Ben & Tan were due to represent Denmark at Eurovision 2020 with “YES” — a bright, folk-pop love song, that celebrates being open to falling in love again.
Scroll down to read “YES” lyrics
Denmark in Eurovision 2020: Ben & Tan “YES”
Benjamin Tsimalona Rosenbohm, 17, and Tanne Amanda Balcells, 22, first met in 2019 when they appeared on the twelfth series of X Factor Denmark. Ben competed as a soloist, whereas Tanne was part of girl group Echo. Echo reached the semi-final coming in fourth place, while Ben made it to the final and finished second.
Ben & Tan won the opportunity to perform for Denmark at Eurovision at Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2020 — Denmark’s national final. Due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, for the first time in its history, the show took place without an audience.
What do the “Yes” lyrics mean?
Chatting to OGAE Azerbaijan before the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix final, Ben says that “Yes” is a different kind of love song.
“It’s a love song. Any time I listen to Spotify there are two different types of love songs. You broke up with me songs and, I love you so much let’s get married in space songs – a totally unrealistic view of love. “Yes” celebrates the balance of the crappy things about love and the beautiful things and because there is a human element to it, people can relate to it”.
Tan continues:
“More often than not, a love song can hit you at certain moments with certain lyrics or with a certain tone or key that makes you feel something inside. When I heard this one, I was like, Wow, this is really hitting home for me. This is so me.
You can think of 100 reasons why you shouldn’t be with someone, love is one of the greatest things we have, so why not just take a chance and just say yes? Even if you do get hurt you learn something and experience something. It’s not a political statement, it’s a basic human statement. It’s love. Let’s say yes and be positive about it.”
All those yeses — there are 22 in the song — may leave some wondering whether there’s anything going more to Ben and Tan’s relationship. Such talk can now be quelled — it would “be like trying to kiss my older sister, no thank you”, says Ben.
“Yes” Lyrics – Ben & Tan (Denmark ESC 2020)
Written and composed by: Emil Adler Lei, Jimmy Jansson and Linnea Deb.
Emil also co-wrote last years Danish entry “Love is Forever” sung by Leonora. Jimmy Jannson set a new record for the number of competing entries by a composer at one contest in Melodifestivalen with six entries in 2020. And Linnea Deb has worked with artists such as Fifth Harmony, JoJo, MiC Lowry and Akon. She also co-wrote the Eurovision 2015 winning song “Heroes”.
Text
I was six feet under for the one and only
Spent the nights feeling bitter, sad and lonely
Didn’t realize how much fear controlled me
Until you came and loved me like I’m holy
Now I’m ready to give life one more chance
Think my heart is beating me to death
I have got an arrow through my chest
I am so in love, I must confess
Say yes, say yes, say yes
Think my heart is beating me to death
I have got an arrow through my chest
I am so in love, I must confess
Say yes, say yes
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Never thought I would be high on life but sober
Didn’t think that I’d be able to turn this over
Let’s make stories to talk about when we’re older
Come and rest your pretty head up on my shoulder
Now I’m ready to give life one more chance
Think my heart is beating me to death
I have got an arrow through my chest
I am so in love, I must confess
Say yes, say yes, say yes
Think my heart is beating me to death
I have got an arrow through my chest
I am so in love, I must confess
Say yes, say yes
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Say yes, say yes, say yes
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Let’s make stories to talk about when we’re older (hmm)
Come and rest your pretty head up on my shoulder
Ooh, ooh, oh
Say yes, say yes (say yes)
Think my heart is beating me to death
I have got an arrow through my chest
I am so in love, I must confess
Say yes, say yes, say yes (say yes)
Think my heart is beating me to death
I have got an arrow through my chest
I am so in love, I must confess
Say yes, say yes
Think my heart is beating me to death
I have got an arrow through my chest
I am so in love, so just say yes
What do you think of the “YES” lyrics? Are you feeling positive too? Let us know in the comments.
“Think my heart is beating me to death” is such a great lyric and perfect for the tone of the song.
I also like the connection with Rasmussen’s arrow. Not sure if that was deliberate or a happy coincidence