Earlier this year they won Destination Eurovision and became France’s act for the Eurovision Song Contest 2018. And now Madame Monsieur have unveiled the music video for “Mercy”, which throws the spotlight on the global migrant crisis and gives particular focus to children.
Taking an international approach, the video criss-crosses Europe, taking in cities including Rome, Paris, Lisbon and London.
Starting alone, illuminated only by flares, Madame Monsieur are gradually joined by a growing group of migrants of all ages.
Throughout the video, various clips show people on the move and looking forward. The visuals work to amplify the song’s own message of hope and humanity.
We’ve embedded the 3:49 version above, because when it comes to Madame Monsieur more is moreclick here. If you’d like to watch the three-minute Eurovision version, click here.
As Madame Monsier explained to RFM.fr, the clip is inspired by the story behind the song:
“Mercy is a little girl born on a humanitarian boat while her mother was fleeing the violence of her country. After passing through Libya and pregnant to the eyes, her mother sails on a plastic raft. Saved by the Aquarius (a rescue ship), she gives birth on the ship. This baby is Mercy. We were moved by this story.”
The video also shows the work of rescue personnel and humanitarian volunteers around the world.
Taken together the song and video are a humanitarian call to arms for solidarity in resolving the migrant crisis. Speaking to CherieFM, Emmelie added that she sees the song as giving a “face” to migrants, rather than having a political message.
Madame Monsieur have in the mean time started domestic promotion for “Mercy” in earnest. They appeared on Virgin Radio yesterday, performing live versions of their Eurovision entry and a cover of The Voice France runner up Louane’s track “Si t’étais là” which hit #2 on the French SNEP chart.
Over the weekend the duo also performed “Mercy” at Versailles during fashion designer Sami Nouri‘s show of his new collection. Born in Afghanistan, and raised in Iran before moving to France, Nouri invited the duo to perform because of the message of their song.
After 3 evaluations of all 43 contenders throughout April and early-May, Madame Monsieur are my #1 contenders for this year’s title.
A song which makes people talk at least, which has the merit of setting up a debate. You can see this song disturb all the racists it’s certainly a good sign. You can see that the clip of Mercy is taken into hostage by an organised group of racist people from the darknet who serve all their hateful and bot dislikes on the two youtube pages of this clip….a shame… so so unfair…..something happen thanks to or because of this song….
France keeps sending dark, depressing, old songs every year, “Requiem”, Amaury Vassili, now this one…
I really liked Amir, Jessy Matador, Twins twins, those performances make you want to go to the country at least! Only good energy!
Mercy x1000. We need more MERCY on the lyrics xD
Why is nobody commenting on France’s actual politics towards people from Middle East?
If you are so concerned about their lives, why don’t you stop bombing their countries? That’s how you bombed Balkan countries too and played fool.
If you want to preach peace you can’t do he opposite….It’s hypocritical. It’s vile. Just saying.
Agree.
– “If you want to preach peace you can’t do the opposite….It’s hypocritical.”
As a musician, I don’t see how I can be seen as responsible for the actions (or inactions) of a government I didn’t vote for, for example. Every democracy has people with different views; the musicians would just be expressing a different view.
It’s a good song, but not my cup of tea.
I wanted the song to win the French national final because I thought it was the best entry, musically. However, I do not want this to win Eurovision for political reasons (no doubt, every commentator will introduce the story behind the song). The other (rational) side of this is not represented here. Understandably. A song called “Stop The Mass Invasion”, or “Face Reality” would probably not go very far.
Maybe you should write your own anti-humanity entry next year. It’s been three years since Austria’s last nul points.
Believe me, an entry written by me would never end with nul points. But maybe you should try your luck with an entry that illustrates how you don’t seem to be able to tolerate opinions different to your own.
* nil points
Ari, maybe you should write entry about yourself, working title: ”Grandiose delusions”
I don’t take songwriting lessons from an anonymous troll, dear. 😉
Really?
“I do not want this to win Eurovision for political reasons”
Yet it’s me who can’t tolerate opinions different to my own? Okay.
I could tolerate it winning, dear (it’s not like I will be able to decide that). I don’t want it to. Notice the difference?
Is a song about a girl called Mercy born in the Mediterranean Sea actually “political”, or is it just “humanitarian”?
And what about Italy’s entry? That too could win the contest because of a combination of powerful music and a strong message – is it political?
Ari, as you suggested to me before, I am not overlooking song lyrics in the music reviews. So the meanings and messages in the songs do turn out to be quite important, indeed.
Exactly! I for one would like that title.
You two crazy kids should team up to write next year’s winner!
I smell a hit!
Well, I smell something anyway…
Leftist wannabe dictators tend to smell a lot indeed. I’m not worried. But thank you for all the attention you’re giving me. I’m always glad to strike a chord with nice people.
Les familles de ceux qui sont tués à Carcassonne “chantent” Mercy!!!
Another terrorist attack in France 🙁 Mercy? Really?
I’m still worried that the moment commentators from certain countries mention something like “the song is about refugees” and not just “it’s about a girl born on a ship” – people from those unnamed countries wont send France any votes. It is a highly controversial topic and you can’t immagine how frustrating it is watching a political party/presidential candidate doing well in the elections just because their billboards say things like “say no to refugees”.
France’s song is about refugees, is not about Kate Middleton giving birth on Queen Mary ship. Don’t try to take as for fools. It is about refugees, period.
So? Am I saying it isn’t about refugees? No.
The commentators have the right to say it too. Why are you afraid that commentators will talk about the real message of the song?
PS How many refugees do you have in your own home?
I think what West is trying to say is this : this song deserves to do very well, but if a certain section of the audience at home realizes what it’s actually about then they won’t vote for it. Despite being an excellent entry, it could fail because people are ignorant twits.
This is brilliant, it ticks ALL the boxes for me — I was waiting and waiting for the re-edit of “Mall” from Albania and holding on before flipping this from #2 to #1, but the video did it for me (in either one of it’s forms, i think it’s equally powerful) — Eurovision en Francais en 2019??
In every french music video, every year, the location is always paris and the focus is the eiffel tower, arent there any other beautiful places in france?
Don’t be stupid, since, at last 1990, eiffel tower appear only in the 2017 and 2018 music video.
In 2018 Europe, saving babies from drowning is not a song theme that just happens out of nowhere. Of course it’s about refugees that are dying, and thankfully the video shows rescue missions, because there are also videos out there where refugee boats are being deliberately popped by certain EU-member coast guards. Honestly, if this song is not about refugees, it’s just lost a bunch of votes. And Italy will be the beneficiary. At least their song message is not ambiguous.
Yes, whereas your fascist light is the beacon of “truth”.
Wow. This video may shave off some potential points.
True. This video killed the song.
As Shawn Mendes would say…have mercy on me.
The message of the song is great. One of my favourites this year. The lyrics make me cry.
Why sorry ? Irony or you are really serious ?
Why team france should be devastated? I don’t get it?
Wow robyn is in shape today!! Of course they are devastated because all the performance is only based on these blankets, they have two months to change that it’s short!! Lol, thank you Robyn to have noticed that you are a big big help for France Team at this stage.
Bosnia&Herzegovina 2016 and Greece 2016 both had this refugees theme.
P S : To France : Don’t take as for fools saying that Mercy is not about refugees. I don’t think is about any woman giving birth on a pleasure cruise.
Building bridges Robyn?
So pretentious.
I much preferred to get preached to by Italy this year. Better song, better message and more likeable performers.
Having said that, I still expect France to do well for non-musical reasons. 😉
I wonder if they saw the video by Mia, called Borders.
France at 12th place on the betting odds. It deserves a Top 10
12 points. This song is just brilliant and has something magical !
M A S T E R P I E C E 🙂
I’m surprise to not see France in top 3. It’s one of the strongest contestants this year, a solid performance/song that might win. They’re competing with that italian duet tho, which has a similar theme… if im not mistaken!
It might be hard to stand out because of that…
Owh yes! In the live performance! 😀
(I didn’t actually remember that. I just looked it up.)
I’m a huge fan of this song, its post-minimalist arrangement and its triple wordplay in the lyrics. But more about that in the reviews. Let’s focus on the videos here. This song has three main videos: the live performance, the extended lyric video, and the official video here. My preference is first for the extended lyric video, which is beautifully shot with people’s faces displaying different emotions (and it also contains that extra Bridge in the music). After that, I like the live performance. This means, owh dear, that the official video is my least favourite of the videos! Shock.… Read more »
And I made a typo. Did anyone spot it?
Nobody cares.
Evidently so.
@Purple Mask
Don’t be such attention seeker.
If I really wanted attention, I would ask someone for it.
There’s no reason to be “toxic” on this blog. Are you trying to bring it down? What’s your motive?
Powrful song, powerful video. Minimalistic, but gripping. Emotionally strong, without being depressive. Possibly my favorite song this year, or at least top 5.
white refugees.
Refugees of many colors, ages and looks. It’s about all humans and our compassion.
0 points. Hopefully austria wont give this ANY points, just like UK.
Yes of course ingrosso who come to Lisbon without a song but only with a staging is better….LOL some people are stupid…
The message of the song and putting migrants in it kills the reception of yhis song in central and eastern europe. you will see in may. they won’t collect many points there.
loooooooooooooooool
I think you’re right – just mention the topic and people from those countries frown and start complaining.
I guess Czech Republic likes to be a punching bag that doesn’t complain.
Great track, great message. Permanent spot in my top 5. Side note: anyone notice how there’s basically no novelty acts this year? Sure, some acts are goofier than others (Moldova, Estonia, Israel) but nothing I’d go so far as to call a novelty act. No Verkas, Cezars, or Twin Twins. It still feels Eurovision-y, but without the acts that can bring down its reputation (although I won’t deny one or two of them in the final does spice things up a bit). Last year, the only major novelty acts I can think of were Moldova and Romania, and even then… Read more »
”Last year, the only major novelty acts I can think of were Moldova and Romania, and even then the songs were good enough on their own to not be written off.”
”good enough”? ”not be written off”?
You are talking about two top 10 acts.
When people will accept that FUN will always be the Eurovision’s second name?
This is my winner. The video not so much.
An excellent music video! Hope they do well at Eurovision! They have an amazing song!
Are you being deliberately obtuse?
Supporting refugees is also something every human with a heart would do. As you say, politics don’t come into it. You are a mess of contradictions.
I’m a refugee in my own country.
My predictions for the Second Semi Final:
Qualifiers (random order):
Will most likely qualify:
1.Sweden
2.Australia
3.Ukraine
4.Russia
Will probably qualify:
5.Poland
6.Norway
7.Netherlands
Depends on the staging:
8.Romania/Moldova
9.Hungary/Serbia
10.Latvia/Malta
Will most likely miss the final:
San Marino
Montenegro
Slovenia
PS: I did not include Georgia, but it will probaly be the category of depends on the staging or will miss the final. 😀
Ah and yeah, Denmark on the category of will probably qualify as well.
This is hard to guess. Most songs are not that good and everyone has a chance depending on staging and draw order. I think Servia will qualify and also Romania. And Slovenia has some chances. Im not sure about Russia…
I think Australia, Sweden, Netherlands, Romania and Poland will qualify for sure.
Slovenia, San Marino, Malta, Latvia and Montenegro are already out. And ofc, we don’t know the Georgian song yet. The remaining songs can still qualify, imo.
the guy in the video is sexy, but the song is bad
My so far predictions:
1st Semi Final:
Qualifiers (random order):
Will most likely qualify:
1.Israel
2.Finland
3.Greece
4.Australia
5.Estonia
Will probaly qualify:
6.Bulgaria
7.Czech Republic
8.Belgium
Depends on the staging:
9.Cyprus/Croatia
10.Armenia/Azerbaijan
Will most likely miss the final:
Iceland
Ireland
Lithuania
Could actually qualify with a good staging:
Albania
Austria
Switzerland
Macedonia
Australia is in the 2nd SF.
I don’t think Greece is a certain qualifier.
For me, Croatia is already out. Switzerland probably too. I agree, Lithuania and Iceland won’t qualify.
Israel, Czech Republic and Estonia are going through for sure. All the others have chance.
Sorry, there was a mistake with Australia. Australia has to be in the second semi final and Belarus should be in the first semi final.. but it won’t change a lot.
Will most likely qualify:
1.Israel
2.Finland
3.Greece
4.Estonia
Will probably qualify:
5.Bulgaria
6.Czech Republic
7.Belgium
8.Belarus
We havent seen the bulgarian entry yet, but I really wont they wont flop.://
The staiing, i mean.
staging
Pretty accurate. I am not sure about Greece. And I am sorry for Macedonia. I really like the song. This semifinal is so strong!
Hey guys, Malta’s music video is out, when will you have an article about it?
I’d be very happy with Albania, France or Armenia winning in May. Between those, I believe France is the one with a better shot, even though I think “Mall” is a stronger song.
By the way, according to Wiwibloggs’ calendar the final version for Albania’s song was supposed to be released today. I’m worried that nobody is talking about this entry. I really wanted it to move to survive the 1st semi and get to the final.
The semi final is so hard, really hoping Albania will go through the semi. Has wiwi made an article about malta yet?
Albania might be one of those dark horses that nobody sees coming. Eugent’s voice can have a Rona effect that bumps the song up to the Top 5. Juries would be deaf not to hear it, and the public is usually very receptive when it hears high ranges. Albania’s problem is usually the tacky staging. Hopefully this year it won’t be ugly and boring.
I really hope this happens. We know that some singers won’t sound good live, but Eugent can deliver it. I believe he’ll be one of the best performers in Lisbon.
I’m feeling very positive about Albania. Let’s wait for the final version tho.
Mall is my #1 this year.
What I liked the most about the video is that it makes clear that the song is about the fact that there are desperate people dying on the sea to try to save their lives and good people dedicating their lives to avoid this faith. More specifically about a particular story that moved this couple of artists to write it. No matter what’s your opinion about how your and other countries should deal with refugees and immigrants, if you can’t empathize with this message (and I’m not saying you must love the song or want it to win), then I’m… Read more »
If there was a “like” button under your comment, I would be clicking it!
Thank you Jonas. I’m glad to know that I’m not alone about this one. 🙂
No it isn’t, Alfred. The song is about a baby that was born during a rescue operation on the Mediterranean Sea. The lyrics don’t explore the reasons why that pregnant woman had to leave her home behind and don’t encourage other people to do the same. By the way, I don’t think anybody is encouraged by the information that there are people dying while doing that. Yes, Mercy represents “all of those children whom the sea took away”, but in any moment the lyrics say that her mom did the right thing or that any country should adopt an open… Read more »
I’m not sure if this was a misogynistic statement (it really sounded like that, but I’m not the one here who likes to throw stones) or just psychological projection. Either way, it showed me I shouldn’t waste my time with you.
The lyrics said that there was war and they had to leave. I think there’s no problem admitting the song is about refugees crisis.
Now as I know the story of baby Mercy and the message of the song, it jumped from 20th to second place in my personal ranking. <3
It was fine at the start but now that we have nearly all the songs, this is one of my least favourites. It is a nice entry but I find it a bit repetitive. I wonder how the casual fans will receive this. They might think she is singing “my name is thank you.” It could confuse people.
The title is mercy, i’m pretty sure they will be able to tell the difference…but you have a point, some people might not understand.
And of course Greece’s and Malta’s videos are ‘forgotten’ by this site.
They have posted about Greece’s video three days ago.
France in my top 3,with Ukraine and Belgium, only these three songs i back to listen over and over again, i’m gonna vote for them in grand finale:))
Good luck:)
Bonsoir Lisboa,
Je pense que la chanson va avoir du succès à Lisboa. Un message plein d’espoir pour l’humanité toute entière. La chanson est belle tout simplement. Merci pour cette chanson, continuons d’espérer !
Bisous.
French hypocrisy… If you are so mercyful for those immigrants ehy don’t you accept them by legal ways? This song is about bootlicking at its best.
…and it romanticises the migration crisis (and the migrants themselves) with cool aesthetics. I was more or less OK with the song. The video, oh my, it’s disgusting…
Who exactly is going to build these massive refugee camps and conduct these massive screenings for these untold thousands, and actually millions? Europe isn’t doing it, otherwise there wouldn’t be such a massive spillover. I’m not sure you understand the sheer size and logistical nightmare involved in managing the refugee crisis. Theoretically it works well in your brain from the comfort of your circumstances, but realistically there is a reason why refugee migration works as rampantly as it does.
First off, the UN has limited and often gridlocked authority, limited resources, and no overarching jurisdiction to be able to carry out mass refugee settlements and resettlements. Also, conflicts erupt abruptly and unpredictably, so no one will ever be able to carry out a quick and efficient refugee camp effort each and every time. It’s much more likely that people will just randomly spill over to other countries than to just go in a specific place and wait to be screened and sorted. What you are suggesting is that a hurricane can actually be stopped, and the reality is that… Read more »
Do they work for the government? had no idea.
They are not responsible for their government’s actions. We need to separate people from politicians.
Amen!
What. About. Malta.
I seriously want you guys to write about it finally! Please
Mercy is boring by the way
Mercy is brilliant by the way.
Kinda disappointing how Malta doesnt have an article yet. But may wiwi is just busy atm.
I absolutely love this song. There is something magical about this song. I really really hope France wins this year especially since there’s no clear cut favorite (and no Israel do not count)
*Letters, honey
That was a “joke”, boo boo
*Letters honey
urgh we stan! It’s such a good song! Would be a worthy winner!
I wasn’t fan of the song, because I had other favourites in Destination Eurovision, but it has grown on me a bit. The message is great and honestly, I’m sick of this comments saying that this is political. You can even be against the immigration, but if you can’t deny the message is important. No matter who is right or wrong, thousand of children are dying and this is never okay.
I agree and I’m against (illegal) migration.
I’m not emotionally blackmailed by anyone. I’ve actually workes with refugees so I do ‘t need to rely on the media…
If you feel blackmailed,it’s more about you than the actual video. You’re acting like this is supposed to force you to be pro whatever you think this is about. That’s so funny, when people are screaming about political agendas for a song about a baby who was born in terrible conditions. If this song feel like propaganda, it’s more telling about who you are and the kind of person you are more than anything else. Be proud and admit you just can’t stand it because you would like to pretend this never happened and maybe feel ok with the idea… Read more »
@rachel- beautifully answered… Big thumbs up Rachel!