Back in November, he was confirmed as Cyprus‘ act for Eurovision 2020. Now, after months of teasing, the American-Greek German singer Sandro has finally released “Running”, his song for Rotterdam.

The song was given its debut today when the music video was played on the CyBC show Happy Hour. The video gave viewers their first taste of the performance Sandro will bring to Rotterdam in May.

“Running” is a deep-house style of electro-pop song, with solid beats underscoring Sandro’s vocals. This may be a surprise for fans who were expecting some Shawn Mendes-style folk-pop from Sandro or for The Voice of Germany star to bring a ballad to Eurovision.

In the song, Sandro expresses his anxiety about a stressful situation. He doesn’t give too many details, but there’s a hint that it might be romantic in nature.

Sandro sings that “I’m tired of running from these demons” but then notes that “I keep on running away”. He’s a tormented man, wanting to resolve the stress in his life but not always wanting to face it. Relatable, tbh. But Sandro sounds determined, asserting “I don’t wanna fall again”.

When wiwibloggs caught up with Sandro in December, he spoke of the importance of bringing authenticity to his music. “Running” is described by the broadcaster as “a dark story with biographical elements that showcases the struggle against adversities and the storms that we have to weather in life.”

CyBC also notes that Sandro has put a lot of himself into the song. They add that “Having gone through depression himself, Sandro’s performance underlines the tunnel of darkness that we must keep on running through in difficulties or catastrophes but also of the strength needed to stand tall and not fall.”

The music video also brings the drama. It’s a simple scenario — just Sandro on his own with a few visual effects. The song starts in black and white but introduces more colour tones, bringing different feelings as the song progresses.

Sandro’s team behind “Running”

The song brings a lot of potential for memorable staging. As well as the dramatic mood of the music lyrics and lyrics, the song also includes a number of mostly instrumental breaks which could be used as a dance break.

We’re not expecting full-on “Fuego”-style staging, but with experienced artistic director Marvin Dietmann (“Rise Like a Phoenix”, “Nobody But You”) behind the staging, Cyprus is sure to deliver something that will stand out.

The song was co-written with the Australian singer-songwriter Alfie Arcuri. He won the 2016 series of The Voice of Australia and may be familiar as one of the competing acts in Eurovision: Australia Decides 2019.

Sandro will also deliver the first live performance of “Running” later tonight. He’s one of the artists in the line-up of Melfest WKND 20 — the Swedish Eurovision and Melodifestivalen pre-party taking place the night before the Swedish national final.

What do you think of “Running”? What sort of staging should Sandro deliver to Rotterdam? Tell us your thoughts below!

Read more Cyprus Eurovision 2020 news here

202 Comments
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Milan S
Milan S
4 years ago

Well this is the best I’ve heard from Cyprus since Lisa Andreas! What a nice surprise…

ESCalator
ESCalator
4 years ago

The video is three minutes of flexing biceps…

Matt
Matt
4 years ago

This is really bad,plastic,generic and dated.Second to last in my top.No final for Cyprus this year,i am sorry.Next please

Rick
Rick
4 years ago

I can’t believe how underrated this amazing song is. Fans seem to dislike EVERYTHING this year.
Best song so far imo.

K T
K T
4 years ago

It’s catchy and sexy. They should consider adding another layer to the chorus so that it doesn’t sound repetitive at 3 mins. Not sure why all the haters out there though – it cannot feel that good to be so nasty.. And for all you “experts” out there, let’s keep in mind that you were saying the same shit about Fuego, up until Eleni got to the rehearsals and blew everyone away. And yet the chicken song won that year, which was beyond terrible. So it’s all unpredictable to know what’s going to happen.

Maurice
Maurice
4 years ago
Reply to  K T

Agreed, I think it’s a good song. The chorus needs a bit of tweaking as you say, but other than that it’s a genre that should be supported at Eurovision, and Cyprus’ entry this year is a decent commercial house song!

Tajikistan
Tajikistan
4 years ago

This REALLY hasn’t turned out how Cyprus planned has it?

Miguel
Miguel
4 years ago

Generic american pop/edm. I feel Cyprus keeps sending the same stuff every year. I wish they would try something different.
I find this song boring, bland and repetitive. It’s a skip from me.

Film
Film
4 years ago

The beat drop sounds a bit too inspired from Meduza – Lose Control and Disciples – Piece of your heart

Polliu
Polliu
4 years ago

Good. I don’t need another good song in semi 1. My top 10 picks are already packed so it’s better the remaining songs are not standing out in semi 1.

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
4 years ago
Reply to  Polliu

my exact thoughts

Nice to Mit
Nice to Mit
4 years ago

It’s fashion store music…

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago

Hmmm. Well, best of luck to Sandro and Cyprus in the contest. 😉

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Okay, fine, I’ll mention it: This has been called “bedroom music”. I’ll leave you to guess why, and no it does not involve sleeping. 🙂

Colin
Colin
4 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Yes, it’s boring and flat. Sorry to say it, but I will repeat it in my April review, so…

Milan S
Milan S
4 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

What’s wrong with that? 😉

BleuKnaveXD236
BleuKnaveXD236
4 years ago

Okay, I just relistened to all the songs we have as of now… and updated my ranking as I hadn’t really bothered and had free time. This isn’t a bad song, not super amazing but still at least to me it’s a pretty good song and caught my attention. On first listen I zoned out but when I mixed it into all the other songs it’s one of the ones that stood out to me and made me wanna listen to agian. So I no longer would say this is a meh song but a okay/good song. My current rankings… Read more »

mscy
mscy
4 years ago

i think this will be a reality check for whoever chose this song. difficult landing. paying too much attention to anything but the song. Though i have a feeling that since they decided on the singer and the composing team in advance, there is a huge chance all the songs they wrote are a let down. watch other songs of sandro. super poor. for this one only production is good. no melody no power almost no harmony or rythm.easily forgetable

Mariss
Mariss
4 years ago

disappointing. the song has no fire and will have no final.

Ffs
Ffs
4 years ago

No Final

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago
Reply to  Ffs

Was it called off?!
(Context matters.)

Tom Ripley
Tom Ripley
4 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Come’on! The guy is very solid vocal but his vocal and the this song stands like North and South Pole. Simple, wrong song for him. Its not about the Sandro. Its trying to be modern, but its not, its more dated and he is singing in modern way… plus, this song doesnt allow him to reveal his talent. It start good but after a minute its get not attractive in many level- harmonically, conceptually and vocally..
Need more context?

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
4 years ago

It fits in with what Cyprus seem to be wanting to do with their ESC entries as of late. To listen to, it’s not special. However, it does sound as if it is only there to serve the stage show. With Fuego, we saw how that can really work for them. With Replay, what happens when it doesn’t go as well.
There is no real hook to this so I think the memorability needs to be visual.

Jo.
Jo.
4 years ago

The word “meh” has a new definition…

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago
Reply to  Jo.

Is it now a verb as well as an adjective? 😛

Jo.
Jo.
4 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

It’s a Markus-Riva reject

Crash at Corona
Crash at Corona
4 years ago

Bland n bawreen

Nitzan
Nitzan
4 years ago

I was excited to listen to this because Cyprus did so well in the past two years but this just isn’t good. It tries really hard to be a catchy energetic pop song but it’s lacking on so many levels. The singer is good but he can’t save this. I can’t see how it would stand out in the semi final. Of course I could be wrong but anyway, this song isn’t for me

Ron
Ron
4 years ago

I’m so bummed to say this but this was a huge letdown. It’s not a bad song by any means, but given how organized and strong Cyprus has been in the past two years, this is definitely lacking. I don’t see this making the top 10 even with a Sacha Jean Baptiste staging.

Stephanie
Stephanie
4 years ago

This is not my cup of tea. In the beginning it’s more or less enjoyable but after awhile it gets bored. But there’s no question about it, it will do well.

Héctor
Héctor
4 years ago

The song is enjoyable with a good live performance, staging and lighting it will go through. Not a masterpiece either.

BleuKnaveXD236
BleuKnaveXD236
4 years ago

Underwhelming I’m afraid. It’s not bad but honestly I zoned outta it pretty fast. He has a nice voice nonetheless so maybe this will be better live? But as it stands now… this is just kinda meh. Don’t hate nor love it. Regardless good luck to him and Cyprus at Rotterdam

Onar
Onar
4 years ago

The chorus is lacking but overall it’s not a bad song. I don’t know how it’ll fare in semi 1 but I hope with a good staging it’ll qualify. Good luck!

West
West
4 years ago

I can imagine myself listening to in while being on some carnival ride. It’s good, but kinda forgetable.

Mr X
Mr X
4 years ago

Chipre 1/10

Tom Ripley
Tom Ripley
4 years ago

Oh, nooo.. so sad.. another NQ!
So far only this songs are Q in semi1:
Lithuania, Croatia and Romania.

Mr X
Mr X
4 years ago
Reply to  Tom Ripley

I also see Croatia in the final but I would predict Norway instead of Romania (I like both)

Tom Ripley
Tom Ripley
4 years ago
Reply to  Mr X

Croatia for sure. To me Romania is more “dark” then Norway that is why prefer more. We have to see what Russia and Sweden will give us on the end.

Tom Ripley
Tom Ripley
4 years ago
Reply to  Mr X

Oh. Inligiht me please. These 3 is 100% Q!
Still 5 countries in semi final 1 not realesed the songs. So there are time to pick up 10 spots.

Tom Ripley
Tom Ripley
4 years ago
Reply to  Tom Ripley

Haha.

gilpgilp
gilpgilp
4 years ago
Reply to  Tom Ripley

What drugs are you taking? Croatia has no chance to qualify. Of course Lithuania yes, it’s might win the whole thing.

Tom Ripley
Tom Ripley
4 years ago
Reply to  gilpgilp

Drugs?!? Ah, you tried to be funny and smart and music genius. Sorry that missed the point.
My “drugs” its not generic at least as I assumed yours it is. Enjoy!

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
4 years ago
Reply to  Tom Ripley

there is no way Croatia will qualify

Tom Ripley
Tom Ripley
4 years ago
Reply to  Ashton Schier

So what? If doesnt Q its not end of the world. That will be the resaults for 7 countries in the first Semi… and there always will be another year to come.
But I just wonder how certain you are?
When you are so good in prediction let me know now if Russis, Azer or Bulgaria, or Sweden will since we dont know their entries will Q FOR SURE? I mean you obviously knows everything…

Mr X
Mr X
4 years ago
Reply to  Ashton Schier

of course there is !

Tom Ripley
Tom Ripley
4 years ago
Reply to  Tom Ripley

Another generic taste lover.

AndersP
AndersP
4 years ago

All I kept thinking of when I listened is ‘My Heart is Refusing Me’ by Loreen. I like it, but it’s not the best song I’ve ever heard.

Mariss
Mariss
4 years ago
Reply to  AndersP

yeah i started thinking about other stuff too

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
4 years ago

I have to say, I am pretty underwhelmed by this song. I think for the first time since 2013, I think Cyprus might be in danger of not qualifying this year. They had a five your run of Grant final appearances, but this might put into it this year, especially since they are placed in the tough semifinal one, and they don’t have grease to prop them up. There have to be weak entires because not everybody can make it to the final, it is just unfortunate that Cypress might be one of the casualties this year.

Voxtaylor
Voxtaylor
4 years ago

Eh, not a fan. Not that it matters. Bulgaria and her humble servant Victoria will plow through the competition with the song “Tears Getting Sober” (don’t laugh pls, is very serious title not parody)

Jake
Jake
4 years ago

Sooo where is that Lewis Capaldi kissing x kissing x kissing Shawn Mendes thing? Entry is ok, with some good staging, it really can stand out.

Tajikistan
Tajikistan
4 years ago

I feel like Cyprus is the new Azerbaijan – trying to win by trying desperately to tick all the boxes

Tajikistan
Tajikistan
4 years ago
Reply to  Tajikistan

Although at least for a few years for Azerbaijan it worked well, for Cyprus not so much

YIANNIS KYPRIANOU
YIANNIS KYPRIANOU
4 years ago
Reply to  Tajikistan

So you think that Eleni that ranked 2nd and Tamta 13th… are bad rankings?

Tajikistan
Tajikistan
4 years ago

I never said they were did I?

OhhHoney
OhhHoney
4 years ago

All I know is I won’t be voting for this.

NickC
NickC
4 years ago

It is like almost any other song this year. It is nice, but without the killer punch. It is indeed a nice beat, and he has a nice voice, but the song does not build, there is no climax, which makes those 3 minutes much longer than they are. Maybe it is really time to reconsider national finals….which gave us Heroes, 1944, Amar pelos dois and Soldi.

MTD
MTD
4 years ago

I like it.

I am a deep house guy, so this is music to my ears.

Bart
Bart
4 years ago

This is very old fashioned material. We saw with Finland last year how EDM comes down… And this is really nothing special. It only qualifies with something standing out stage wise.

Leo M
Leo M
4 years ago

I like the verses, but really don’t like the chorus. It’s a safe average pop song. I think they will have something up their sleeve for staging so I won’t rule it out qualifying.

Riri
Riri
4 years ago

Wow I was shocked when I read the comments and saw that people really don’t like it.
I actually loved it! It’s different, the uptempo beat makes me want to dance but yet it’s kind of deep and dark. There is so many elements that people might see it as a bit messy. But I think that makes this interesting.

MTD
MTD
4 years ago
Reply to  Riri

This a song that can be found on every great beach and on all those EDM playlists. Which is nice.

Summer 2020, Cyprus is coming.

Eurofangr
Eurofangr
4 years ago
Reply to  MTD

Beach? Have you ever been to a beach? Cause this isn’t a song they would play there

Aris
Aris
4 years ago

Being hateful towards everything is really boring. You never like anything. Last year people were complaining for Replay being Fuego 2.0. Now people are complaining for Running not being Fuego 3.0.

The song is very different from other songs in the first semifinal. With a nice staging it will qualify to the final for sure!

Stop being such hateful divas.

Matt
Matt
4 years ago
Reply to  Aris

I am sorry,i understand that you want to support your country,but this song is bad,generic,plastic,dated and with no potential for good staging.It is not even memorable,i can’t find any chorus at all.I am sorry Cyprus,you are second to last for me.

xohxoh
xohxoh
4 years ago

Yup, Cyprus is NQ.

aroncido
aroncido
4 years ago

After the fifth (really) listen, I’m finally convinced that it’s very, very bad. But not for being too generic – the whole entire song just doesn’t make sense. The verse doesn’t have any instrumentation besides a rhythmic beat, no harmony or sound. His voice is the only thing that has a melody but well, the melody feels like it’s written to be accompanied by other instruments, it really really doesn’t stand on its own. Feels completely lost. His voice really isn’t fit for carrying the entire musicality in itself, and with this dreadful instrumentation, it feels weak and powerless. And… Read more »

Joe
Joe
4 years ago
Reply to  aroncido

GodDAMN. Tell us how you really feel. I love at least educated harsh criticism.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago
Reply to  aroncido

Wow. This is just as devastating as a professional review. I actually feel bad for Sandro and Cyprus now!

Koen
Koen
4 years ago

Hmmm, I’m not really convinced unfortunately. It reminds me of what Hovig brought to Eurovision and I even had forgotten that Hovig was also the Cypriotic candidate a few years ago until I looked it up. My comparison with Hovig lies in the fact that it seems like a song that doesn’t seem to be distinctive radio friendly nor is it distinctive club friendly which results in a mediocre song that’s easy to forget. I might get to the finals, but it can easily be a near miss too.

First row at ESC & JESC
First row at ESC & JESC
4 years ago

The singer (Sandro) does a good job but the problem is the song – it goes nowhere and the beat gives me nothing. Sorry to say that – but I expected a banger from Cyprus – so it is only a 5/10 song.

WannaEatMySpaghetti
WannaEatMySpaghetti
4 years ago

It’s not bad but it’s way too much commercial. The kind of song that are on radios in clothing stores here in Belgium. The kind of song you listen while doing something else :/ I still like it but I don’t know what’s going to happen with this one in May.

Koen
Koen
4 years ago

WannaEatMySpaghetti, oh yes, that’s the perfect way to describe what I felt and wrote in my comment.

M_K
M_K
4 years ago

Another song that is okay. There is not much wrong with it, but again I feel it lacks personality (something both “Fuego” and – albeit to a lesser extent – “Replay” had).

poe-tay-toe-chips
poe-tay-toe-chips
4 years ago

This has a huge “trash” quality to it. Someone has to say it. When I think of trashy pop music, songs that sound exactly like this one pop into my head.

Friedenau
Friedenau
4 years ago

I like it!

Denis
Denis
4 years ago

At least it’s something different from Fuego and Replay. Result-wise it probably will reach somewhere between 21th-15th. Good solid pop song but most likely fall under the radar

Leo
Leo
4 years ago
Reply to  Denis

21st but in SF

Mr X
Mr X
4 years ago
Reply to  Leo

That isn´t possible. There are just 17 contenders in SF 1.

Zoli
Zoli
4 years ago

Very good song! I don’t understand thoose negative comments…
For me it’s a top 10 song!

ESC Nils
ESC Nils
4 years ago

This is the most flat song I’ve ever heard. Sorry Cyprus but it will be really hard to get out of that first semi…