On 7th March, 16-year-old ZENA won the right to represent Belarus at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest with her song “Like It”. It earned a near-perfect score in Belarus’ national final. The hype is built partly on ZENA’s feel-good spirit and ability to move, but also the playful rhythm to which she drops the “Like It” lyrics. Today we’re going to slow things down and find out precisely what she’s saying…and what she wants us to like.

“Like It” was produced by Yulia Kireeva and Viktor Drobysh. Drobysh, you’ll remember, has a deft hand for creating upbeat numbers: he produced Russia’s 2012 Eurovision entry “Party For Everybody”, which finished second in the contest.

The song begins with inviting guitar strums, creating an infectious rhythm as ZENA starts her story. “I guess I forgotten to turn my phone off, I’m outside my comfort zone”, she sings. Grammar rules aside, she isn’t used to being alone and is feeling rather lost, so pleads with “karma” to give her a sign. What should she do with her life and who should she spend it with? ZENA uses her three minutes to figure it out.

By the time the chorus hits, ZENA seems to have found her answer. She’s going to dance — presumably with her Mister — and baby “you gonna like it”.  The faster tempo and explicity club vibe change the singer’s attitude as she lets the world know it’s time “to break the rules”. In one sense she’s just connecting a series of clichés. But in another she’s saying live your life, take risks and above all like it. Essentially, this is a call to will yourself into loving every moment.

And surely moments are made more special with the object of her affection. ZENA lets him know she’s in this to win this — and that includes him.

“Just to remind you, I don’t give up,” she sings. “I won’t give up no, I’ll always try!” Whether chasing the man of her dreams or fighting to make their romance work, you better believe ZENA is going to be there.

ZENA — Like It lyrics

I guess I forgotten to turn my phone
Off I’m outside my comfort zone
I’m tired of being lonely
Tam-tara-ram
Nobody gonna like this, no
Ok, I don’t like these empty words
I’ll go even if it really hurts
It’s making me stronger
Tam-tara-ram
I know it’s gonna be…

Uuuuuh what should I do
It’s up to you, karma
Uuuuuh I wish I knew
Give me a sign, karma
Just to remind you
I don’t give up
I won’t give up no
I’ll always try!

Yes, you gonna like it
Yes, you gonna like it
Let me in your heart
Yes, you gonna like it
Yes, you gonna like it
Let’s break the rules
Yes, you gonna like it
Yes, you gonna like it
I’ll share what I’ve got
Yes, you gonna like it
Yes, you gonna like it
Baby repeat my moves

It feels crazy and a little wild
I know what is wrong and what is right
It’s making me wiser
Tam-tara-ram
The universe is ours now
Ok, put your favourite sneakers on
And show your emotions on the floor
Add hashtag to find ya
Tam-tara-ram
I know it’s gonna be…

Uuuuuh what should I do
It’s up to you, karma
Uuuuuh I wish I knew
Give me a sign, karma
Just to remind you
I don’t give up
I won’t give up no
I’ll always try!

Yes, you gonna like it
Yes, you gonna like it
Let me in your heart
Yes, you gonna like it
Yes, you gonna like it
Let’s break the rules
Yes, you gonna like it
Yes, you gonna like it
I’ll share what I’ve got
Yes, you gonna like it
Yes, you gonna like it
Baby repeat my moves

I feel the flow of energy
I should let go mistakes of me
I feel the flow of energy…
And you go with me, baby

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31 Comments
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Marta
Marta
4 years ago

After her producer’c comments on homosexual people and Eurovision this song and everything connected with it just make me sick.

Stella
Stella
4 years ago
Reply to  Marta

what did he say???

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
4 years ago

And here are my misunderstood lyrics (boy that was fun): I guess I’ve gotta go turn my phone Eh, outside my comfort zone I’m tired being lonely Tamta (replay!) Ram ram Nobody gonna like this stone OK, I’m lying Sam Sue words, go Even if “e” really heads Needs to make me stronger Tamtararam My nose’s gonna bleed Uuuu what should I do? It’s up to you girl ma Uuuu I wish I knew Give me a side girl ma Just to remind you I don’t give up I don’t give up I won’t give up I always try Is… Read more »

Colin
Colin
4 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

You made me genuinely crack with laughter! Thanks 🙂 I made one myself for (even more) unintelligible song of her NF colleague Eva Kogan and her ‘Run’ (in Belorussian NF poll page). I love how Belarus always gives us polished accents. 🙂

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
4 years ago

And also, it feels like the song was written by a 60-year-old trying to make a hip teenage song. Or a preschooler.
Still, my guilty pleasure of the year. I can’t get it out of my head!

Sabrina
Sabrina
4 years ago

My opinion about the lyrics can actually be found inside the lyrics. 😛

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
4 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I don’t like these empty words either.

Sabrina
Sabrina
4 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

Bingo!

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago

I shall be polite:
I’m sorry, but these lyrics are not to my taste. But best of luck. 🙂

Colin
Colin
4 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Oh, you are really polite. This is just plain bad. No much redeeming factors here. All the best to Zena, though. She is only 16 and should have a good career ahead of her.

Jo.
Jo.
4 years ago

She forgot to say “yes, you gonna like it “.

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
4 years ago

Yes, you’re gonna like it.
YES YOU’RE GONNA LIKE IT
YyESo YuOwU’RoEn G’tOeNNsAc LIaKEp eIT

Colin
Colin
4 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

That is something we agree on. Even Latvia is better than this. Their repetition might be numbing, but at least it’s calming. Belarus’ is so annoying. 32 times! Thirty. Two. Wow!

The fascinating thing is that they had much worse in their NF. Imagine if we got Kinky Boots, Happy Song or Run Away From the Sun!

uwu
uwu
4 years ago

If this would’ve been sent by some cool chic from Sweden, people would eat it up.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
4 years ago

Man, did I misunderstand the chorus. I thought she was singing, “is he gonna like it”.

KESC
KESC
4 years ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

That’s what everyone was and is still thinking 😀

Cameron
Cameron
4 years ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

I though exactly that too!!!

KuhKatz
KuhKatz
4 years ago

No, I‘m not gonna like it

Sorry Girl

KESC
KESC
4 years ago

Is he gonna like it? 😀

Roy Moreno
Roy Moreno
4 years ago

I could swear she says “Is he gonna like it?” Wow…

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
4 years ago
Reply to  Roy Moreno

That’s what I thought too. Man, do I have a habit of misunderstanding lyrics.

Wai
Wai
4 years ago

Pretty much uncomfortable that 16-year-old sing those lyrics.

Nicolas
Nicolas
4 years ago
Reply to  Wai

Now a duet with Bishara.

Regina Phalange
Regina Phalange
4 years ago

Ngl it’s my favorite entry from Belarus. The lyrics are slightly creepy but I still love it. She’s a great performer

Reina
Reina
4 years ago

Yes, she can perform in amateur school plays.

SihSigAAh
SihSigAAh
4 years ago

Most underrated entry this year.

Nicky91
Nicky91
4 years ago

we saw Zena last year already at junior eurovision as one of the hosts 🙂

Vitta
Vitta
4 years ago

Belarusian should stop hating on their representative when ‘Like It’ by far is the best song they’ve sent in the past decade. Perhaps a bit cliché and repetitive, but can do well in Tel Aviv depending on how she rocks it live.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
4 years ago
Reply to  Vitta

Their best song of the last ten years? It’s not even their best song of the last ten months!

Jello
Jello
4 years ago
Reply to  Vitta

Belarus 2017 was much better imho

esc stan
esc stan
4 years ago

Wig = snatched