WATCH: Anita and Michele spoil us with longer version of “Chain of Lights”

San Marino was one of the last countries to reveal their entry for Eurovision 2015. But, perhaps to apologise for the wait unveiling “Chain of Lights“, Michele Perniola and Anita Simoncini have delivered us a bonus: the original, four minute long version! It has more instrumental parts and some minor changes.

Chain of Lights: 4-Min Version

Ralph Siegel on Chain of Lights

San Marino’s song is once again written by Ralph Siegel, who has written the past three entries for the country. Once again Ralph has joined forces with Bernd Meinunger (under his alter ego John O’Flynn). Together they have written some Eurovision classics, such as “Dschinghis Khan”, “Wir geben ‘ne Party” and “Ein bißchen Frieden“. Here’s what Ralph has to say about the song in a statement sent to wiwibloggs:

It is more than a great honour to represent San Marino for the fourth time in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 in Vienna – with the remarkable youngest duet in ESC history – Anita Simoncini & Michele Perniola – together 32 years old. John O’Flynn (lyrics) and me are more than happy that they, as well as the Executives from San Marino RTV, have chosen our song ‘Chain of Lights’. The demo version was over 4 minutes long, but it had to be three minutes. After hearing it, Anita and Michele loved the song and the idea immediately. They took a flight to Munich and we worked together until everybody was satisfied. They even flew back and forth to re-record the changes in the lyrics and music for this ESC version. San Marino RTV decided to send ‘Chain Of Lights’ to Vienna and we all hope that people around the world will like it and wish to make a ‘Chain Of Lights’ for peace and understanding.

Anita and Michele on Eurovision

Anita and Michele are obvs very happy to represent San Marino and are super proud of their song. Anita Simoncini will become the first singer to have sung in both the Eurovision Song Contest and the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in less than a year. Here’s what Anita had to say about the song and representing her home country:

When I sing ‘We’ve only got one life, so let’s try to make our dreams survive’ I really mean it, because I think there’s nothing more important in life than pursuing our dreams; giving up is not an option…I wish our lights will illuminate the darkness of souls and minds, restoring faith and hope in Europe and the rest of the world. What we really need to understand is that we are able to shape the future at our own discretion and we have to do it remembering the importance of harmony and mutual respect, no matter where we come from.

Michele Perniola might have born in Italy, but he previously represented San Marino at Junior Eurovision 2013. Michele also says that he feels like San Marino is his other home. Michele hopes to see a huge sea of lights during their performance in Vienna.

I really feel priviledged to represent the Republic of San Marino in the most extraordinary event in Europe. I’m only 16 and only 18 months have passed since I had my debut in Europe in the Junior Eurovision, thanks to San Marino RTV. This is the reason why the Republic of San Marino has become my second homeland and I’ll give my best to honor this amazing country. I’m really happy for what is happening now, it’s like living on a dream but most of all I am happy for all those who believed in me since the beginning. Now, you just have to follow us in Vienna and light a candle for me and Anita during our performance (maybe you’d better use your smartphone!)