“I’m a flame that still burns” — iolanda overcomes her past in the “Grito” lyrics

It’s iolanda for Portugal and she is ready to bring fado music back to the Eurovision 2024 stage with her song “Grito.” 

Her song is a self-composition, crafted in collaboration with Luar. It serves as a resounding declaration of freedom from past struggles and challenges. iolanda channels her emotions, pouring her heart into the song, and demonstrating that the flame within her still burns brightly.

Scroll down to read the “Grito” lyrics

Portugal at Eurovision 2024: iolanda with “Grito”

iolanda comes from Figueira da Foz but she moved to Pombal during her childhood, exhibiting a profound passion for music from an early age. Recognising her talent, her parents enrolled her in music classes at Tecnimúsica in Pombal since a very young age. At 17, she ventured to Lisbon, where she pursued a degree in Communication Sciences. Prior to her academic pursuits, she honed her skills by performing in local bars and participating in national talent competitions.

Seeking to expand her musical horizons, she embarked on a journey to London, where she studied songwriting at the British and Irish Institute of Modern Music, affiliated with the University of Sussex. Despite initial setbacks, such as failing to progress in the talent show Ídolos in 2012 and The Voice Portugal in 2014, she continued to persevere in her musical endeavours. 

In 2022, she made her debut at Portugal’s national selection, Festival da Canção, contributing as a co-author and co-composer of the song “Mar no fim”, performed by Blacci. Her resilience and dedication culminated in the release of her debut EP, Cura, in 2023, a project she crafted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What do the “Grito” lyrics mean?

“Grito” translates to English as “scream.” When asked about her song, iolanda said that the best description of it is “a scream of self-defence and trusting in yourself.” The song was inspired by her life and the challenges she faced in discovering and understanding herself while finding her inner peace. With this song, she fights all of her inner ghosts. For iolanda, her mental health was a journey and a long process of overcoming her past and her problems, the lyrics of her song speak about letting things go and a willing of raising again, of seeking for the light when in a dark place.

Long strides, stuck in the starting line
I want to let go of what hurt me
I ask the morning star to make the day
Rise again

Fire, for iolanda, is something purifying and emblematic of rebirth. In an interview with wiwibloggs, she expressed that understanding what someone is going through can be challenging, and often, difficulties lead people to behave in ways that may seem wrong. Through her song, she aims to let go of resentment towards those who have wronged her, acknowledging that they likely had their own struggles. She hopes to foster understanding and empathy, recognising that the journey of self-discovery is intricate and extensive for everyone.

I’ve transformed every verse within me
And given in to the courage
That still burns
Still burns

Music gives her a voice and allows iolanda to unleash her soul’s cry, freeing herself from the shackles of the past and dispelling her ghosts. Through music, she ignites her inner flame, illuminating the darkness that surrounds her and allowing her light to shine even brighter.

“Grito” lyrics — iolanda (Porugal Eurovision 2024)

Songwriters: Iolanda Costa, Luar

What do you think of the lyrics for “Grito” by iolanda? Will Portugal secure a spot in the grand final? Tell us in the comments below!