Theodor Andrei will represent Romania at Eurovision 2023 with his song “D. G. T. (Off and On)”. 

After a fierce return back to the Eurovision final in 2022, Romania is looking to repeat its success with Theodor Andrei. Theodor won Selectia Nationala, beating out 11 rivalling acts to secure his ticket to Liverpool. The 18-year-old says he’s ready to bring the Eurovision crown home to Romania.

Theodor’s track is a gutsy rock anthem about breaking free from a toxic lover.

Scroll down to read the “D. G. T. (Off and On)” lyrics.

Romania in Eurovision 2023: Theodor Andrei with “D. G. T. (Off and on)”

Theodor Octavian Andrei is an 18-year-old singer, actor and composer from Bucharest. He’s no stranger to fame — prior to his Eurovision stint, Theodor appeared on X Factor Romania and The Voice of Romania Junior, where he reached the semi-finals. 

Theodor was won numerous awards in music competitions and festivals, including third place at Aurelian Andreescu Festival, first place at Alexandria Pop Fest Festival, the award for Best Stage Presence at Silver Yantra Festival in Bulgaria.

Theodor released his first single “Young and Sweet” in 2017. In 2022, he released his debut EP Fragil, which features his Eurovision track “D. G. T. (Off and on)” as a collaboration with rapper Luca Udățeanu.

Away from his music career, Theodor is an actor at The Animation Theater Țăndărică.

What do the “D. G. T. (Off and On)” lyrics mean? 

“D. G. T. (Off and on)” contains lyrics both in English and Romanian. The title “D. G. T.” doesn’t actually stand for anything — it’s a play on words. In Romanian, these three letters are pronouns as “de-ge-te”. This sounds like the Romanian word “degete”, which means “fingers”. The song lyrics are derived from the Romanian expression “a juca pe cineva pe degete”, or “to play somebody on your fingers” — meaning to fool somebody. 

Theodor’s lyrics speak about a woman who “plays him on her fingers”, meaning that she’s messing him around. He is addicted to this losing game and he would still “choose her from a thousand women”. Theodor explains that the song presents a battle between ration and instinct, a duel between passion and emotional security, a love war. “D. G. T. (Off and On)” speaks about a love to which you constantly return even if you know that you will get hurt.

“D. G. T. (Off and On)” lyrics — Theodor Andrei (Romania Eurovision 2023)

Songwriters: Theodor Octavian Andrei, Mikail Jahed, Luca de Mezzo, Luca Stefan Udățeanu.

Original text (Romanian and English)

English translation

 


Oricât scriu, cu-oricât skill
Pe orice stil, cât de fin
Ea ma bagă-n-trun film de mă simt iar copil
Mă învârt gen vinyl
Că eu vreau să joc în filmul ei

Oricât stau, oricât dau
Oricât vreau, oricât beau
Orice top, orice toc
Orice alții vorbeau
Mie tot nu-mi păsa
O alegeam și din mii de femei

Că eu număr, ea se-ascunde
Eu o sun, ea nu raspunde
Meci de box cu-atâtea runde
Și ca pe un inel

Mă joacă pe degete
Am încredere
Da’ minte așa frumos
Mă-ntoarce pe dos
Vorbește murdar
Da’ când vrea ea doar
Minte așa-ușor
Lasă patul gol


Pe degete
Am încredere
Da’ minte așa frumos
Mă-ntoarce pe dos
Vorbește murdar
Da’ când vrea ea doar
Minte așa-ușor
Lasă patul gol

Don’t you know, don’t you know
Don’t you just wanna sit right next to me
With your favourite dress on the floor and your dreams
The scent of mistake just reminds you of me
And now all of your demons keep screaming my name
Take a little sip of venom now
Say you love me
Say you want me now
Fool me all over again baby
Lost in your eyes
Nights I crave the touch of you
Wondering just what you do
I’m begging you, I’m on my knees
Take your clothes off
Step on me

And I’m lost in your bed sheets
Tryna get closer
With marks on my neck and your makeup all over
Photos of us
They remind me, I still love you
What’s a king without a queen
What’s another way to get me sober

De-ge-te, de ce te temi, spune-mi repede
Mi-ai alergat prin cap pe toate pernele
De-ge-te, de ce nu vezi că mi-e sete de
Otrava ei

Off and on
Like a radio song (What?)
Messing me around (Uh)
Turning upside down (Yeah)
Dirty talking me
Everyday’s a game (Everyday’s a game)
Lets me sleep alone
She plays me like oh

Am încredere
Da’ minte așa frumos
Mă-ntoarce pe dos
Vorbește murdar
Da’ când vrea ea doar
Minte așa-ușor
Lasă patul gol

Pe degete
Am încredere
Da’ minte așa frumos
Mă-ntoarce pe dos
Vorbește murdar
Da’ când vrea ea doar
Minte așa-ușor
Lasă patul gol

Pe degete

 

No matter how much I write, with any skill
On any style, no matter how fine
She puts me in a movie where I feel like a child again
I’m spinning like a vinyl
Because I want to play in her movie

No matter how much I stay, how much I give
How much I want, how much I drink
Any top, any heel
Whatever others were saying
I couldn’t care less
I was choosing her from a thousand women

‘Cause I am counting, she is hiding
I call her, she’s not answering
A boxing match with so many rounds
And just like a ring

She plays me on her fingers
I trust her
She lies beautifully
Turning me upside-down
Dirty talking me
But just when she wants
Lying so easily
Leaving the bed empty

On her fingers
I trust her
She lies beautifully
Turning me upside-down
Dirty talking me
But just when she wants
Lying so easily
Leaving the bed empty

Don’t you know, don’t you know
Don’t you just wanna sit right next to me
With your favourite dress on the floor and your dreams
The scent of mistake just reminds you of me
And now all of your demons keep screaming my name
Take a little sip of venom now
Say you love me
Say you want me now
Fool me all over again baby
Lost in your eyes
Nights I crave the touch of you
Wondering just what you do
I’m begging you, I’m on my knees
Take your clothes off
Step on me

And I’m lost in your bed sheets
Tryna get closer
With marks on my neck and your makeup all over
Photos of us
They remind me, I still love you
What’s a king without a queen
What’s another way to get me sober

Fingers, what are you afraid of, tell me quickly
You ran through my head on all the pillows
Finggers, why don’t you see that I am thirsty for her poison

Off and on
Like a radio song (What?)
Messing me around (Uh)
Turning upside down (Yeah)
Dirty talking me
Everyday’s a game (Everyday’s a game)
Lets me sleep alone
She plays me like oh
I trust her
She lies beautifully
Turning me upside-down
Dirty talking me
But just when she wants
Lying so easily
Leaving the bed empty

On her fingers
I trust her
She lies beautifully
Turning me upside-down
Dirty talking me
But just when she wants
Lying so easily
Leaving the bed empty

On her fingers

What do you make of “D. G. T. (Off and On)” lyrics? Could Romania qualify in the final? Let us know in the comments below! 

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ana
ana
1 year ago

The funny thing about it is that he’s trying to sell this sexy vibe (sort of San Marino 2022) while looking like a dorky female school librarian. Like, he doesn’t look the part at all, there’s nothing about his look that screams “dirty sexy bad boy” and that what makes it SO funny.

There is a light guiding my way
There is a light guiding my way
1 year ago
Reply to  ana

There is many more than just one single way to be hot and sexy. Long hair and glasses are not the opposite of sexiness, I’d say quite the other way around. Personally I find him and this type of guys in general much hotter than Achille Lauro. Then again, for me the most handsome man to take part in Eurovision to this day is Sam Ryder. In the end of the day it all comes down to charisma and self-confidence rather then looks per se, qualities Theodor certainly has no lack of. And what on Earth is wrong with librarians,… Read more »

Ana
Ana
1 year ago

Please tell me with a straight face that this guy, wearing this wardrobe, looks like the sexy bad boy that he’s trying to be. There may be confidence and some traces of charisma but the look is important. It’s a freaking TV show!

Alienik
Alienik
11 months ago
Reply to  Ana

Yes, he definitely has that vibe. But hey, since when is body shaming ok? You’d be surprised how many different features can be physically attractive, how many women are into guys in glasses or long-haired men. Beauty and attractiveness come not only from the physical appearance, it’s the way someone smiles, touches their hair, fixes their glasses, talks with respect about other human being’s. Beauty comes in many forms, and, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. Let’s respect each other and celebrate our different tastes.

esc_fl
esc_fl
1 year ago

Judging from the lyrics he was probably thinking: “Great, I’m 18 now, so I can sing about sex now.”

There is a light guiding my way
There is a light guiding my way
1 year ago
Reply to  esc_fl

Actually if you listen to his other songs, you would see that he’s been singing about pretty much the same themes revolving around sex for the past couple of years, since he was about 16 or so. In Romania the age of consent is 15.

Alienik
Alienik
11 months ago

Dear persons, he’s 18! What is he supposed to write or sing about? Making sandcastles and playing with toys? Of course, he would be writing about things he knows best, something he experienced and felt – as a teenager. Nothing wrong with that.

willchrisian
willchrisian
1 year ago

Poor dancers, they didn’t deserve that makeup and those “outfits”

Safiya
Safiya
1 year ago

This is one of my favorites right now. I like it since I’ve heard the first snippet. He is very charismatic, has an amazing voice and a great look. The Romaniann language really elevates it. Yes, the staging was a mess, but it can be changed. And it has a huge potential, so the Romanian broadcaster should really invest in him.

There is a light guiding my way
There is a light guiding my way
1 year ago

The density and amount of wordplay of the Romanian lyrics is definitely making this sound like rap lyrics put on a jazzy-rock base. The whole song sounds like a one big tongue-twister and it’s fascinating! I hope international fans won’t miss out on that wordplay and will be able to spot and appreciate how the rythmicity of Romanian language is highlighted in this song, during their 3-minutes Eurovision moment. “D.g.t., de ce te temi” – outright beautiful! I also just realised that I want a pianist on stage with camera on him during this last verse. The piano is a… Read more »

Colin
Colin
1 year ago

I agree how creative and rhythmically interesting this song is. I would actually keep it in part-Romanian, part-English, because it adds to that unpredicatbility and throws you off in a good way. Some bilingual songs can feel like one part is squeezed in without a particular reason, but this one works really well like this. It only needs a little bit of production polish, and it’s set to go.

ESC Stan
ESC Stan
1 year ago

I speak English so the wordplay is obviously lost on me, but the rhythm is all through the song. I think that was why I liked it since the demo. It was the only one that had that unique beat. I like that it goes a bit English (I rarely say that but this one seems to fit with me?)

There is a light guiding my way
There is a light guiding my way
1 year ago
Reply to  ESC Stan

Okay so I see a lot of people don’t seem to mind English in this song, therefore I have to put the question a different way: will you like the song less if they make it fully Romanian? For reference you have a version of this song with Luca Udateanu mentioned in this article, which is fully Romanian. However, keep in mind that the Selectia Nationala version has a better overall production and orchestration. I also can’t see how the frase “lasa bababonteala” can be translated or made understood to the international fans, so I think they most likely might… Read more »

Karl
Karl
1 year ago

When you don’t want to host Eurovision because it’s too expensive, but still want to participate so that other countries don’t think you’re broke:

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

It really did look cheap, just a big LED screen and flat black floor. That’s it. It’s only a half step above Ireland and that’s saying something.

Eds
Eds
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

Romania isn’t really as poor as people think…

If countries like Serbia or Ukraine hosted with no problems, then I don’t why a country like Romania couldn’t either

Dee
Dee
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

Wow, ugly comment… why do we always have to blame and look at who is rich and who is poor. You’re obv from a rich Western country most probably, bragging about your country being able to afford better staging, hosting in case of a win etc… every country pays the same fee to be in this competition, so as long as Romania paid to be here, you can’t comment on such things!

Karl
Karl
1 year ago
Reply to  Dee

I was referring to the song. With that song, it’s clear Romania isn’t playing to win. They seem to just be content with participating.

RiMi
RiMi
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

Theodor declares that his plan is to win Eurovision for Romania, he doesn’t just want to participate.

RiMi
RiMi
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

Bookmakers are putting Romania at a disadvantage, something that was also evident last year. WRS was even in last place, they didn’t give Romania any chance. The reality is that his song is in the monthly top of the most watched videos on the Eurovision channel, every month, after Spain, Ukraine and Rosa Linn with her hit song…. WRS normally should have been in the top 5, there were irregularities in Romania’s televoting, many people tried to vote and could not,. And this year the story is repeating itself, people look at what the bookmakers say and think that Romania’s… Read more »

There is a light guiding my way
There is a light guiding my way
1 year ago
Reply to  RiMi

Don’t forget how bookmakers weren’t giving any chance to Moldova last year either, up until the very semi-final’s night. I was laughing hard and telling people to bet their money on Moldova if they want some sure money every single time I’d happen to see screenshots of the bookmakers’ bottom 5 and see Moldova there as it was obvious for me they were gonna end up in the top 10.
It isn’t that obvious at all with Romania this year though, tbf, but still just to add to the hilarious examples of bookies’ fails.

RiMi
RiMi
1 year ago

Yes, it was the same in the case of Moldova. Romania’s song is very interesting because it is very unique, original, refreshing, he has combined several musical genres, has very good vocals, that attracts attention, in addition to his charisma. He claims that the staging will be amazing, something that will remain as a reference at Eurovision, if he is right about the staging, then I don’t see why Romania wouldn’t be among the favorites to win this edition. Theodor said that he was more afraid of Selectia nationala than he is afraid of the Eurovision contest. I’m really curious… Read more »

Diana
Diana
1 year ago

I am apparently the only one who really likes this song

There is a light guiding my way
There is a light guiding my way
1 year ago
Reply to  Diana

No you’re not?

ESC Stan
ESC Stan
1 year ago
Reply to  Diana

It was my favourite before the final and if they fix the staging (we know what they can do), it will remain either my favourite or at least high up.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago
Reply to  Diana

It actually came my number one favorite when I listened to all the Romanian songs so it was a nice surprise that my “winner” actually won.

ESC Stan
ESC Stan
1 year ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

Unfortunately my winners always seem to have the kiss of death so it was a nice change. I won’t say who my next winner is because I don’t want to ruin my luck haha.

Dee
Dee
1 year ago
Reply to  Diana

You’re not 🙂

Dee
Dee
1 year ago
Reply to  Diana

Noooo

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 year ago
Reply to  Diana

I was put off at first, but it grew on me pretty quickly, I love the clever lyrics and its jazzy sound, and the English-Romanian blend is great!

Vivian
Vivian
1 year ago

Romania’s selection was all around very mid-tier when looking at the songs. When you look at how terrible the actual show was though… Dear god, Romania what are you doing. It’s like they’ve completely given up on trying to reclaim the streak of qualifications they once had. This song is so unremarkable and dull, and the staging is absolutely horrendous. If they’re not gonna change it, I feel like they’ll sit out, even if they’re in the weaker semifinal

There is a light guiding my way
There is a light guiding my way
1 year ago
Reply to  Vivian

They will most definitely change the staging.

There is a light guiding my way
There is a light guiding my way
1 year ago

I personally think it should be just him and the female dancer, in the total darkness, with a play of lights. Check out the music video “Mihail – Ma ucide ea”. That’s what they should do for the staging, in my opinion. Maybe only the dancer to be slightly more dressed. Give her a backless dress. And add a pianist to the composition. With a close camera focus on him at the start of the last verse.

ESC Stan
ESC Stan
1 year ago

Thanks for telling us about that. I looked it up and that was exactly what this needs for staging! Sexy, with just a bit more class. He is so charismatic that too much on stage would lose that. I think he had a narrative, trying to convey what the song was about but in doing so it got messy. I think he needs to realise he is enough.

RiMi
RiMi
1 year ago
Reply to  ESC Stan

He is only 18 years old and can make a fatal mistake due to his lack of maturity. I listened to him in interviews and he keeps talking that the staging will be amazing, from what I understand he wants to go in the same direction, he says he wants to do something that will remain a reference, not just to be another representative of Romania who participated and that his plan is to win. I think he didn’t understand the essential, if he doesn’t simplify the staging, nobody understands the story of the song. He is also an actor… Read more »

There is a light guiding my way
There is a light guiding my way
1 year ago
Reply to  RiMi

I would love to see more theatre on Eurovision stage. Konstrakta’s performance from last year is an example of great theatre. But that’s a high bar to aspire to.

RiMi
RiMi
1 year ago

I just heard another interview in which he clearly says that for Liverpool he will do something different in terms of staging, somehow keeping the conceptual area, but with a new / original approach.

Dee
Dee
1 year ago
Reply to  Vivian

The song is anything but dull, I’m sorry! It is the most original and different one so far in the competition together with Croatia and Spain. Norway is over-rated imo, it sounds like every pop song on the radio at the moment, Slovenia sounds like a wannabe Jonas Brothers and the rest is everything we have heard so far.

ESC Stan
ESC Stan
1 year ago

I sincerely don’t get the hate for this song. Yes, the staging was a hot mess but come on, most people change their staging for the big show. It sounds like people are judging him as if there’s no time to improve. I’ve always thought the song was catchy af, even the demo. He has such a strong voice and charisma for days. That and he even wrote it himself, which is more than you can say for most artists, not just eurovision. If people give him the benefit of the doubt and he fixes his cringe staging, I truly… Read more »

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago
Reply to  ESC Stan

Funny enough, this is actually what is my number one favorite from the selection so I was surprised that it won.

ESC Stan
ESC Stan
1 year ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

My favourites never win. I never say who my favourite is in case I curse them lol.

Andy
Andy
1 year ago

I’m trying to be nice as possible as i can but this song is really awful and the performance is grotty. Romania should’ve ditched their horrible national selection and went internal

EuroSerg
EuroSerg
1 year ago
Reply to  Andy

Facts

Vivian
Vivian
1 year ago
Reply to  Andy

We probably would’ve ended up with another Roxen though

There is a light guiding my way
There is a light guiding my way
1 year ago
Reply to  Andy

I was against the internal selection until the very end cause I thought that would deprive so many Romanian talents from a chance to take part, but after what they did last year that realistically remained the only option. I really can’t see how TVR can redeem their reputation after the 2022 mess. No self-respecting artist wants to take part anymore. They reached the point when it’s either internal or withdrawal. And I don’t want them to withdraw! It’s the country that made me a ESC fan. They can just pair up with Ilinca again since they are already collaborating… Read more »

ESC Stan
ESC Stan
1 year ago

I may be an outlier (the rankings prove I am) but I have always love Romania”s entry. Roxen was always a fave. She did too much on stage and I could tell it ruined her voice but it was always a good entry. Also she is young so maybe she was too nervous? But she was still grrat to me. Again, I know I’m an outsider here but still.

There is a light guiding my way
There is a light guiding my way
1 year ago
Reply to  ESC Stan

I have as well. As much of a hater of Global Records as I’ve always been, I still ended up loving all the three entries that label brought to Eurovision. As much of furious as I was getting for the potential top 5 contenders done dirty, messy organisation and other controversies in Selectia Nationala so many times, I still somehow always liked their final choices. As for Amnesia, I think it’s a masterpiece, for the way it’s spot on in giving an actual shape to all those feelings one feels when experiencing the “crab bucket phenomena” from the inside, through… Read more »

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 year ago

I didn’t like the song either and also thought the staging was cringe, but it does have lyrics unlike “We Are One”

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 year ago
Reply to  Benito Camelo

I’m not getting you, are you saying Romania is worse than Ireland or not? .-.

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 year ago

I don’t speak code, sorry

Film4o
Film4o
1 year ago

Theres a lot of negativity around this entry unfortunately. I absolutely love every minute of it and its my early winner this year. Im hopeful its a grower and people will see it in different light when he starts giving interviews and different performances in the pre-parties, but even, if this doesnt happen theres different songs for all of us.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago

What the heck did you just write? I don’t understand.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

This screams death slot, it is so bad, I think it will be performed second, as it is drawn first half of the second semi-final. Am I right, Una, is this what you mean?

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

Then Why didn’t you just say so? You could’ve written “this will be in the second slot death spot”.

Thallo
Thallo
1 year ago

The song has zero relation to the war, yet he relates it back to the war in the staging.

The whole performance is just too cringeworthy. I know for a fact people are going to watch their performance through their fingers in May.

Film4o
Film4o
1 year ago
Reply to  Thallo
  • “Theodor explains that the song presents a battle between ration and instinct, a duel between passion and emotional security, a love war. “D. G. T. (Off and On)” speaks about a love to which you constantly return even if you know that you will get hurt.” He also said he is working on a slight revamp and the staging will be next level.
BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago
Reply to  Thallo

Well, make love not war is an old expression dating back to the 60s when it was a protest slogan against the Vietnam war.

XOOOD
XOOOD
1 year ago
Reply to  Thallo

all take a break and save some brain cells.

There is a light guiding my way
There is a light guiding my way
1 year ago
Reply to  Thallo

“Make love not war” should absolutely be ditched too for the Eurovision staging.

Dee
Dee
1 year ago
Reply to  Thallo

People!!!!! Ukraine is at war, Ukraine won last year, Ukraine will represent, therefor the war message! Jeeeeeez!! Since when does a message have to be connected to the song and can’t just be a current world situation message, damn…

There is a light guiding my way
There is a light guiding my way
1 year ago
Reply to  Dee

Personally I totally get where did he come from with that. The song is about making love. So that was his well-meant little naive peace message. However, that must be gone from the staging till May as it can be understood wrongly in so many ways. I didn’t want to go there but I bet Russian soldiers who assault Ukrainian women think they “make love” too.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago

He’s only 19?! I thought he was in his early 20s.

Lucian
Lucian
1 year ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

He will turn 19 in april.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago
Reply to  Lucian

Actually his birthday is October 9th according to wikipedia, so he’s actually 18! He’s practically a baby.

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
1 year ago

I appreciate this entry not only for this meaning but also how you could interpret it two or three other ways! It’s quite cleverly written, genius if I must say so!

Mbappe
Mbappe
1 year ago

I honestly wish we could borrow an entry from our Serbian neighbors instead, they’ve got one of the strongest selections, numerous interesting options but obviously can only send one, it would also improve the overall level of the contest. This track we’ve got here just feels like the high school project of a horny student…