Singing the Joys of Life: How Eurovision Can Bring Us Together in Difficult Times
Key Highlights :
Eurovision, the annual song contest that brings together the best of Europe’s musical talent, has been an integral part of the continent’s culture since 1956. This year, Finland’s entry to the contest, “Cha Cha Cha Cha”, is a reminder that, in these difficult times, there is no tomorrow if we don’t grab tightly and make the most of it.
The performance of the song in Tuesday’s semi-final, with the Finnish singer Kaarija’s nipples exposed for the whole of Europe to see, was a sight to behold. The lyrics of the song, “Champagne all over myself I pour like a cha cha cha cha”, were a reminder that we can still have fun, even in the midst of chaos.
The British, who famously voted to leave the European Union, can perhaps learn something from Eurovision. The contest manages to achieve remarkable depths of shallowness, while also being serious in its triviality. It can make us better people, and last year was a good example. Putin had just invaded Ukraine, but he hadn’t reckoned on Russia being expelled from Eurovision. Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra went on to win the contest with a song about returning to their mothers, only to find them older and weaker than they were. It was a touching performance, and a reminder that sympathy is better than aggression or sending in tanks.
Eurovision also leads the way on diversity and inclusion, and is deeply beloved by the LGBTQ+ community. Girls kissing, bearded men in frocks – whatever. It’s a big sparkly symbol of the progress we’re making, as well as a way of giving the progress an extra wee push when needed.
The contest also makes the point that you can reflect and celebrate your national identity without being intolerant. Chris West, a Eurovision historian, put it this way: “It is about mutual respect, plus a bit of fun-poking, and has nothing to do with any kind of hate.”
Eurovision also shows us that pop music is often several years ahead of the haters. It works in a different time zone, and is a reminder that we can be progressive and still have a good time.
The Eurovision voting system, which is a balance of expert and popular opinion, is also worth noting. Chris West again: “It isn’t a system for giving the majority whatever they want the moment they want it. It accepts that in a complex world, experts sometimes do know best.”
So, if you’re looking for a way to have a good time in these difficult times, why not have a Eurovision night? Watch some of the greatest hits on YouTube beforehand to get in the mood, do a sweeper so that even if you’re not totally into the experience, you might win some money, and make sure you have the subtitles switched on so you don’t miss the English translation of the lyrics.
Eurovision is a reminder that, in these difficult times, we can still come together and make the most of life. So, grab tightly like a cha cha cha cha, and enjoy the show!
