After winning the Eurovision 2019 televote with “Spirit in the Sky”, KEiiNO have built on their momentum with their unique blend of joik, dance-pop and Nordic folk. Alexandra Rotan, Fred-Rene Buljo and Tom Hugo have sealed their unique band identity whilst amassing an impressive global stream count of over 32 million on just two hits. That includes “Spirit in the Sky” and a recent cover of Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga’s “Shallow“.
Portuguese visual director Eduardo Lobo, who designed their LED graphic wall, reunites with the Norwegian band to help create the lyric video to “Praying” which is released today.
“Praying” — KEiiNO
“Praying” unpacks the fear of dying over a dance beat. Written by the trio and produced by Rüdiger Schramm and Henrik Tala, “Praying” is Scandi-pop in flavour. Its relatable lyrics touch on mortality and face bigotry and conservatism head on. All of that is achieved while simultaneously keeping listeners firmly on the dance floor. An anthem in born as they sing, “Won’t let anybody hold me down”.
Speaking exclusively to wiwibloggs, KEiiNO explain:
“When we started writing our follow-up single, we wanted to write a feel good song. Maybe it was a reaction to the cold and the dark February days in Alta, but the lyrics turned out darker than planned: “Praying” is about the fear of dying. And when thinking about death, it’s easy to start thinking about religion. And KEiiNO has a clear message to conservative voices who claim to judge how people live their lives: “Won’t let anybody hold me down”. Naturally, we will celebrate the 50-year jubilee of the Stonewall riots and perform at a number of Pride events this summer. We are booked to appear in a number of festivals and TV shows in Norway, Sweden and Germany.”
What do you think of KEiiNO’s “Praying”? Do you like the message of their song? What do you think of their lyric video? Let us know in the comments section below.
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“Praying” lyrics — KEiiNO
Wherever I go
Whenever I sleep
Whatever I do
You always linger with me
I’m drying my tears
I’m facing my fears
Got nowhere to run
You always gonna find me
But my body feels so strong tonight
A chaos born in candlelight
Don’t wanna go home
A darkness waiting on a throne
Been fighting shadows all alone
I fear them tonight
Should I be praying
I found my grace in staying
True to every bone in me
Please don’t call me down
I’m not pretending
My light is neverending
There will come a day for me
But sing it to me carefully
Should I be praying
Am I lost, I don’t wanna go home
If I must, I’ll be fighting alone
Won’t let anybody hold me down
Should I be praying
Am I lost, I don’t wanna go home now
Won’t let anybody hold me down
Whatever I’ve known
Wherever I’ve been
Whomever I loved
You wanna take it from me
But my body feels so strong tonight
A chaos born in candlelight
Don’t wanna go home
A shadow I can feel alone
Can’t shake it off or calm me down
I fear them tonight
Should I be praying
Am I lost, I don’t wanna go home
If I must, I’ll be fighting alone
Won’t let anybody hold me down
Should I be praying
Am I lost, I don’t wanna go home now
Won’t let anybody hold me down
This is such a Nice song.
One trick poney … There are better singers and songs giving a voice to truth when it matters … but not this. Next?
I was sceptical, but it repeats in my head. It doesn’t reach “Spirit In The Sky”, but if this two songs are promising an album full of them songs, I’m gonna buy it, defo!
Also I’m Little Monster, thank you for Shallow, the cover is amazing!
I like it, congrats from Armenia <3
Spirit in the sky is great ^_^
Eduardo is BRAZILIAN, not Portuguese!
I didn’t know about that until Igor mentioned, but it’s true: Eduardo is Brazilian, he moved to Portugal recently. He did a wonderful job with Norway’s graphics by the way.
About the song: I like it how one more time KEiiNo comes with simple lyrics, but that carry a meaning behind them. I’m curious to check a full album from them, I hope it’s on their plans.
Love it, you guys will be around for a very long time! 😀
Great, now she looks older than the guys.
wtf, how rude. Alexandra is BEAUTIFUL and looks as youthful as she is.
From the whole song I love the way Tom’s voice sounds the most.
The joik parts remind me a little bit of Work You Magic (Belarus 2007 entry).
The message of the lyrics is great, thank you so much for explaining it!
I am really glad they didn’t give up on that “meaningful pop”-course and continued it! Maybe they soon will become a new wave in pop music which lacks meaningful and philosophical songs nowadays.
I love it. It’s so effing catchy.
KEiiNO is here to stay and that makes me SOOOOOO happy!!! Lot’s of love from Israel!!!!
I love this song!!!! I have listen to this all morning. I find my self likeing it better and better! Great beat and i love Alexandra’s voice ?? Strong and vulnerable at the same time! And love the joik… I think this will be a great song to listen to by the pool this summer? This is a great follow-up, and I look forward to following KEiiNO on the road ahead!
Wow, this one is a bit deep for a dance song!
I feel like it is an exam question!
The tune is upbeat though, Alexandra and Tom sing beautifully and Fred brings that “je ne sais quoi”
Overall, a really great follow-up for KeiiNO. There is definitely magic in the air when they come together.