His fifth studio album Barcelona Sessions honours the Spanish city where he developed many of its 11 tracks.

And on Friday, as Barcelona came to terms with Thursday’s devastating terror attack, Måns Zelmerlöw lent his voice to the chorus of stars showing solidarity with Spain by releasing his unheard demo “Can I Call You Home” — a three-minute ode to the city.

“I actually wrote a song about my love for the city a couple of years ago together with Robert Habolin and Gavin Jones,” he wrote on Instagram. “It never became more than a demo. But I felt I wanted to share it with you in this moment of grief.”

I am absolutely devastated by the events in Barcelona yesterday. Enough now. As many of you know, Barcelona is very special to me. I loved every second of my years there – the people and their mentality, the city and it's versatility, the beauty in its architecture, the mountains and the beaches. It's a friendly city. I felt that the first time I set foot there and still do every time I visit. The dark forces of this world try to take that away from city after city, but fail every time. They will fail in Barcelona too. I actually wrote a song about my love for the city a couple of years ago together with Robert Habolin and Gavin Jones. It never became more than a demo. But I felt I wanted to share it with you in this moment of grief. Link in bio. #barcelona

A post shared by Måns Zelmerlöw (@manszelmerlow) on

The wistful but ultimately uplifting track hears Måns singing of a woman he adores. But as the song evolves it’s clear he could very well be talking about the city.

“The way you looked was so, oh-oh-oh beautiful, that I forgot to breathe,” he sings. “Now I know that I could never leave….can I call you home, Barcelona?”

Fans who only know Måns from his Melodifestivalen tracks like “Cara Mia”, “Hope & Glory” and “Heroes” will see a different side of the thoughtful singer. Stripped back and emotional, it highlights Måns’ best asset: that warm and smokey voice.

Måns elaborated on his love of the city in his Instagram post.

“I am absolutely devastated by the events in Barcelona yesterday. Enough now.”

“As many of you know, Barcelona is very special to me. I loved every second of my years there — the people and their mentality, the city and its versatility, the beauty in its architecture, the mountains and the beaches.”

“It’s a friendly city. I felt that the first time I set foot there and still do every time I visit. The dark forces of this world try to take that away from city after city, but fail every time. They will fail in Barcelona too.”

What do you make of Måns’ track? Do you wish that he had included it on his album? Do you want him to release it with a music video? Let us know in the comments box below.

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Daniel
Daniel
6 years ago

“Barcelona Sessions” is one of his best albums, and I think anyone who hasn’t given the album a listen can get a taste with this demo, because it fits perfectly with the more acoustic feel of the songs. Personally, I enjoy more “Barcelona Sessions” than the dreadful “Chameleon”

Kathrin
Kathrin
6 years ago

I knew he has this song and he sang it once at the concert in Barcelona in 2015. As I love both Måns and Barcelona, I wished for this jewel to be released since 2 years. There had to come this ugly event. I prefer the Barcelona Sessions-side of him. I wish he’d released it on an album. Maybe one day on a best-of. For the moment we have it at least on yt

lily
lily
6 years ago

Well, I must admit that I have a few bones in me that really wants to be cynical atm. But I just can’t – this song is beyond beautiful… especially at this moment.
After years in the drawer, it seems to finally have found a proper place to call home.