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| Love love love it! |
Israel's entry to Eurovision 2019 was released yesterday. I woke up this morning to find my facebook feed full of opinions about it. It seems that either you love it or you hate it. The song, Home sung by Kobi Marimi, has sparked facebook responses like, "I was so bored I couldn't make it to the end." And, "we obvioulsy don't want to win and have to host again next year."
I love it.
I admit that the first time I listened I was underwhelmed. Kobi Marimi has a beautiful voice but the video was a bit too film noir for me. And what on earth does it mean?
I listened again. And again. And again. It grew on me so much that I'm a little obsessed with it now. I think I might be a little bit in love with Kobi Marimi. Or maybe it's just that amazing voice and the hint of a smile. It's certainly not his suit which, imo, needs to be one size larger. But the rest is... well it makes my heart sing.
So what does it mean? I think it's like the Josh Grobin song, You Raise Me Up, in that it can be taken as a romantic ballad or a prayer. There is a hint of someone with no self esteem who is possibly bullied until be starts believing in himself, with the help of a woman or God (you choose). It makes him someone. And now that he's found himself, he's coming home. Did he go out into the world to find himself, and therefore is now literally going home? Or is going home a euphemism for going home to his love, place in the world, his childhood self esteem, or even home to God?
Or perhaps we could look at it as symbolic of the Jewish People - done with accepting antisemitism, we're coming home.
Do we have a chance of winning? I don't think so. Last year's Toy sung by Netta Barzilai (also a love it or hate it entry) was perfect for the moment. It clicked with the "Me Too" movement and spoke to women everywhere. Toy couldn't be ignored but I think that politics will prevail again this year and Israel is not in a good place on the world stage atm.
The lyrics are below. You decide for yourself. Do listen more than once as it grow on you. Here's the link to the video.
I love it.
I admit that the first time I listened I was underwhelmed. Kobi Marimi has a beautiful voice but the video was a bit too film noir for me. And what on earth does it mean?
I listened again. And again. And again. It grew on me so much that I'm a little obsessed with it now. I think I might be a little bit in love with Kobi Marimi. Or maybe it's just that amazing voice and the hint of a smile. It's certainly not his suit which, imo, needs to be one size larger. But the rest is... well it makes my heart sing.
So what does it mean? I think it's like the Josh Grobin song, You Raise Me Up, in that it can be taken as a romantic ballad or a prayer. There is a hint of someone with no self esteem who is possibly bullied until be starts believing in himself, with the help of a woman or God (you choose). It makes him someone. And now that he's found himself, he's coming home. Did he go out into the world to find himself, and therefore is now literally going home? Or is going home a euphemism for going home to his love, place in the world, his childhood self esteem, or even home to God?
Or perhaps we could look at it as symbolic of the Jewish People - done with accepting antisemitism, we're coming home.
Do we have a chance of winning? I don't think so. Last year's Toy sung by Netta Barzilai (also a love it or hate it entry) was perfect for the moment. It clicked with the "Me Too" movement and spoke to women everywhere. Toy couldn't be ignored but I think that politics will prevail again this year and Israel is not in a good place on the world stage atm.
The lyrics are below. You decide for yourself. Do listen more than once as it grow on you. Here's the link to the video.
Home
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-ooh
Caught up in this moment 'til my heartbeat stops
I've been running barefoot to the mountain tops
Nothing comes as easy as it goes
I can hug the water when it snows
I feel the sun upon my skin and I am someone, I am someone
You pulled my heart, I took it in, it made me someone, I am someone
And now I'm done, I'm coming home
I used to listen to the way they talk
Counting down the minutes from the ticking clock
I feel the sun upon my skin and I am someone, I am someone
You pulled my heart, I took it in, it made me someone, I am someone
And now I'm done, I'm coming
Home was so far, collecting scars, I refuse
Another touch won't be another bruise
I feel the sun upon my skin and I am someone, I am someone
You pulled my heart, I took it in, it made me someone, I am someone
I am standing tall not giving in
'Cause I am someone, I am someone
And now I'm done, I'm coming
Now I'm done, I'm coming
Now I'm done, I'm coming home
Finally had a chance to listen to it - and I actually quite like the song! I found the video to be a wee bit overwrought - but - I understand that you do have to make an impact for Eurovision so, understandable. He reminds me of Freddy Mercury. Of course Canada doesn't compete but I do like to follow along with what is happening - some of the entrants are really over the top!
ReplyDeleteYes, the video is a bit as you said. On the actual night he has to perform live so it'll be interesting to see what sort of set they choose. I'm not sure how it works with the backing if he does his own back up singing? Hmmm, I'll have to ask.
DeleteI just asked on Twitter. Let's see if I get an answer.
DeleteOh, I hate it. :-) Bored me to tears, I'm another one who couldnt be bothered to listen all the way to the end. Macedonia has a good song.
ReplyDeleteOne of us will be eating out hat then. Only time will tell.
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