Following on from his semi-autobiographical single “Start Again” last spring, Ireland’s Eurovision 2013 star, Ryan Dolan, has released “Fall To The Floor”. To call it a disappointment would be an understatement. His previous efforts may not have been earth shatteringly brilliant, but in comparison to this they were masterpieces.
The song has been available for the last week, providing ample time for multiple listens. It’s not a grower. Overladen with needless cliché and clunky lyrics, it’s devoid of personality and warmth. Add in the structural flaws, plus poor diction (it takes ages to figure out that he’s singing “draw your sword”), and the net effect is boredom and indifference. Fall to the floor? More like conked out on the floor!!!
However, the publication of the official video today offers some redemption. In a somewhat surprising move, the recently out star uses this as an opportunity to depict the breakdown of a gay relationship. In a world where bible bashers blame massive floods on Conchita Wurst and Russia bans gay propaganda, this is a bold move, particularly for an up and coming artist on an independent label. It would have been easier for Ryan to do like bigger names and tone down his sexuality. He’s taking a risk, and it pays off. All done without any elements of sensationalism. If the second protagonist was a woman the clip would be completely unremarkable. And therin lies its strength. This is the new normal.
Now if only Ryan could apply the same degree of bravery to his music, he’d be onto a winning formula.
Ryan Dolan “Fall To The Floor” Lyrics
Your suitcase of memories
Just won’t close
God knows I’m not that strong
All good deeds
To live in these photos
No I can’t believe they’re gone
When we were young
Live life, have fun
It seemed so easy
Now you call to say
That you’re on your way
Gonna get your things
Give me back my ring
You don’t want it anymore
But I fall to the floor
When you walk through that door
I fall down, I fall down
I fall to the floor
When you draw your sword
I fall down, I fall down
I fall down
You say I’m dreaming
And that’s why you’re leaving
To want it all, is that so bad?
And now we’re both hurting
Because we know it’s not working
As we watch the curtain fall
We see the writing on the wall
One life one chance, one bad romance
It makes this easy
You can walk away
Now you’ve had your say
Go and grab your things
Throw away that ring
I don’t want this any more
But I fall to the floor
When you walk out that door
I fall down, I fall down
I fall to the floor
When you draw your sword
I fall down, I fall down
So I fall, I fall
Lets fall
I fall to the floor
When you walk through the door
Yeah I fall down, I fall down
I fall to the floor
When draw your sword
I fall down, I fall down
I fall down
It’s not that bad, actually. I like it.
Wow, what an absolute garbage review. I’ve been playing Ryan’s song all week and love it. I’ve even promoted it on my website as I like it so much.
He has an amazing voice and the song is lovely. Plus, with the video being so ‘brave’ – I think it’s a winner for him.
Then again, I disagree with most of the ‘reviewers’ on WiWiBloggs – they seem to have very poor taste in music.
I’ve learned since some time ago, that I don’t share the same taste with most of the wiwi blogers 😛 because I also think this isn’t THAT bad, at least not to call his other songs “masterpieces” in comparision. But as usual, thanks for sharing! About the video, I agree it is a risky move, but I’m glad he decided to go this route and I think he deserves admiration for that. Besides (and I know this is going a little besides the point :P) it’s a lot better and makes a lot more sense than that video from Omar… Read more »
You must have been having a bad day when you reviewed this song, Padraig. I have just had one listen & I like it. Well done, Ryan.
This sounds like Taylor Swift’s “Love Story”.
Aah, it’s not THAT bad, Padraig! I could imagine Coldplay putting up something musically similar. Nice hydrangeas, too … : )
I agree. He should have represented Ireland with this song
After Ryan Dolan came last, there were newspaper articles saying that Ireland should ”Quit Eurovision” and all that bull. As much as I was angry in the days that followed Ryan Dolan’s shock last place result, I was even more angry when I read those articles. In fact, there was one article that I really got sharp about and it was ”It’s high time we just ditched the shambolic mess that is Eurovision” in the Herald and it was written by a guy (AKA:Douche) called Chris Wasser and if you have not read it, do not bother. It has all… Read more »
He was robbed in 2013, his song wasnt the best that night, but it certainly should have made top 10-15 …last place with just 5 points was sickening.
If I could, then I would, I’ll go where- sorry.
Ryan Dolan should have represented Ireland with this song instead of ”Only Love Survives” last year. He certainly would not have come last with this entry. If you look at how hard he has promoted his entry in 2013 and how much his odds with the bookies have slashed, he was not going to do well with a cliche rehashing of Chris Brown’s song ”Yeah”. If he sang this in Malmo, he would have easily placed in the top 8 with at least 125 points. Despite coming last, I want to see Ryan Dolan back at Eurovision to prove he… Read more »