Welcome to our new series of posts!
The moment of truth has come, and all of the 37 competing songs of Eurovision 2023 have been revealed.
Therefore, we are ready for an extended review of them and a ranking of the songs.
Each post in the series will focus on 5-6 songs.
The first post will focus on 5 countries that will compete in semi-final 1: Croatia, Moldova, Portugal, Serbia, and Switzerland
LET 3 – Mama ŠČ!
Let 3 is a Croatian punk/alternative rock band that was formed in 1987 in the city of Rijeka.
The current line-up of the band consists of 5 members:
- Damir Martinović – vocals, bass guitar, effects
- Zoran Prodanović – vocals
- Dražen Baljak– guitar, mandolin
- Matej Zec – guitar, producer
- Ivan Bojčić – drums
So far, the band has released 10 studio albums, the first of them in 1989.
In addition, the band won several music awards, the majority of them in 2006.
The band members are well-known for their provocative style, including breaking the law in several occasions.
Selection Process
Croatia held a national selection for Eurovision 2023.
18 artists performed in the national selection “Dora 2023”.
The results were determined by a combination of a 50% regional jury and a 50% public vote.
Let 3 have won “Dora 2023″, after winning both in jury voting and the public vote:
They will perform the song “Mama ŠČ! “
Allocation in Semi-Final
Croatia will perform in the first half of semi-final 1 at Eurovision 2023.
Croatia is set to perform in the 7th position (closing the first half). The country will perform after Ireland, and before Switzerland.
Musical Review
It is an alternative rock song.
The song starts with a short instrumental part, composed of electric guitar and drums.
The first verse relies on a simple percussion melody. The lead singer recites the lyrics, and we can hear some backing vocals in the background. Along this part the “ŠČ” word can be heard from time to time. Thereafter, we can hear the “tractor” sound. The second verse has the same structure, but it is more melodical. Before the third verse, the sound effects are getting stronger.
The chorus starts with an electronic production, while the lead singer sings in operatic style. With the help of some sound effects, we can hear the alphabetical order.
The post-chorus relies on an upbeat melody with drums, guitar and keyboards.
Thereafter, we get another verse that’s performed again in reciting.
The second verse is performed in a disharmony, as the singing sounds more like yelling. This time, we can hear some pre-recorded feminine backing vocals. This time the lead singer chose to shout over singing once again.
I don’t recognize any singing here, and when they did so, it was off tune.
The message of the song is clear and important, but it is too bad we have had to listen to this chaos in order to get their message.
I am still not sure what this song has tried to be: alternative rock, joke entry, comic show or just a big mess.
Unfortunately, it’s not one of my favorites, and I’m afraid it is a sign to what Eurovision semi-finals without jury will become – a circus.
Translated Lyrics
Mom bought a tractor
ŠČ!
Mom bought a tractor
ŠČ!
Mom bought a tractor
Permanent-nina
Armageddon grandma**
ŠČ!Mom bought a tractor
ŠČ!
Mom bought a tractor
ŠČ!
Mom bought a tractor
Trajna-nina*
Armageddon grandma**TRACTOR
Mom loved a moron
ŠČ!
Mom loved a moron
ŠČ!
Mom loved a moron
Trajna-nina*
Armageddon grandma**A b c č ć d dž đ e f g h i j k l lj m n nj o p r s š t u v z ž
Mom, mom, mom, I’m gonna go play,
Mom, I’m going to war!That little psychopath
Wicked little psychopath
Crocodile psychopath
Mom, I’m going to warTRACTOR
Mom loved a moron
ŠČ!
Mom loved a moron
ŠČ!
Mom loved a moron
Trajna-nina*
Armageddon grandma**That little psychopath
Wicked little psychopath
Crocodile psychopath
Mom, I’m going to warThat little psychopath
Wicked little psychopath
Crocodile psychopath
Mom, I’m going to warMom, mom, mom
That little psychopath
Wicked little psychopath
Crocodile psychopath
Mom, I’m going to war
Poetry Analysis
This is a political protest song. The main metaphor in the song is “Mama” which relates to “Mother Russia”.
The song starts with the story of a mother who bought a tractor. This refers to Putin’s 70th birthday, where he received a tractor as a gift from Belarusian president Lukashenko.
The song mocks the gifted tractor. It symbolizes materialism and corruption.
Armageddon is also mentioned, it is the prophesied location of a gathering of armies for a battle during the end times. This is the point where we start wondering if this song talks about war.
“Mom loved a moron” – Russia fell in love with a leader that’s considered a moron by the song writers.
Thereafter, we have the row of the alphabet. This is a metaphor for the way you have to obey the regime, where there’s no place to go wrong.
The next part describes a young guy that goes to play, but in fact goes to a (forced) war. He blames a powerful psychopath in the planned war, where the spokesperson might have lost his life.
During the live performance, we can see some objects that remind us of war (like rockets) and questionable appearance (the mustache of Stalin?)
Initial Personal Ranking
15th in semi-final 1, 37th overall
The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1
Among the countries that usually vote for Croatia, 4 countries will vote in semi-final 1: Serbia, Switzerland, Germany and Malta
Betting Odds
On the 11th of February 2023, Let 3 won “Dora 2023”.
Croatia started with bring in 28th and 26th place. 2 days after choosing the song, Croatia increased its chances with being 19th with the bookies.
Even since then, Croatia is in 14th-17th place in the betting odds.
Early Prediction
Having a semi-final, where the results are determined by the public only, makes the qualifying of Croatia for the final almost certain.
However, I don’t see the jury supporting it that much in the final.
I can see a scenario where it will be the Moldova 2022 of this year. Therefore, my prediction is 6-12 in the final.
Pasha Parfeni – Soarele si Luna (Eng: The Sun and The Moon)
Pasha Parfeni is a 36 year-old Moldovan singer-songwriter and composer.
He was born to a music oriented family: His mother is a piano teacher, while his father is a guitarist and singer.
In 2002, he started studying music in Tiraspol music collage. In 2006, he continued studying music at the State Academy of Music, Theatre and Fine Arts.
In 2008, he joined Sun Stroke Project as a vocalist. They competed together in the Moldovan selection for Eurovision 2009, where they finished in the 3rd place.
In 2009, Pasha left the band, in order to advance with his solo career.
Over the years, he participated in several musical contests in Europe like: “Mamaia Contest” (Romania, first place), Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk (Belarus, 2nd place), George Grigoriu International Pop Music (winner).
In 2010 and 2011, he participated in the Moldovan selection for Eurovision, where he was ranked 2nd and 3rd respectively.
In 2012, he won the Moldovan selection for Eurovision 2012 with the song “Lăutar“. He finished 11th in the final of Eurovision 2012.
In 2013, he was one of the co-wrote the song “O Mie” for Aliona Moon. The song won the Moldovan selection for Eurovision 2013 and ended 11th in the final.
In 2020, he competed again in the national selection with his song “My Wine”, this time he ended 2nd and therefore hasn’t been chosen to represent the country at Eurovision 2020.
Selection Process and Song
Moldova selected a song and an artist via a national selection “ETAPA NAȚIONALĂ 2023“.
31 artists competed in the preliminary round, 10 of them were shortlisted to the final.
The final results were determined by a 50% national jury and a 50% public vote.
Pasha Parfeni won both the public vote and the national jury vote:
Pasha Parfeni will perform “Soarele si Luna” at Eurovision 2023:
Allocation in Semi-Final
Moldova was allocated to perform in the second half of semi-final 1 at Eurovision 2023.
Moldova is set to perform in 10th position, after Israel and before Sweden.
Musical Review
It is an ethnic folk song, with some electronic elements.
The song starts with an instrumental part composed of wind instruments and drums.
The first verse is based on percussion and wind elements. Pasha whispering-reciting the first verse. His singing is almost effortless in this part. The melody is based on a uniform amplitude accords, where we can hear flute playing at the end of each part.
The first chorus starts acoustically. Pasha finally sings, with the support of female backing vocalists. As the chorus progresses, the melody takes a bigger part.
At the end of the first chorus, we get a beautiful instrumental part composed of the flute playing.
Thereafter, we get an additional chorus, this time with a noticeable melody that combines higher tempo. In this chorus, the melody is richer.
The third verse is performed in a husky voice by Pasha.
This time the backing vocalists perform as a secondary voice choir singing.
Once again, we got a short instrumental part.
The bridge of the song doesn’t start perfectly, as his voice breaks for some reason (Couldn’t they record it properly?). He sings with a husky voice, and very quickly we get an additional chorus.
This time the chorus “wears” a more electronic production.
The song ends with an echo.
Overall, a decent attempt. However, the text is too modest. The song has 1.5 verses and a chorus that keeps on repeating, instead of writing some more words.
In addition, the chorus is based on 1 sentence only – “The sun and the moon will hold us a wedding”.
I would like to put more effort into the singing aspect as well, as the first verse is heavily based on whispers and reciting.
I feel like the song was created as a soundtrack, and the lyrics were added just to fill it.
Translated Lyrics
Forest with thick leaves
I think I found myself a wife
Dniester with smooth water
I lost myself and it’s your fault
I sang to her with lots of “doina’s” (doina is a Romanian music genre)
Until she wanted to kiss me
I sang to her, I danced to her
Spoiled her in every waySun, Sun
Sun and Moon
They will hold us, they will hold us
They will hold us a wedding
Sun, Sun
Sun and Moon
They will hold us, they will hold us
They will hold us a wedding
Sun, Sun
Sun and Moon
They will hold us, they will hold us
They will hold us a wedding
Sun, Sun
Sun and Moon
They will hold us, they will hold us
They will hold us a weddingI promised my bride
A wedding under a starry sky.
I gave to her on the 7th night
A ring with a gemstoneSun and Moon (Sun and Moon)
They will hold us a wedding
Sun, Sun
Sun and Moon
They will hold us, they will hold us
They will hold us a weddingI promised my bride
A wedding under a starry sky.
I gave to her on the 7th night
I gave to her on the 7th night
A ring with a gemstoneSun and Moon (Sun and Moon)
They will hold us a wedding
Sun, Sun
Sun and Moon
They will hold us, they will hold us
They will hold us a wedding
Sun, Sun
Sun and Moon
They will hold us, they will hold us
They will hold us a wedding
Sun, Sun
Sun and Moon
Poetry Analysis
It is a traditional love song. The spokesperson tells us how he met his lover.
He describes the meaning of their love by the beauty of nature: thick leaves, smooth water, etc.
He tried to make her fall in love with him with acts like dancing and singing.
The sun and the moon will be the evidence to their love, and it symbolizes the purity, innocence, simplicity and eternity of their love. That’s why he also suggests their wedding will be held in nature, with the presence of the moon and sun. However it is impossible to see the sun and the moon together. This can be understood in 2 ways:
- They are both described as the moon and the sun. We can learn how different but similar they are at the same time.
- Their wedding day will be a special day, where nature will change its behavior. Rare and uncommon things might happen.
- Their wedding ceremony will last for a long time, so the sun and the moon can be seen separately.
Thereafter, he tells us about the dreamy wedding, that will be held under starry sky. He will give a special ring to his bride.
Initial Personal Ranking
11th is semi-final 1, 27th place overall.
The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1
Among the countries that usually vote for Moldova, 3 countries will vote in semi-final 1: Portugal, Italy and Azerbaijan
Betting Odds
On the 4th of March 2023, Pasha won the national selection.
On the night Pasha was selected, Moldova was 20th with the bookies.
Thereafter, the country has been quite stable in the 17th-18th place in the betting odds.
Early Prediction
Moldova will compete in the stronger semi-final.
During the years, Moldova has proved its advantage in converting different songs with convincing staging.
Therefore, it looks like Moldova will qualify for the final.
Electro folk songs are usually liked by the voters. But at the same time, I think it could have stood out even better.
My final prediction is around 11th-17th in the final.
Mimicat – Ai Coração
Mimicat in the staging name of Marisa Isabel Lopes Mena. She is a 38 year-old Portuguese soul-pop singer and composer.
In the past, she performed behind the stage name Izamena.
In 2001, she competed in the “Festival da Canção 2001″ with the song “Mundo colorido“, but didn’t qualify for the final of the festival.
So far, the singer has released 2 studio-albums: “For You” (2014) and “Back in Town” (2017).
She has also released several singles since 2021, which haven’t been included in any album.
Selection Process and Song
Portugal has selected a song and an artist via its traditional festival “Festival da Canção“.
20 artists were shortlisted to perform in 2 semi-finals of the festival.
13 of them qualified for the final.
The results of each show were determined by a combination of a 50% public vote and a 50% national jury.
In the final, Mimicat was ranked first by the jury, alongside Edmundo Inácio:
However, she was ranked first by the public vote, and therefore was announced as the winner of the festival:
She will perform “Ai Coração” (Eng: Oh Heart)
Allocation in Semi-Final
Portugal was allocated to perform in the first half of semi-final 1 at Eurovision 2023.
Portugal is set to perform in 5th position after Latvia and before Ireland.
Musical Review
It is a cabaret theatrical pop song.
The song starts with a piano playing. Mimicat starts with a powerful humming.
The melody is based on inconsistent wind instruments playing and piano. From time to time, we can hear the trumpet.
As the first verse is introduced to us, we realize that the song will go in a more upbeat direction.
Pre-chorus is faster and danceable with a different tempo.
Starting in pre-chorus and continuing with the chorus, the production “wears” some Latin music elements.
After the chorus, we get an instrumental part with some backing vocals.
The second verse is based on trumpet and guitar playing. While Mimicat sings with a mid-low and warm tone of voice, she is supported by female backing singers with a high tone of voice.
The following part is sensual guitar playing with Latin elements.
Afterwards, we get the bridge of the song, which relies on a more acoustic and intimate atmosphere.
Mimicat sings with a more fragile voice and a higher tone, with classic guitar in the background. The song ends with one last powerful singing chorus and clapping sound.
Overall, it is an artistic and joyful performance. The song is a little bit dated, but at the same time unique (or at least very different compared to the others in the contest).
However, sometimes it sounds a little bit too dramatic for me. I think the structure of the song should be reconsidered .
Translated Lyrics
Oh heart
Leave me alone
You don’t give me space
Don’t give me my zone
My head and throat are circling around
Pretty lost on this world and you still have no boundsI feel
Dizzy
Everyday worse
I don’t know things that I used to
Pulsations went up a thousand
I feel crazy, totally senileMy chest aching
Dry mouth
I don’t know
What to do
Love without plans is a no no
Because I don’t feel like myselfOh heart
Oh heart
Tell me if you are mineHours going by and I can’t sleep
I hear the owls and neighbors from the deep
My ethics are gone, I said goodbye
Someone help me from this state I am stood byDoctor said there’s nothing to do
“Lost Case” is what I saw him writing too
I feel lost in another dimension
The entirety of me is a great confusionMy chest aching
Dry mouth
I don’t know
What to do
Love without plans is a no no
Because I don’t feel like myselfOh heart
Oh heart
Oh heart
Tell me if you are mineMy chest aching
Dry mouth
I don’t know
What to do
Love without plans is a no no
Because I don’t feel like myselfOh heart
Oh heart
Oh heart
Oh heart
Tell me if you are mine
Poetry Analysis
The song describes the case of falling in love.
The spokesperson wants to “disconnect” from her heart. She knows about her tendency to fall in love easily.
While falling in love makes her tired, she isn’t ready for this. She asks to focus on herself, without thinking about love for a once (“leave me alone.. you don’t give me my place … you don’t give me my zone“).
Devoting herself to the heart made her not feel well and confused – spinning heat, sore throat, dizziness, etc.
She doesn’t watch to reach a situation where she falls in love surprisingly (“Love without plans is a no no/ Because I don’t feel like myself”).
She feels helpless, after love hit her that way, and therefore she can’t sleep properly.
Going back to the medical metaphor: She went to the doctor, just to hear that she is a “lost case”.
Then again, she feels dizzy and finally falls in love – “chest aching, dry mouth“
Initial Personal Ranking
10th in semi-final 1, 24th overall
The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1
Among the countries that usually vote for Portugal, 5 countries will vote in semi-final 1: France, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Latvia and Azerbaijan.
Betting Odds
At a very late hour in the night of 11th of March 2023, Mimicat won “Festival da Canção 2023“.
Ever since then, Portugal is 26th-27th with the bookies.
Early Prediction
Unfortunately, Portugal will compete in the strongest semi-final.
I am not sure whether Portugal’s song will get enough support from the public. I can see a scenario where it will qualify from the 10th place in the semi-final.
However, If I should narrow down my prediction: I would say 11th-13th place in the semi, and threfore not maling in to the final.
Luke Black – Samo Mi Se Spava
Luka Ivanović (better known as Luke Black) is a 30 year old Serbian singer-songwriter and producer. After finishing high school, he moved from Čačak to Belgrade where he moved to study English and Literature. Luke gave his first public performance at “Gruvlend Festival” in 2014.
He has received the attention of Universal Music. Right after that, he signed a contract with the company and became the first Serbian pop singer to sign a contract with an international label.
Before he started working with Universal Music, the singer released his debut single in 2014 – “Nebula Lullaby“.
So far, the singer has released 6 EPs:
- Thorns – 2015
- D-Generation – 2015
- Holding On To Love (Remix EP) – 2015
- Demons (Remix EP) – 2017
- Neoslavic – 2018
- F 23.8 – 2023
In August 2021, ESCBEAT included Luke Black in the Wishlist to represent Serbia at Eurovision.
The wish was fulfilled in less than 2 years afterwards.
Selection Process and Song
Serbia held a national selection for Eurovision 2023 – “Pesma za Evroviziju 2023”. A total of 32 artists competed in the national selection in 2 semi-finals.
16 of them qualified for the final.
Luke Black won the national selection, after being ranked 2nd both by the jury and the public. He has achieved the highest rank, due to disagreement between the public and jury (50% of the decision per each).
He will perform the song “Samo Mi Sa Spava”
Allocation in Semi-Final
Serbia will perform in the first half of semi-final 1 at Eurovision 2023.
Serbia is set to perform is 3rd position, after Malta and before Latvia.
Musical Review
It is an electro-alternative song, with some influence of industrial music.
The song starts with electronic keyboards playing.
Luke opens the first verse with his distintive voice. Meanwhile, the production suggests background music that becomes more am more intensive.
Pre-chorus is very short. It relies on fast and simple keyboards playing, and then being empowered by electronic keyboard playing. This short part also includes some studio effects.
The chorus takes us in a completely electronic direction. It starts with a short instrumental part, and then Luke whispers some words.
The second verse is more upbeat, and he combines Seriban and English together. The melody is based on a drum electro beat. Towards the end, he sings on a higher note.
The second chorus suggests a “depper” and stronger production.
An electronic beat and electric guitar opens the third verse. Luke sings it with some heavier breathing. The song ends with an industrial part, where we can hear some growling. The melody becomes intense, with metallic sound and great presence of electronic motives.
In my opinion, it is one of the most creative songs this year. The song impressed me from the first time, as it captivates the listener very fast.
During the song, we went through a process, that can be reflected by the production and the melody changes. It takes some bravery to perform such a creative song and that’s why I appreciated it a lot.
Translated Lyrics
Baby watch the world on fire
It is all a game to me
I don’t wanna choose my fighter
Who’s taking control of me?Hello?
I just wanna sleep
(sleep!)I just wanna sleep forever
Like it better when I dream
I want to sleep forever
while the world burns
I just wanna close my eyes
And just get it over with
I want to sleep forever
while the world burnsIt’s night, the hours are endless
The Devil is on my shoulder
I just want to sleep forever after
So that I can defeat himHello?
Game over
(sleep)
(I just wanna sleep)I just wanna sleep forever
Like it better when I dream
I want to sleep forever
while the world burns
I just wanna sleep forever
Like it better when I dream
I want to sleep forever
while the world burnsWar (war)
There’s a famine
It’s hopeless
All conscience is sleeping
while the world burns(It burns)
It is the end
Dark
continues
The reason is sleeping
while the world burns(sleep)
(I’m just sleepy)
(I’m just sleepy)
Poetry Analysis
The song speaks on several topics, like awakening, human indifference and solitude.
In the first verse, the spokesperson lives in denial, and tries to create an illusion where the reality is different – “Baby watch the world is on fire / Is it all a game to me“?.
The spokesperson brings some metaphors from the gaming world.
He feels like he is requested to choose a fighter, a gaming character, to defend himself
In some interviews, he said that he spent some of the Covid quarentine playing games. He isn’t ready for the battle outside – “I don’t wanna choose my fighter / Who’s taking control of me?.
The spokesperson keeps on trying to wake up, but he just wants to sleep – denial of the reality and the choice to build an inner world, which isn’t related to the difficulties outside.
As the world burns, he chooses the easiest solution – sleeping and avoiding any connection to the outside world – “I just wanna sleep forever/ Like it better when I dream/ I want to sleep forever/ while the world burns“.
However, he can’t keep on doing so, if you can’t sleep forever. In the nights (also a symbol of the dark times), he has to cope with the long sleeping before. The devil sits on his shoulder – he can’t escape anymore
The metaphor continues with the phrase “game over“. It symbolizes the urgency of acting properly and in time. Otherwise, the game will be over before we even try to avoid the war.
Thereafter, the song clearly mentions the word “war”.
There’s no way to escape from our conscience at the end of the day.
Initial Personal Ranking
1st in semi-final 1, 2nd overall
The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1
Among the countries that usually vote for Serbia, 4 countries will vote in semi-final 1: Croatia, France, Switzerland, and Sweden.
Betting Odds
On the 4th of March 2023, Luke Black won “Pesma za Evroviziju 23“.
Ever since then, Serbia is in14th-16th place with the bookies.
Early Prediction
Serbia suggests a unique song with a quirky performance that even gives a sci-fi vibes.
I believe it will stand out among semi-final 1 songs.
This is a kind of a song you can’t ignore, even if you don’t like it.
That’s why I think it can being Serbia to a decent place.
My prediction is 10th-17th place in the final.
Remo Forrer – “Watergun”
Remo Forrer is a 20 year-old Swiss singer. In 2020, he won the 3rd season of “The Voice of Switzerland”.
Remo showed a great interest in music from a very young age, he learned to play the flute, acordion and the piano.
Selection Process and Song
Since 2019, Switzerland has selected an artist and a song through an internal selection, organized by the Swiss broadcaster.
The process involved a panel of 100 viewers and a 20-person jury made up of music professionals. From there, the viewers and the jury rated the entries and their artists on various aspects. The viewers account for 50% of the ratings while the jury accounts for the other 50% of the ratings.
The process included multiple stages, where the list of potential songs was reduced gradually, with the few recent stages having 6 songs (and then 2 only).
Allocation in Semi-Final
Switzerland was allocated to perform is in the second half of semi-final 1 at Eurovision 2023.
Switzerland is set to perform in 8th position, after Croatia and before Israel.
Musical Review
It is a ballad.
The song starts with a short piano instrumental part.
Remo opens the song with a low and deep voice. The first verse is quite simple, and effective.
The pre-chorus is more powerful and continues along the same line.
The chorus is performed in a higher tone of voice, we can hear some classic string elements as well. This part of the song adds to the required drama.
The second verse is faster, and is also based on percussion and guitar playing.
He lengthens some of the words.
The second chorus starts more powerfully. He sings it with some manners, and keeps on telling the story successfully.
The second chorus includes a choir backing singing. The bridge brings very powerful singing. The song ends with a short chorus, performed acoustically.
It is a power ballad with an important message. The production is on point and gives the song a cinematic dimension.
Remo tends to have a low tone of voice, but he proves that he had a wide range of voice.
With a convincing staging, it can be a dark horse.
Lyrics
When we were boys
We played pretend
Army tanks and army men
Hide and seek
Grow to be the kings we dreamWhere do we go?
We’re standin’ on the frontline
Where do we go, we go?I don’t wanna be a soldier, soldier
I don’t wanna have to play with real blood
We ain’t playin’ now
Can’t turn and run
No water guns
No, noI don’t wanna be a soldier, soldier
I don’t wanna have to play with real blood
‘Cause we ain’t playin’ now
Can’t turn and run
No water guns
Just body bags that we’ve becomeAdolescence, breaking rules
Nothin’ hurts when you‘re bulletproof
I remember, yes, I do, I doWhere do we go?
We’re standin’ on the frontline
Where do we go, we go?I don’t wanna be a soldier, soldier
I don’t wanna have to play with real blood
We ain’t playin’ now
Can’t turn and run
No water guns
No, noI don’t wanna be a soldier, soldier
I don’t wanna have to play with real blood
‘Cause we ain’t playin’ now
Can’t turn and run
No water guns
Just body bags that we’ve become(Ooh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh…)
What we’ve become
(Ooh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh…)
What we’ve become… (Ooh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh…, oh-oh…)
What we’ve become… (Ooh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh…)Playin’ with water guns
Not playin’ with water guns
Poetry Analysis
It is an anti-war song.
The spokesperson is a young guy that is forced to go to war, even though he doesn’t want it.
As a child, like almost every boy, he enjoyed playing with army toys (like tanks, guns, soldiers and more).
Having played with these toys, he thought he would grow up to be a king – a metaphor to a person without any worries.
A few years later, he figures out what will happen, he is sent to an unknown war. He is standing in the frontline of the wat, but no one asked him whether he wants it or not – “Where do we go?/ We’re standin’ on the frontline”.
He also wonders what’s next. Where do we go on the moral/ethic level?
“I don’t wanna be a soldier, soldier/ I don’t wanna have to play with real blood/ We ain’t playin’ now/ Can’t turn and run“ – At the moment of truth, he admits that being a soldier is not for him. While playing with toys, no harm could be done. However, in real life, blood is involved.
Some people’s lives might be damaged due to the war. This isn’t a game, there is no turning back or control pause.
When growing up, and being an adult, we tend to break the innocent life that was introduced in front of us as children. Holding real guns, makes us less sensitive – “Adolescencе, breaking rules/ Nothin’ hurts when you’re bulletproof“.
Now the only guns he wants to hear about are the waterguns – a symbol of innocence, childhood and fun. Water is also a symbol of pureity, peace and calm days.
Initial Personal Ranking
13th overall, 6th is semi-final 1.
The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1
Among the countries that usually vote for Switzerland, 3 countries will vote in semi-final 1: Finland, The Netherlands and Germany.
Betting Odds
Remo Forrer‘s song for Switzerland has been revealed on the 7th of March 2023.
Since then, Switzerland is 13th-14th with the bookies.
Early Prediction
There are a very few ballads this year.
Switzerland bring a modern ballad, with a relevant message. Relying on “The voice of Switzerland”, it looks like we can rely on him in live performances.
Qualifying for the final won’t be easy as piece of cake, but possible.
If Switzerland qualifies for the final, I believe it will have bigger support from the jury.
Therefore, I will predict Switzerland will be 11th-18th in the final.
In the next chapter, we will discuss more participants of semi-final 1.
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