Welcome to our new series of posts!
The moment of truth has come, and all of the 37 competing songs of Eurovision 2024 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: Azerbaijan, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland and Ukraine

Fahree ft. İlkin Dovlatov – Özünlə Apar

Fahree was internally selected to represent Azerbaijan, as he was one of 6 shortlisted acts. Later on, it has been decided that İlkin Dovlatov (who has also competed in the internal selection) will join him on stage.
Fahree is a 29 year old Azeri singer, who has completed his second degree in law, but has always shown a passion for music.
İlkin Dovlatov is a 33 year-old Azeri singer who rose to fame after ending up as the runner-up in “The Voice of Azerbaijan”.

They will perform the song “Özünlə Apar” (Eng: Take Me Away With You)

Allocation in Semi-Final

Azerbaijan will perform in the second half of semi-final 1 at Eurovision 2024.

Musical Review

• It is an ethnic mid-tempo pop song.
• The song starts with an ethnic string element.
• Fahree opens the first verse in a husky voice while singing in English. The melody is based on electronic keyboards. A slow beat accompanies the melody, while we can hear traditional wind instruments from time to time. As this part progresses, we can hear electronic guitar stringing and backing vocals. Towards the end of this part, Fahree sings more smoothly.
• The refrain is a bit faster, as the percussion beat is bolder. The melody is still based on the electronic keyboards, while we can hear samples backing vocals performed in a higher tone of voice and a traditional style.
• The chorus is much more ethnic. The melody is Middle-East oriented, with violins as the main element. The electronic guitar plays a greater role, and the beat is more continuous and denser. Fahree performs this part in the Azeri language. He finalized this with vocal trilling.
• We get a short instrumental part, and then another refrain comes. This time we can hear some backing vocals supporting the English sung part. The melody is based on guitar, keyboards and a slow percussion beat.
• This part is followed by a short mugham singing part, which is performed by İlkin Dovlatov. This part is a kind of ethnic improvisation based on vocal trilling.
• Another chorus comes after, with some studio effects. The melody is based on a uniform guitar and violin playing, while the electronic keyboards create the production framing. The song ends with some oriental vocal trilling, performed by the 2 singers.
• Overall, I think it is the most Azerbaijani song that Azerbaijan has sent recently, and that’s something to appreciate.
• Personally, I’d like to get more lyrics in the native language, and not only the chorus. The melody is rick, as it combines different instruments.
• However, something stays a bit flat about this one. I think the mugham part should have come earlier. I would also like to have this somewhat arranged as a duet, and not just as one main artist featuring a guest singer. The structure of the song isn’t typical either, as we have only one verse here, and it isn’t the strongest part of the song.

Translated Lyrics

I lived a life standing on my own
Chaos inside and mysteries unsolved

Only with you I feel
How the burdens of my life just disappear (Life just disappear)
Through all the lows and highs
Love has guided me to gates of paradise

Hold my heart in your hands
Do you have what it takes?

Hurricanes are roaming but you take away the pain
Healing all the scars and breaking chains

Take me away with you,
Without you this universe is too narrow for me
Take me away with you,
Without you this universe is too narrow for me

Hey, hey, hey, my lover,
My lover,
Hey, hey, hey my lover (my lover)

Hold my heart in your hands
Do you have what it takes?

Hurricanes are roaming but you take away the pain
Healing all the scars and breaking chains

Oh Lord, oh Lord
My lover, hey my lover,
My lover

Take me away with you,
Without you this universe is too narrow for me
Take me away with you,
Without you this universe is too narrow for me

Hey, hey, hey, my lover,
My lover,
Hey, hey, hey my lover

Poetry Analysis

It is a love song. The spokesperson describes the power of love in healing and dealing with inner conflicts. His lover is there for him, for good and bad. He describes his life as an unsolved question, where hurricanes are roaming. His lover is the one to shed positive light on his life, and can make the impossible to be possible. Along with the song, he demonstrated sincerity and vulnerability.

Initial Personal Ranking

13th in semi-final 1, 31st overall

The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1

Among the countries that usually vote for Azerbaijan , 3 countries will vote in semi-final 1: Ukraine, Moldova and Cyprus

Betting Odds

Azerbaijan was the last country to reveal its Eurovision 2024 entry, on the 15th of March.
The country has been 19th-21st in the odds.

Early Prediction

I can see Azerbaijan as a border-line qualifier/non-qualifier this year.
In the semi-final, there are 3 songs which somehow has ethnic elements: Moldova, Ukraine and Azerbaijan. However, those 3 differ from each other.
Around 2/3 of the songs in this semi-final are led by female vocalists, and therefore it might give them an advantage.
On the other hand, ethnic ballads aren’t always welcomed by the voters.
Not to mention that Azerbaijan has struggled with public votes in the recent years.
If Azerbaijan qualifies, I can see them ending in 17th-23rd place in the final.

Silvester Belt – Luktelk

Silvestras Beltė (better known as Silvester Belt) is a 26 year-old Lithuanian singer.
He started showing interest in music at the age of 4.
In 2010, he competed in the Lithuanian selection for Junior Eurovision, where he placed 8th in the final.
In 2017, he won the “Aš – superhitas” Lithuanian TV show. The same year, he released his debut single.
In 2018, he competed in the 6th season of “X Factor Lithuania”, and was eliminated in the 4th week.
In 2019, he graduated from the University of Westminster, London, where he studied commercial music. In 2024, he competed in the national selection “Eurovizija.LT”, where 40 artists participated and tried to represent the country.

He will perform the song “Luktelk “:

Allocation in Semi-Final

Lithuania will perform in the first half of semi-final 1 at Eurovision 2024.

Musical Review

• It is an electro dance song, performed in Lithuanian language.
• The song opens with a short instrumental introduction, based on synth elements and electronic keyboards playing.
• The first verse is based on a low volume beat, with uniform electronic keyboard playing. Silvester starts singing with a soft mid-tone voice. The production was quite minimalistic in the beginning. It relies on his vocals and the dynamic electronic keyboard playing.
• The first pre-chorus is based on a faster keyboard playing, the production is based on electronic sting elements and increasing beat.
• The first chorus started with a fast and catchy danceable beat. Later on, it continues to be an electronic string and keyboard.
• The second verse is quite short and similar to the first one.
• In the second pre-chorus, we are getting back to the mid beat, as well as some backing vocals.
• The second chorus brings back the hook and the faster the beat, we can also hear a sampled alarm.
• On the bridge, he sings in a slightly faster tone. This is followed by an instrumental part which is composed of the electronic beat.
• The song ends with another verse and chorus, but this time both are based on the high tempo beat.
• This is one of the most contemporary songs of this Eurovision season. The song has a great hook, it is easy to remember and the Lithuanian language sounds magical. The performance is already Eurovision ready. This is the right way to create an electronic music song.
• I can see it doing really well at Eurovision. In fact, it might appeal to the jury and the public. Who knows? Maybe Lithuania can achieve its best results ever (above 6th place)

Translated Lyrics

One day and again another
Seems like here, but it stopped
I go there, I go here
And when the night falls, starts again

Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow
I promise to love you tomorrow
In the good, good, good
You will find me in the good night

Am I still alive?
Do you recognize me still?
The sun isn’t rising
Tell me, will you stay near

Wait for a little bit, wait for a little bit,
Just one more minute wait a bit
Wait for a little bit, wait for a little bit,
Just one more minute wait a bit

One night, another night
As always, I start again

Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow
I promise to love you tomorrow

Am I still alive?
Do you recognize me still?
The sun isn’t rising
Tell me, will you stay near

Wait for a little bit, wait for a little bit,
Just one more minute wait a bit
Wait for a little bit, wait for a little bit,
Just one more minute wait a bit

We’re standing in silence
Of a playing radio
I don’t wanna dance anymore
I don’t wanna dance anymore
We’re standing in silence
Of a playing radio
I don’t wanna dance anymore
But I must dance

Am I still alive?
Do you recognize me still?
The sun isn’t rising
Tell me, will you stay near

Wait for a little bit, wait for a little bit,
Just one more minute wait a bit
Wait for a little bit, wait for a little bit,
Just one more minute wait a bit

Poetry Analysis

The song describes the longing to be loved and to find meaning in life.
In the first verse, the spokesperson describes the time as something elusive, while place looks like something random for him. In the pre-chorus, he promises to love someone, but it can happen only at night . It might be related to living life under a different identity or a forbidden love.
The spokesperson wants to be loved and acknowledged even in the hardest times. He mentions a sun that doesn’t rise and it symbolizes a feeling of hopeless situation or even despair.
The time ticking and the request to wait a minute is the eagerness of the spokesperson from the people around him to be patient. He needs more time to get out of this despair.
Life continues as planned, while regular things happen, like the radio playing. He knows that he must go on, even if he doesn’t want to. The dancing is an metaphor for the journey of life. It also represents the power he has to get himself out of this situation.

Initial Personal Ranking

4th in semi-final 1, 6th overall

The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1

Among the countries that usually vote for Lithuania , 4 countries will vote in semi-final 1: Ireland, the UK, Australia and Poland

Betting Odds

On the 17th of Feburary, Silvester won the national selection for Eurovison 2024.
The country has been 8th-10th with the bookies for 20 days.
Later on and even since then, the country has been ranked 11th-13th in the odds.

Early Prediction

Lithuania will easily qualify for the final. They have a very polished performance, which is Eurovision-ready. In addition, the song is catchy and feels very modern.
Lithuania will also rely on friendly countries voting in this semi-final.
Prediction: 4-10 in the final

Natalia Barbu – In The Middle

Natalia Barbu is a 44 year-old Moldovan singer-songwriter.
So far, the singer has released 4 studio albums.
Throughout her career, Natalia has worked with Trigon (a group of musicians). Most of the time, she writes and composes her own music. At the beginning of her career, she focused on rock and experimental alternative jazz music.
In December 2006, she was internally selected to represent Moldova at Eurovision 2007 with the song “Fight“. She finished in 10th place in the final

In 2011, she marred a Romanian businessman, and therefore moved to live in Romania.
In 2013, she competed in the Romanian national selection.
In 2024, she won the Moldovan national selection for Eurovision 2024, where 11 artists competed in the final.

She will perform the song “In The Middle“:

Allocation in Semi-Final

Moldova will perform in the second half of semi-final 1 at Eurovision 2024.

Musical Review

• It is a mid-tempo ballad with ethnic elements.
• The song starts with an oriental drum playing and violin over longer musical boxes.
• Natalia opens the first verse with a mid-tone voice. The melody is based on a violin and keyboard playing, while the framing is created by acoustic guitar stringing.
• The first pre-chorus continues in the same line, but this time the guitar stringing is more fragmented. Towards the end, we can hear the drum beat again.
• The first chorus is more powerful singing wisely, while the melody is getting more intense, following growing violin playing combined with drum beat. Vocal wise, she sings at a higher pitch.
• The first post-chorus is based on vocalization. The melody is based on a drum beat
• Immediately after, we are getting the second verse, which relies on the same structure as the first verse and is performed in a lower tone of voice. The piano plays a greater role this time.
• The second pre-chorus is based on a more dynamic production.
• The second chorus is performed with a higher tone of voice, the atmosphere is dramatic thanks to the piano intensity.
• The second post-chorus is based on vocal improvisations with impressive high notes.
• The bridge commences with an instrumental part composed of classic violin playing. It is followed by a honorable head voice singing, and Natalia is accompanied by backing vocalists. The song ends with decaying drum beat.
• Natalia is a great vocalist, and it can’t be ignored. However, I am not sure about the virality/ potential of this song as one to sweep the listener. I think the song has staging potential. If Moldova utilizes both the drama and the classic element, it might work better.

Lyrics

Listen your voice inside your heart
Right in the middle
Open your mind just like a door
Right in the middle

Raise your wings, don’t be afraid of fallin’ down
All around, the world is changing overnight

I want you to be happy all of your life
My beautiful angel, a work of art
You live for sunshine, spread it around
I know your heart is filled with love

I feel your love inside my heart
Right in the middle
Open your eyes, it’s like a door
Right in the middle

Raise your wings, don’t be afraid of falling down
All around, the world is changing overnight

I want you to be happy all of your life
My beautiful angel, a work of art
You live for sunshine, spread it around
I know your heart is filled with love

Poetry Analysis

The song is an empowerment song that calls for self-exploration, stretching our limits, being positive to change and stick to love. The song doesn’t address any specific person, and that’s why it should be interpreted as a global message.
The song opens with the call to listen to our inner voices, while being open-minded about our ability to change. We are called to spread our things which means being brave to try and not being afraid to fail, as this is the cycle of life.
The spokesperson sees every person as a beautiful creature that deserves to be loved, but also has the responsibility to spread the love in the world. In the second verse, we are one step towards the process, and now the spokesperson is the one to feel the love of someone else.
Once again there’s a call to spread the wings and dare, this time because the world is changing again and again.

Initial Personal Ranking

11th in semi-final 1, 20th overall

The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1

Among the countries that usually vote for Moldova , 4 countries will vote in semi-final 1: Portugal, Ukraine, Australia, and Azerbaijan.

Betting Odds

On the 17th of February, Natalia won the national selection for Eurovision 2024.
The song was ranked 33rd-34th by the bookies in the following days.
Since the 2nd of March, Moldova has been ranked in the bottom 3 of the odds, spending most of the time in the 36th place.

Early Prediction

I believe qualifying will be a challenge this year.
Historically, Moldova has struggled when sending ballads and/or female vocalists.
We don’t get here the usual ethnic/entertaining song (which I am happy about, for a change!).
Qualification is possible, but most likely my prediction is Not qualifying to the final

Luna – The Tower

Aleksandra Katarzyna “Ola” Wielgomas (better known as Luna) is a 24 year-old Polish singer.
In 2018, she collaraoted with the Kayax label and released her debut song “Na wzgórzach niepokoju”” (Eng: On The Hills of Anxiety).
In November 2020, she released the song “Zgaś” which has been well received in the Polish radio and streaming services.
In April 2022, she released her debut album “Nocne zmory“.

She will perform the song “The Tower”:

Allocation in Semi-Final

Poland will perform in the first half of semi-final 1 at Eurovision 2024.

Musical Review

• It Is a mid-tempo indie-pop song.
• The song starts with a short instrumental part, composed of keyboards and light synth elements.
• The first verse is based on keyboards playing, denser synth elements and a bit faster beat (compared to the one in the intro). Luna performs it in a lower tone of voice. From time to time, we can hear some effects.
• The second verse is quite similar, while she lengthens some of the words towards the end.
• The first pre-chorus is more uplifting. Luna sings it with a mid-tone voice, while she is accompanied by backing vocalists. The melody is based on a bit faster drum beat, as the melody’s foundations are in the keyboards playing.
• The first chorus follows after. It has a more positive energy. Vocally, we are getting a different color of voice in this part, one that resonates more. The synth element is added back, and that’s why the song get a slightly electronic flavor.
• The third verse follows, after a short instrumental part. The structure is quite similar to the first verse, but the singing is somehow more effortless. The 4th verse brings a darker atmosphere, with the help of some studio effects
• The second pre-chorus is performed in a higher tone of voice, and Luna is getting the help of backing vocals. The electronic keyboards create a denser and more intense melody. The second chorus continues in the same line.
• The bridge is the empowering part of the song. It relies on the phrase “‘m the one who built the”. The melody is based on fragmented drum beats and simple keyboard playing.
• The following pre-chorus is a bit laid back, she performs it more emotionally in a fragile tone of voice. The melody is based on piano playing and the rate is slower.
• The beat is slowly built back in the last chorus, which is reshaped back to the familiar structure. This time the synth elements are bolder, and vocally we get more backing vocals.
• Overall, there is something minimalistic about this entry. I think the last third of the song is the strongest part of the song, however it comes too late. Vocally, it sounds like she is limited in some of the cases, and it might explain the way the song is served. The song is radio-friendly, but I think it isn’t bold enough to compete for a high place at Eurovision.

Lyrics

Looking for a miracle
Waiting for a sun to catch me
I’ve gotta find a way back home
Alone alone alone

Hoping for a star to fall
Something I can make a wish on
Could it be that I’m the fool
But aren’t we all we all we all

Broken bodies
Scattered through my history
Lonely hours
Leading to my destiny

I’m the one who built the tower
I’m the one who holds the power
So come on
Rise up shout it louder
I’m the one who built the tower

Shining in a tiger’s eyes
Only I can find my future
Reading in between the lines
I draw my own my own my own

Running down the waterfall
Always tried to chase the rainbow
Never found a pot of gold
Below below below

Broken bodies
Scattered through my history
Lonely hours
Leading to my destiny

I’m the one who built the tower
I’m the one who holds the power
So come on
Rise up shout it louder
I’m the one who built the tower

I’m the one who built the…
I’m the one who built the…
I’m the one who built the tower
I’m the one who built the…
I’m the one who built the…
I’m the one who built the tower

Broken bodies
Scattered through my history
Lonely hours
Leading to my destiny

I’m the one who built the tower
I’m the one who holds the power
So come on
Rise up shout it louder
I’m the one who built the tower

I’m the one who built the…
I’m the one who built the…
I’m the one who built the tower
I’m the one who built the…
I’m the one who built the…
I’m the one who built the tower

I’m the one who built the tower
I’m the one who holds the power
So come on
Rise up shout it louder
I’m the one who built the tower

Poetry Analysis

The song talks about topics like self responsibility and longing for a change.
In the first verse, the spokesperson is looking for a miracle or a guiding light, she emphasizes she is alone, to express the process of dealing it with herself. She is towards introspection.
A spokesperson is waiting for the star to fall and she is aware of the low likelihood for this to happen.
In the chorus, the spokesperson acknowledges her own responsibility to her life.
“Broken bodies Scattered through my history” indicates traumas from the past and mistakes from past the made us learn a lesson. After spending some time alone (lonely hours), she knows what’s her destiny. The tower is a metaphor to symbolize one’s own responsibility to control his life and having the power to make the required changes.
In the second verse, she expresses her determination, even if it might be dangerous. She also believes that there are hints to guide her through the right path.
Thereafter, she describes her attempts to chase rainbows (which are rare to be found) and never finding a pot of gold. It represents the infinite haunting of exciting moments and happiness, but at the same time the dissatisfaction of getting something below perfection.
The bridge draws the process from solitude and brokenness to finding the right path.

Initial Personal Ranking

14th in semi-final 1, 32nd overall

The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1

Among the countries that usually vote for Poland , 5 countries will vote in semi-final 1: Ukraine, Germany, the UK, Lithuania, Ireland

Betting Odds

On the 19th of February, Poland revealed “The Tower” as Eurovision 2024 entry.
The song has been in the 24th-26th places in the odds for 35 days.
Later on and ever since then, Poland has moved in the 27th-29th places.

Early Prediction

On one hand, Poland has been allocated to a very friendly semi-final (on the matter of voting countries): Ukraine, Germany, the UK, Lithuania, Ireland will vote in the semi-final.
On the other hand, the song isn’t one of the strongest in the semi-final.
The running order will also play a very significant role, as the first half of the show is much more competitive. The vocals should improve.
Therefore, I tend to believe Poland is leaning more towards non-qualifying.
However, I can see them passing to the final with the help of friendly votes, as the 9th/10th place in the semi-final and then ending in the bottom 7 in the final.

Jerry Heil ft. Alyona Alyona – Teresa & Maria

Alyona Alyona

Alyona Alyona is the stage name of Alyona Olehivna Savranenko – a 32 year-old Ukrainian rapper and songwriter.
Before working on her professional music career, she worked as a kindergarten teacher.
Alyona started working on rap music in the middle of the 2000’s.
Her first video, under the name Alyona Alyona, was released in 2018. The song “Рибки” (Eng: Fish) made her gain popularity.
In November 2018, she released her second song “Голови” (Eng: heads) which received more than 1 million views on its first month of YouTube.
On the 8th of April, 2019, Alyona released her debut album “Пушка” (Eng: Rifle).
She collaborated with artists like Alina Pash on this album.
In April 2019, she was praised by “Vogue” as the best rapper in Ukraine.
In 2020, she signed a contract with the Def Jam Polska label.
In 2021, she released her 2nd album “Galas“. In 2021, she was part of the Ukrainian jury for Eurovision 2021.
In 2022, she released several singles with Jerry Heil.

Jerry Heil

Yana Oleksandrivna Shemaeva (better known as Jerry Heil) is a 27 year-old Ukrainian singer-songwriter and Youtuber.
She began her career in 2012, when she started publishing covers and vloggs.
She released her first EP, “Де мії дім” (Eng: Where’s my house”) in 2017.
In 2018, she auditioned to the 9th season of “X-Factor Ukraine“, where she was eliminated in the bootcamp. Thereafter, she released 2 additional original songs.
In 2019, she released the single “OHRANA OTMENA” (Eng: Guard Cancel), which became a hit in Ukraine.
In September 2019, she released her debut album “Ya, Yana” (Eng: Me, Yana).
In 2019 she won the “Single of the Year” at the Jager Music Awards.
In 2020, she competed in “Vidbir 2020″ (the Ukrainian selection for Eurovision 2020) with the song “Vegan“. She finished in 6th place.
In 2021, she released an additional EP, “МАНДАРИНИ І ОЛЕНІ” (Eng: Madness and Deer”).

They released several songs together.
In 2024, they won the national selection “Vidbir 2024, where 11 artists competed

They will perform the song “Teresa & Maria“

Allocation in Semi-Final

Ukraine will perform in the first half of semi-final 1 at Eurovision 2024.

Musical Review

• It is a mid-tempo ethnic ballad with rap elements, performed in Ukrainian and English.
• The song starts with Jerry’s humming and vocal decorations with guitar stringing in the background. She performs this part accurately and emotionally.
• Thereafter, we can hear choir singing in a technique similar to white voice singing. The melody is still based on guitar playing, but this time keyboards playing and mid-tempo beat are added.
• Later on, it becomes clearer that the part we’ve heard is the chorus. This part is memorable and lets Jerry showcase her vocal abilities. Towards the end she sings in a slightly higher tone of voice and in English.
• The post-chorus is based on multiple backing vocals, some of them are male vocalists. The melody also includes claps effect
• The first verse is a rap part performed by Alyona Alyona, with a lot of attitude and emotion. The singing is quite fast, but it isn’t an “aggressive rap”. The melody is based on a mid-tempo beat, keyboards playing and more. Later on, we can hear the backing vocalists as in the post-chorus.
• The chorus follows. It is performed by Jerry, with a mid-low tone of voice. The chorus has 2 identical parts lyrically, but the melody isn’t uniform. In the second part, we can even hear some wind instruments (trumpet?).
• The song ends with a post-chorus which is based on piano, electric guitar playing and even orchestral elements. This part comes with minimal production and stunning vocals.
• The song is just epic! Jerry and Alyona Alyona come from different music genres, but together they create a catchy and emotional song.
• It feels like the song has strong staging potential. Jerry elevates the song with her A1 quality singing, while Alyona expresses the pain with meaningful rap parts.
• The introduction creates a cyclic structure, which captivates the listener into musical loop. For some reason, the combination of languages works perfectly.
• I think this some smells of the top 5 in Eurovision and even beyond. Well done!

Translated Lyrics

A stream carves its path
Whatever happens, you carry the world on your shoulders
Winding paths, twisted and rocky
But remember that your happiness is in your hands

With us Mama Teresa and Diva Maria
Barefoot, as if walking on a knife’s edge, tread the Earth
With us, Mama Teresa, Diva Maria
All the Divas were born as human beings
With us Mama Teresa and Diva Maria
Barefoot, as if walking on a knife’s edge, tread the Earth
With us, Mama Teresa, Diva Maria
All the Divas were born as human beings

Ever since we were kids we sought a path
But life’s like a noose for those who falter
A young girl carries on her shoulders
A cauldron of pain and sees this as her own flaw
Yet again she’s not the way she’s supposed to be, either too soft,
Or skin and bones, almost naked or like a virgin bride
Where is your child? What do you do with your life?
Years fly by swiftly! Realize that you’ve not much left!
They may hope that we break
You may run out of charge
Not able to lift an arm but only a finger
They may be hiding behind a smile
Their hatred and envy
When you let anger in your heart
Instead of kindness and love
Yet there are saints in the heavens
Their feet met this Earth, you know
That’s exactly why your thorny path
Is not tread in vain
And it may be very scary and dark
And not easy at times
But you will always be
Watched by your ancestors from the heavens

With us Mama Teresa and Diva Maria
Barefoot, as if walking on a knife’s edge, tread the Earth
With us, Mama Teresa, Diva Maria
All the Divas were born as human beings
With us Mama Teresa and Diva Maria
Barefoot, as if walking on a knife’s edge, tread the Earth
With us, Mama Teresa, Diva Maria
All the Divas were born as human beings

Poetry Analysis

The song indicates women’s strength through 2 figures: Mother Teresa and Virgin Maria.
The song discusses the different challenges women might face during life, and how they can deal with finding purpose in life. It has been said that we control our happiness with our own hands, which means we have the power to improve our life.
2 historical (and even religious) characters are mentioned and the aim is to convey strength, grace and compassion. However, even though they were born as human beings, they have to fight for their rights and stand on their own.
The rap part (performed by Alyona Alyona) describes the journey of life: From childhood, to finding the right path for life. Society expects her to manage her life by the rules, and she is asked when she will have children of her own. The song also calls not to let anger control our decisions.
But even in the hardest times, we can follow our ancestors who have struggled and solved their conflicts, they expect us to do the same. “Barefoot, as if walking on a knife’s edge, treads the Earth” – This line expresses the endurance, suffering and bravery it takes for a woman to live her life.

Initial Personal Ranking

3rd in semi-final 1, 4th overall

The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1

Among the countries that usually vote for Ukraine , 5 countries will vote in semi-final 1: Moldova, Azerbaijan, Poland, Lithuania and Portugal

Betting Odds

On the 4th of February, Ukraine declared that Jerry Heil and Alyona Alyona won the national selection.
Ukraine has led betting odds for 3.5 weeks, and currently is stable in the 2nd place.

Early Prediction

It is another year when Ukraine will sail through the final (and they deserve it this time!).
The message of the song, alongside its catchy intro and fascinating rap can take Ukraine high on the scoreboard. I can also see the jury supporting the song.
Let’s not forget the song combines traditional music with ethnic elements.
Therefore, my prediction is Top 6 in the final

You’re invited to follow this series of posts!
In the next episode, we will analyze additional songs from semi-final 1.

Don’t forget to visit our Eurovision 2024 homepage

Don’t forget to visit our Eurovision 2024 homepage