Eurovision is usually known for their love songs–whether it’s about a burgeoning relationship or a breakup gone wrong, they take up a steady presence amongst the line-up. In fact, one of the interesting questions is how many songs of a particular year aren’t related to romance.
That said, here’s five different Eurovision songs, for five different moods on that special day for lovers.
For those who have a little crush:
Ami Aspelund — Fantasiaa (Finland 1983)
The lyrics start out with a simple premise–Ami observes a man walking his dog in the park, and all of a sudden she feels an instant attraction. She wonders if her thoughts were based on reality, or just a fantasy she has made up.
However, dressed up in an ivory-and-blue gown, with black gloves to boot, Ami desires something more from the relationship, along with the need of a conversation. The orchestration also amplifies the stakes of this encounter.
Other songs for those who want love: Emor Shalom, Framling, Satellite
For those who want to declare their love for the world:
Philippe Lafontaine: Macedomienne (Belgium 1990)
Imagine having someone write a song for you, and then performing it on stage. Now take that image and have the stage be in your home country, and the song is so melancholic, but filled with language poetic language that it can only belong to you.
That’s Macédomienne in a nutshell–the title itself is a mashup of the words “Macédonienne” and “la mienne” in French–making it “my Macedonian woman” altogether. An ode to his wife, Philippe even made sure to destroy the master tape so it wouldn’t be commercialized and sully his intentions.
Other declarations of love: 10 Years, Stronger Every Minute
For those who want an intimate moment:
Goran Karan–Kad Zaspu Andjeli (Croatia 2000)
Croatia in the late 1990s-early 2000s was one of the strongest Eurovision nations. They provided good results and good songs, which have held out to this day. However, Kad Zaspu Andjeli is a bit overlooked compared to its two predecessors in Neka Mi ne Svane and Marija Magdalena.
This doesn’t mean it has its own charms–imploring his lover should stay with him even as “the angels fall asleep”, the instrumental glides through the night with a Spanish guitar accompanying throughout. The performance also stands out with a mysterious figure in the background.
Other intimate songs: Seninle bir Dakika, Teriazoume
For those whose relationship is on the rocks:
Anna Vissi: Everything (Greece 2006)
Anna Vissi’s performance is enough to convey the angst of the song–despite the verses indicating a relationship ending, she still has hope it might continue, because the love interest is her “everything”. She screams into the microphone and the LEDS showcase the intensity of the drama before everything calms down.
Other songs dwelling on a relationship ending: A Monster Like Me, Nije Ljubav Stvar, Valentine Lost
For any Eurofan:
Because who can’t resist a Hell Machine and some gladiators?