sheldon achieved the highest score, and therefore won the selection. However, he ended up in 2nd place in both jury and public voting.
Sheldon Riley will perform the song “Not The Same“:
Allocation in Semi-Final: Australia was drawn to perform in the first half of semi-final 2.
The country was allocated to perform in the the 8th position, after San Marino and before Cyprus.
Musical Review: It’s an inner personal ballad that speaks about self-acceptance.
The song starts with a piano playing. Sheldon sings professionally. The starting of each line is performed in a slightly higher tone than the ending. The first chorus is very short with 2 lines only. In this part, the outcries and at the same time expresses his frustration of being different. In this short chorus, we also get a hint at his powerful voice and its depth, as he reveals some raspy color of it.
The second verse includes the percussion beat and orchestra dimension that’s created due to the string instruments. This time the chorus is 2 times longer, and it is more challenging to perform vocals wisely. The tension was built by a massive violation of playing. The bridge continues along the same line, with it even more dramatic and intense. The bridge ends with a long instrumental part that’s composed of violin playing. Thereafter, the song becomes more personal and intimate, as Sheldon sticks to the soft side of his voice. The song ends again with a raspy voice singing.
It’s a high-quality ballad, starting from the message, through the melody, and ending with the complex production. However, I think that what makes it stand out is Sheldon‘s voice.
Lyrics
I was told at six years old
They’d avoid me if my heart was cold
Found it hard to talk and speak my mind
They never liked the things that I would like
‘Cause you’re told to play, but you’re not the same
As the other kids playing the same games
Try to jump on in, but they push away
So far awayI’m not the same, no
I’m not the same, noYears went by, I tried and tried
My father asked me if today I smiled
I said, “Yes, I did”, but that’s a lie
Oh, I always tell those lies
Then you run and hide, hide the break inside
‘Til you realise that the light shines bright
Through those, oh, who’ve broken insideI’m not the same, no
I’m not the same, no
I’m not the same, no
I’m not the same, no‘Cause you never want to be the kind of person
Who can’t work it for those ones who cannot word it
‘Cause you’ve been the kind of person who felt this pain
Oh yeah, I felt this pain
So you go and leave the pain and find another way
To make yourself another game
Maybe one for all to play
‘Cause it’s not just me who’s not the same
We’re not the sameWe’re not the same, no
We’re not the same, no
We’re not the same, no
We’re not the same, no
Poetry Analysis: The song discusses the way it feels to be different than the others. Sheldon wrote the lyrics when he was 15 years old. He wrote the song from the point of view of a gay and autistic teenager.
The spokesperson is Sheldon himself. He is telling us that he has started to feel different since the age of 6. Back then, the children got far away from him, when he didn’t communicate with them. He explains that the reason is that he didn’t find the right words.
He tried to join them playing, but they refused to. At this point, he understands that he isn’t the same. He is different than the others.
As time passes by, things haven’t really changed. There are some days when he didn’t even smile, and it reflects that he wasn’t happy with the situation. He deals with the fact that he is broken inside.
In the beidge, he blames the others. In his opinion, they won’t want to be the different ones. He explains that sometimes that pain is too hard to handle. He put the responsibility on society. The ones who aren’t different and don’t suffer, should find a way to make it a more convenient place for anyone. Or in other words, to find the game that anyone can play in. He isn’t the only one to be different, there are more people like him.
Initial Personal Ranking: 16th overall, 10th in semi-final 2.
The impact of the allocation in semi-final 2: Among the countries that usually vote for Australia, we can find the following countries in the list of countries that vote in semi-final 2:
Poland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Finland, Israel, Spain and Belgium.
Betting Odds: Australia has chosen its Eurovision 2022 act on the 26th of February 2022.
On this day, Australia was 5th with the odds. Since then, Australia has been in a range of 8-12 places. Most of the time around 10th place.
Early Prediction: It seems Australia are back in the game this year.
Sheldon has a powerful voice, meaningful song and stage presence that will make it happen.
I think the jury will vote for Australia, especially due to the quality of the performer.
Public voters might follow as well, due to the story behind the lyrics.
I still see it more as a jury song rather than a song for public voters.
However, I think it will be enough for qualifying for the grand-final.
I predict Australia will finish in 11 – 17 places in the grand final.
Artist: Jérémie Makiese
Jérémie Makiese is a 21 year-old singer. he rose to fame after winning the latest edition of “The Voice of Belgium.”
Jérémie studies Geology and plays football in his free time.
He was born to Congolese parents in Antwerp, Belgium. Jérémie learned to speak both French and Dutch at a young age.
Selection Process: Belgium has chosen internally both an artist and a song.
As for Belgium, there are 2 national broadcasters:
- RTBF – French-speaking Community of Belgium
- VRF – Flemish Community of Belgium
The two broadcasters rotate selection for the Eurovision Song Contest each year.
For example, in the years 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 it was RTBF‘s responsibility to lead Eurovision particiapation. Meanwhile, in the years 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 (and 2021 due to the fact that Eurovision was canceled) it was VRF‘s turn.
RTBF was the broadcaster that chose the selection process for Eurovision 2022 (including an artist and a song).
Jérémie was anonnuced as the Belgian artist for Eurovision 2022 on the 15th of September 2021. His song “Miss You” was released on the 10th of March 2022.
Allocation in Semi-Final: Belgium was drawn to perform in the second half of semi-final 2.
Belgium was allocated to perform in the 16th position after Montenegro and before Sweden.
Musical Review: This is a mid-tempo R&B gospel song.
The song starts with a piano playing and bowed string instruments . In the beginning, it seems it is a ballad. The piano playing is dynamic and the production is minimalistic. Jérémie‘s voice is deep, stable and yet delivers some fragillity. He sings it with a mid-high voice. The first chorus is based on piano playing and several gentle strings elements. His voice is powerful and accurate.
After this chorus, the song becomes more energetic with the entrance of a cyclic beat.
A drum beat with a sampling of electric production and string elements gives the song a flavour of R&B. At this point, Jérémie uses more manners in his singing. His voice is thin and high, but sometimes raspy. Towards the bridge, we can hear backing vocalists singing in a choir style. His voice is powerful and energetic at this point. After the peak point, we can hear an instrumental part composed of piano and string elements. The last part of the song is performed in a soul gospel style. The song ends the way it starts, with a simple piano melody.
It has a wonderful combination of strong vocals, meaningful lyrics and different flavours than the others in the contest.
Lyrics
Sometimes, I feel down
Sometimes, I booze
Sometimes, I fall
Sometimes, I do wrong
One day, I’m cool
One day, I’m coldAnd I’ve been trying to escape my past
Give up on the sadness that you left behind
I’ve been trying to erase my mind
You stay like a nightmare when I close my eyesAm I gonna miss you? No
Promise I won’t miss you, no
I’m gonna break through now
I’ll never hate you, never chase youAnd sometimes, I feel good
Sometimes, I lose my mind and my soul
That’s when I see you
And out of thе blue, I answer your callAnd I’ve been trying to еscape my past
Give up on the sadness that you left behind
I’ve been trying to erase my mind
But you stay like a nightmare when I close my eyesAm I gonna miss you? No
Promise I won’t miss you, no
I’m gonna break through now
I’ll never hate you, never chase you
Am I gonna miss you? No, no
Promise I won’t miss you, no
I’m gonna break through now
I’ll never hate you, never chase youI gotta make it to the bright side
I’ve been lying when I said, “I’m fine” (Said I’m fine)
Wanna find a way to feel aliveAm I gonna miss you? (No)
Promise I won’t miss you, no
I’m gonna break through now
I’ll never hate you, never chase youI never feel bad when love is good
Life goes on
Don’t wanna live my life waiting for your callSometimes, I feel down
Sometimes, I booze
Sometimes, I fall
Poetry Analysis: The song deals with a broken heart and consequences afterwards. The spokesperson has been through a bad relationship that has left him scarred.
The song starts with a blurry atmosphere. He speaks about how everyone can sometimes feel down, failing or choosing wrong.
Thereafter, he says that he would like to forget about his past, but it isn’t easy.
His last relationship left him sad, and terrified. Now, after being wise, he knows he will never miss this person. But on the other hand, he doesn’t bear a grudge.
Nowadays he feels good, but when this person calls him, the spokeperson returns to the dark feeling he had in the past.
He chose to stick to the bright side, he wants to see life in an optimistic way.
He is still struggling to find the right way to do so.
Eventually, he reveals that he has some guilt, based on the fact he is waiting for his lover to call him.
Initial Personal Ranking: 9th overall, 4th in semi-final 2.
The impact of the allocation in semi-final 2: Among the countries that usually vote for Belgium, we can find the following countries in the list of countries that vote in semi-final 2:
Australia, Poland, Sweden, and Ireland.
Betting Odds: Belgium released the song on the 10th of March 2022. Until the 18th of March, Belgium has been in the range of 11-13 places.
Thereafter, Belgium was 14th with the odds for 3 days. Later on, back to the 13th and 12th places for 2 weeks.
Starting on the 5th of April, the country has demonstrated a decreasing trend, being 14th, and then 15th and 16th with the odds.
Early Prediction: Even though Belgium wasn’t one of the boldest countries in the point of view of the fans, I think it might surprise.
The singer has a warm and pleasant voice. I believe that the fact that this is the only R&B song in the line-up might help it out.
Artist: We Are Domi
We Are Domi (or simply just Domi) is a Czech-Norwegian electropop – scandipop band that was formed in 2018.
The members of the band are:
- Dominika Hašková – vocalist
- Casper Hatlestad – guitarist
- Benjamin Rekstad – keyboards
They met at Leeds College of Music in England.
So fat, the band has released 6 singles.
Selection Process: Czech Republic was the first country to pick an artist and a song via national selection this year.
The national selection “ESCZ 2022” featured 7 artists and was held on the 16th of December 2021.
The results were determined by 50% international jury, 25% national public vote and 25% international public vote.
We Are Domi came first with an international jury and an international public vote. They came in 4th place with the national public vote.
Therefore, they ended in the combined first place with the song “Lights Off“:
Allocation in Semi-Final: Czech Republic was drawn to perform in the second half of semi-final 2.
Czech Republic was allocated to perform in the 18th position, closing semi-final 2, right after Sweden.
Musical Review:
It’s an electro dance-pop song, with Scandi-pop elements.
The song starts with an instrumental introduction of electric keyboards and pre-recorded beats.
The lead singer opens the song with some sound effects in the background.
The content of the first verse, as well as the tone of her voice, makes it sound like a kind of confession or spoken word.
In the pre-chorus, we can hear the beautiful color of her voice. Guitar playing is added to the melody. Some of the words in this part are quite hard to understand from her singing, but at the same time, it is magical. Towards the end of the pre-chorus, the melody starts to gain some rhythm, as the beat is faster and more danceable. The chorus has a familiar dance beat that suits the song.
The lead singer Dominika has a stable voice that fits the melody and the beat.
Towards the end of the chorus, she shows her vocal abilities with the line “Where are you now?”.
The second verse is shorter than the first, the electric keyboards and the softer beat keep on playing the main role in this past song. Just a step before the pre-chorus, we can hear Dominika singing in an angelic falsetto voice. When the chorus arrives again, we can hear the combination of guitars, electric keyboards, and electric beat. On the bridge, the emphasis is on the singer’s voice.
Thereafter, she sings a long note of “Where are you now?” that explodes into a strong beat.
The song is very catchy and contemporary. We have barely received such songs in the contest in recent years. It looks like the 3 band members have wonderful chemistry on stage.
It is an excellent song!
The only thing to be careful about will be the vocals on the live performance.
Lyrics
I lost my soul, forgot my way
There’s no mistakes that I’ve not made
Changes hurt and I’m alone
But people say, ”My, how you’ve grown”Tried changing jobs, tried changing lovers
Changing my furniture, change my bed covers
I’d change my heart, but there’s not a chance
So I turn the lights offWhere are you now when I miss you?
You’re sailin’ around in my peripheral
Where are you now?
Where are you now?
Where are you now?
Where are you now?I’ll ring thе changes, make a plan
I’m small, but mighty, yes, I can
I’ll build a fortrеss, I’ll be the wall
I’ll be a queen, invincibleTried changing jobs, tried changing lovers
Changing my furniture, change my bed covers
I’d change my heart, but there’s not a chance
So I turn the lights offWhere are you now when I miss you?
You’re sailin’ around in my peripheral
Where are you now?
Where are you now?
Where are you now?
Where are you now?Once again I’m left without control
I’m far away, but can you hear me call?
Where are you now?Where are you now when I miss you?
You’re sailin’ around in my peripheral
Where are you now?
Where are you now?
Where are you now?
Where are you now?
Poetry Analysis: This is a song that talks about dealing with break-ups.
More precisely, the way that one manages his life, on the day after.
The song starts with a big statement – the spokesperson tells us that she feels like losing her own way. The end of this relationship is also a chance for her to realize that she was wrong.
The changes that followed this breakup might have been too painful for her.
She tried to focus on physical changes: changing jobs, changing lovers, changing furniture and changing bed covers. But she realizes that the main change should be the inner change.
Her previous attempts are like ignoring reality and focusing on easier solutions.
When it doesn’t arrive, shechoose to turn the lights off. The explanation might be giving up or trying to start from scratch in order to try again on the following day.
In the chorus, her true feelings become crystal clear. She is asking where is the guy she is missing. Ironically, even though she has to avoid him, she still needs him.
The second verse feels more hopeful. She believes in herself and in her ability to recover and solve the problem. However, at the same time, it looks like she still wonders how to avoid him. She chose to close herself in the “castle” which is the metaphor of making herself far away from him, so this kind of solution won’t be accessible.
The last verse reveals the sad reality: even if keeping distance, one can’t avoid ihs own heart. She is still longing for him and in her thoughts keeps on calling him.
Initial Personal Ranking: 11th overall, 5th in semi-final 2.
The impact of the allocation in semi-final 2: Among the countries that usually vote for the Czech Republic, we can find the following countries in the list of countries that vote in semi-final 2:
Spain, Belgium, Israel, Australia and Estonia.
Betting Odds: The Czech Republic was the second country to reveal their Eurovision entry.
By the 8th of February, the country had been 27-33 with the odds.
Then, the Czech Republic was in the range of 24-26 places.
The 3 following days were spent in the 27th, 22nd and 29th places.
Since then, the country has moved in a range of 29-34 places.
The lasy 4 days, Czech Republic has been 32nd with the odds.
Early Prediction: I think that it all depends on the liver performance.
It seems that the band has faced some sound issues in some of the pre-parties.
So the vocal performance wasn’t as sharp as needed.
If Domi is accurate, they will find the path for the final easily.
Otherwise, the Czech Republic could find themselves outside the final.
If the country qualifies, I think they will end up in 14-20 places.
Artist: The Rasmus
The Rasmus is a Finnish rock band that was established back in 1994.
The band members were in an upper comprehensive school where they established the band.
The line-up of the band has changed over the years. But the band has always included 4 members. The current line-up is:
- Lauri Ylönen (lead singer) – member since 1994
- Eero Heinonen (bassist) – member since 1999
- Aki Hakala (drums) – member since 1999
- Emilia “Emppu” Suhonen (guitarist) – member since 2022
The Rasmus is one of the biggest names to compete in Eurovision this year.
So fat, the band has relased 9 studio-albums.
They have sold more than 5 million albums worldwide.
Their biggest breakthrough was in 2003, after releasing the hit “In The Shadows“.
Selection Process: Finland has chosen an artist and a song via the “UMK 2022” national selection.
7 artists competed in the national selection that was held on the 26th of February 2022. The results were determined by 75% public vote and 25% international jury vote.
The Rasmus won after leading both with the jury vote and both with the public vote.
The Rasmus will perform the song “Jezebal”:
Allocation in Semi-Final: Finland was drawn to perform in the first half of semi-final 1.
Finland was allocated to perform in the first position, before Israel.
Musical Review: It’s a glam rock song.
The song starts with an instrumental part composed by electric guitar and drums.
Lauri opens the song with his raspy voice, alongside guitars playing. The melody changes surprisingly towards the end of the first verse. The chorus starts with drum playing and the title of the song. It is powerful, Lauri is energetic even though he prevents shouting.
After the chorus, we can hear a quick and short string instrument playing which indicates the arrival of the second verse. The second verse is short and includes the effect of tiger roar.
The second chorus is different, we can hear backing vocalists that sing the word “Jezebal”.
The bridge has more fresh production, we can even hear violion playing in it. It ends with the call “Jezebal” and another chorus.
The chorus slowly decays until the end of the song.
I find myself quite disagreeing with myself (yes, it is possible).
On one hand, the production is decent, the melody isn’t constant and the vocal performance is impressive. On the other hand, there is something dated in the song. We could have seen it represetring Finalnd 15 – 20 years ago.
Lyrics
Midnight, it’s time to put your face on
Game set, a killer shark in heels
I’m just the first shot on your hit list
High kicks, a predator on wheels
Woke up with bruises on my body
Hands tied, like Jesus on the cross
Your name’s in lipstick on the mirrorJezebel
I don’t know how you got in my blood
Was it the dangerous things you do?
You always wanted to be a star
Jezebel
If you’re the hunter then I’m the prey
You lick your lips as you walk away
Your final kiss is to leave a scar
On a heart
JezebelAt night you turn into a tiger
A girl who looks like she’s a boy
The world’s most ultimate survivor[Chorus]
Jеzebel (Jezеbel)
I don’t know how you got in my blood (Jezebel)
Was it the dangerous things you do? (Jezebel)
You always wanted to be a star
Jezebel (Jezebel)
If you’re the hunter then I’m the prey (Jezebel)
You lick your lips as you walk away (Jezebel)
Your final kiss is to leave a scar
On a heartSunrise, you crawl under the covers
Sleep tight until the dying sun
Tonight you’ll catch another lover
JezebelJezebel (Jezebel)
I don’t know how you got in my blood (Jezebel)
Was it the dangerous things you do? (Jezebel)
You always wanted to be a star
Jezebel (Jezebel)
If you’re the hunter then I’m the prey (Jezebel)
You lick your lips as you walk away (Jezebel)
Your final kiss is to leave a scar
On a heartJezebel (Jezebel)
Jezebel (Jezebel)
Jezebel
Poetry Analysis: Jezebal is an anthem that discusses powerful women and how they can drive men crazy. The song starts with a dark atmosphere – the time is midnight. The spokesperson described himself as a sacrifice. He is lying tied to the bed, while she smiles and leaves him with bruises on the body. The woman is described as a sensual creature but also as a dangerous one.
In the chorus, he wonders how she has treated him. He can’t stop thinking about her. He is aware of the danger that is hidden behind her identity. But his passion for this woman blinds him.
Even her kiss is described as one that leaves scars on you.
It isn’t a coincidence that she carries the name Jezebel.
In the bible, Jezebel is symbolically associated with false prophets.
In the same way, she misleads and misguides the spokesperson.
Jezebel was also a manipulative woman with bad intentions.
Therefore, choosing this name might point her out in a criticizing way.
At night, she reveals her true face as a survivor that will do everything to survive.
Every night, she is trying to tempt another lover. She tends to do it with her sexy body.
But whatever happens, he deals with her character. As a man, he is ready to be lost in her hands, just to have the ability to be with her again. He’s a man that’s not afraid of powerful women. If she is a hunter, he is ready to be the prey.
Initial Personal Ranking: 17th overall, 11th in semi-final 2.
The impact of the allocation in semi-final 2: Among the countries that usually vote for Finland, we can find the following countries in the list of countries that vote in semi-final 2:
Estonia, Sweden, Poland, and Ireland.
Betting Odds: Finland has chosen the song and the artists for Eurovision 2022 on the 26ht of February 2022.
The country was in 9-10 places for 3 days.
Between March 1st and March 18th, the country was 13-16 with the odds.
Beween March 19th and April 14th, Finland was 16-19 with the odds.
For the last 2 days, Finland is 15th with the bookies.
Early Prediction: Finland has promised a stage with a lot of unique props. The black and yellow colors will probably be kept. The Rasmus is a famous band, and I’m sure it will help them to qualify and beyond. It will help them in jury voting, as well as in the public vote.
Artist: Brooke Scullion
Brooke Scullion is a 23 year-old Irish singer.
She has been involved in sports and performing music since a very young age.
In secondary school, she played in several musicals like: Fame, Mamma Mia!, and Sister Act.
She studied drama at Ulster University’s Magee campus in Northern Ireland.
In 2020, Brooke participated in the 9th season of “The Voice of UK“. She was mentored by Meghan Trainor and ended up in 3rd place in the final.
Besides music, Brooke works as an estate agent.
So far, she has released 2 singles.
Selection Process: Ireland, for a change, used the mechanism of national selection this year.
6 artists competed in the Irish “Eurosong 2022” that was held on the 4th of February 2022.
The results were determined by 3 equal components: international jury, national jury, public vote.
Brooke was ranked first with the international jury and the public vote. She was scored in 5th place by the national jury.
Brooke will perform the song “That’s Rich“:
Allocation in Semi-Final: Ireland was drawn to perform in the second half of semi-final 2.
Ireland was allocated to perform in the 10th position, after Cyprus and before North Macedonia.
Musical Review: It’s a modern pop song.
The song starts with a beat and guitar playing. After a short instrumental part, we finally can hear her singing. She performs the first verse with sassiness and self-confidence. Towards the end of the rows, she uses a special breaking of the words. The pre-chorus keeps the same structure as the first verse, but her voice shines more in this part. The chorus continues the same line, but the guitar is more dominant. After the chorus, we get a short transitions part with synth sound.
The second verse is a little bit more rhythmic. In the second pre-chorus, we can hear more elements in the production. The chorus arrives and once again she serves it with tons of charisma.
The bridge has an electronic vibe. Her voice is being digitally processed, and at the same time sounds a little bit childish. The melody has the foundations of an electro dance-pop piece. After this part, we can hear her performing the chorus again. Towards the end, of the 1990’s electronic beat returns.
I find the song catchy and refreshing. It has the potential to be a bop.
I hope Brooke won’t be alone on the stage, while performing it live.
It’s an electro dance pop song, so I have some fears regarding the live performance.
However, the song stands out and can talk to a lot of listeners.
Lyrics
Take your mirror off the wall
Ain’t you getting bored of your reflection?
I’m tired of dodging all your calls
You wanna be the centre of attentionI’m getting sick of ya now
Stop sending flowers
I’ll just burn them all
And you’ll cry for hours
Always putting me down
Well, I’ve got news for you
You say I’m using you now
Hey, stupidThat’s rich
When it’s coming from you
And that’s rich
Well, I’ve got nothing to prove
That’s rich
You think I dressed up for you
And that’s rich (Hah)
Bye, bye, fool (Ow)Bye, bye, fool (Ow)
Bye, bye, foolUsed to think I need your help
To feel good, turns out I do it better
Think maybe you should please yourself
Because I’m over you, I’ll see you neverI’m getting sick of ya now (So sick)
Stop sending flowers
I’ll just burn them all
And you’ll cry for hours
Always putting me down
Well, I’ve got news for you
You say I use you now
Hey, stupidThat’s rich
When it’s coming from you
And that’s rich
Well, I’ve got nothing to prove
That’s rich
You think I dressed up for you
And that’s rich
Bye, bye, fool (Ow)Bye, bye, fool (Ow)
Bye, bye, foolI think it’s funny how you miss me when you never knew me
You were a lazy lover, I moved on to ones that move me
Loser, lose your attitude, I’m doing good, that’s on me
All glowed up, yeah, that’s on me
You see me, now you want me?
(Now you want me? You want me?)
‘Cause I don’t need a lazy lover
(Now you want me? You want me?)
No, I don’t wanna meet your mother
(Now you want me? You want me?)
Don’t cry I’m sure you’ll meet another
And you’ll tell her you love herWell, that’s rich
When it’s coming from you
And that’s rich
Oh, I know all of your moves
That’s rich
You think I’ve dressed up for you
And that’s rich
Bye, bye, fool (Ow)Bye, bye, fool (Ow)
Bye, bye, fool (Ow)
Bye, bye, fool
Bye, bye, fool
Bye, bye, fool
Poetry Analysis: The spokesperson of the song is a woman that talks about a guy she used to date. In the first verse, she describes him as selfish and a person that loves himself too much. Therefore, she suggeest him to take the mirror of the wall in his room.
It seems like he is obsessed with her, since he keeps on calling her again and again. The truth is that he wants to be at the center of attention.
This guy is trying to get her, by sending flowers and texting her. She admits that he has put her down, and maybe that’s why she is ready for revenge. He accuses her of using him, which she finds pathetic.
The spokesperson sees this guy as insincere and hypocrite. She uses the phrase “that’s rich” to mock him. Later on, she even tells us what she thinks about him – a foolish guy.
In the second verse, she concludes that he doesn’t know her. The reason he was focusing on himself, while they were together. Now, she can see how lazy he was as a lover, and she prefers to move on with guys that can appreciate her more. She learned to appreciate herself more, and therefore she thinks he might be even more interested in her.
Initial Personal Ranking: 32rd overall, 14th in semi-final 2.
The impact of the allocation in semi-final 2: Among the countries that usually vote for Ireland, we can find the following countries in the list of countries that vote in semi-final 2:
United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Sweden, Belgium, Estonia and Spain.
Betting Odds: Ireland has chosen its song for Eurovision 2022 on the 5th of February 2022.
Until the 16t of February, Ireland was 24-30 with the bookies.
Thereafter, the country was 34th and then 25th, 26th, 31st, 28th and 33th in the table.
Between the 24 of February and the 14th of April, the country was 34-38 with the odds.
For the last 2 days, Ireland is 32nd with the odds.
Early Prediction: At the moment, it seems like Ireland will struggle to qualify this year. There’s nothing really bad about the song, but I’m not sure it will be bold enough to qualify for the final.
Artist: Cornelia Jakobs
Cornelia Jakobs (real name: Anna Cornelia Jakobsdotter Samuelsso) is a 30 year old Swedish singer-songwriter. Her father is Jakob Samuel, a Swedish pop-rock singer.
Cornelia started her musical career in 2008, when she auditioned for the “Swedish Idol“.
She was part of the girl band Love Generation who competed in the “Melodifestivalen” in the years 2011 and 2012.
In 2011, they were eliminated in the second-chance round, in 2012 they were eliminated in the heats.
In 2011 they performed the song “Dance Alone“, and in 2012 they performed the song “Just a Little Bit”.
In 2020, she composed and performed the song “Weight of the World” which became the soundtrack of HBO Nordic Tv series “Björnstad“.
In 2021, she was one of the song writers for Efraim Leo in “Melodifestivalen 2021“.
So far, Cornelia has released 11 singles.
Selection Process: As always, Sweden chose an artist and a song for Eurovision via the “Melodifestivalen“. 28 artists competed in the 4 semi-finals (7 artists per show).
8 of them qualified for the final, 4 of them had to pass through second-chance before qualifying.
12 artists competed in the final. The results were determined by 50% public vote and 50% international jury vote.
Cornelia was announced as the winner, after achieving 2nd place with the public vote and first place with the jury vote.
Cornelia will perform the song “Hold Me Closer“:
Allocation in Semi-Final: Sweden was drawn to perform in the second half of semi-final 2.
Sweden was allocated to perform in the 17th position, after Belgium and before Czech Republic.
Musical Review: It’s a dynamic ballad with mid-tempo production.
The song starts with a deep instrumental part composed of piano playing. Cornelia opens the song with a unique and stable voice. After hearing only a few words, you can already understand that she is a great storyteller. She expresses the words in a captivating way. The first verse includes bowed string instruments which contribute to the required drama. The musical measures are getting longer as the verse ends. The chorus begins with a great composition of the different instruments. She sings powerfully, and the orchestra component follows perfectly the message of the song.
The second verse is more dynamic and also includes guitar playing. The rate is faster, and it turns out we have here not only a dark ballad but also a powerful pop ballad. A short instrumental part that’s based on the orchestra’s motives, leads us to the second chorus. Cornelia sings it emotionally and powerfully. Towards the end, she uses longer notes and revealed a raspier side of her voice. Surprisingly, and almost with no effort, she moves to sing with a thin high voice.
The last part starts more acoustic and slowly it grows into a more rhythmic piece that’s composed by the guitar playing. The last chorus is similar to the first one, but this time we can hear some backing vocals. The last part reaches the maximal emotional level, as she sings with tears.
Usually, I don’t like to use dramatic statements, but this is a masterpiece. I can’t even choose which would is the strongest thing about this: her voice, the lyrics, the production and etc.
Sweden, it can be your chance to collect the 7th Eurovision trophy.
Lyrics
No need to apologize
‘Cause there’s nothing to regret
Well, this is not what I wanted
Guess all the good things come to an endSo baby bye, bye
Wish you the best
But most of alI I wish that I could love you less
Well, maybe you’re right
I’ll find someone else
You say it isn’t me, but when did that ever help?Hold me closer
Although you’ll leave before the sunrise
Might be bleeding, but don’t you mind, I’ll be fine
Oh, it kills me
I found the right one at the wrong time
But until the sunrise
Hold tight, hold tightMaybe it happened too fast
I guess that I understand
You say that you’ve never felt this way for anyone
And that’s why it scares you to deathSo baby bye, bye
Though it’s for the best
Still I can’t see how that would ease the pain in my chestHold me closer
Although you’ll leave before the sunrise
I’ll be bleeding, but don’t you mind, I’ll be fine
Oh, it kills me
I found the right one at the wrong time
But until the sunrise
Could you just hold me tight?
I know, I have to let go, but just give me the night‘Cause tomorrow will hurt
Hurt really bad
‘Cause I’m about to lose the best I ever hadHold me closer
Although you’ll leave before the sunrise
I’ll be bleeding, but don’t you mind, I’ll be fine
Oh, it kills me
I found the right one at the wrong time
But until the sunrise
Could you just hold me tight?
I know, I have to let go, but just give me the night (Hold me tight, hold me tight)Can’t you see that you found the right one at the wrong time?
It was just the wrong time
Hold tight, hold tight
Poetry Analysis: It is a song that tells the story of a broken heart after an ending of relationship. The spokesperson deals with her fate. She knows that everything good eventually ends.
She wished him the best, but at the same time hoping that as the time passes by, she will care less about him. He told her she was not the one to blame, but it doesn’t help her to stop crying or thinking about him. In her dreams, she still asks him to hug her as tight as he can. Even though she already knows he will leave. In other words, she is trying to move the time backward and enjoy the last moments with him. The most difficult thing for her is knowing that he is the right man for her, but this is not the right timing.
She keeps on thinking about the moment when it ended up for them. She convinced herself that maybe the immediacy of this makes it so hard and painful.
But going backwards in time has its own price – the following day will be painful. Is it worth it?
Initial Personal Ranking: 2nd overall, 1st in semi-final 2
The impact of the allocation in semi-final 2: Among the countries that usually vote for Sweden, we can find the following countries in the list of countries that vote in semi-final 2:
Estonia, Finland, Australia, and Malta.
Betting Odds: Sweden has chosen their act on the 12th of March 2022.
The country has been stable in the 3rd place in the table.
Early Prediction: There’s no doubt that Sweden will qualify for the final. In fact, this is a contender to win semi-final 2.
I predict Sweden will end in the top 6 if the final.
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