He’s been hurt, but he can’t erase someone from his memory. That’s the struggle Spain’s Blas Cantó deals with on “Memoria”, one of his two potential Eurovision 2021 entries.
Scroll down for “Memoria” lyrics
Spain in Eurovision 2021: Blas Cantó “Memoria”
As with many 2021 artists, Blas Cantó was originally due to sing at Eurovision 2020. He was revealed as Spain’s act in autumn 2019, while his song “Universo” was released the following January. Blas was re-confirmed as the country’s 2021 act almost as soon as the cancellation of the 2020 contest was announced.
However, things are being done differently this year. Rather than going with an internally selected number, Blas and RTVE are letting the people decide. During a two-hour special on Saturday 20 February, the Spanish public will have the opportunity to choose between “Voy a quedarme” and “Memoria”. There will be no jury vote. Blas says he can’t make the decision himself as both tracks contain a “piece of his soul”.
What do the “Memoria” lyrics mean?
“Memoria” tells the story of a past relationship which didn’t end quite well. However, despite being advised about that person, Blas fails to forget their story. “In my memory, like hard liquor you will always burn” he sings.
However, despite the bitterness of the message, Blas tries to make something positive out of the situation: “The worst in you made me see the worst in me”.
Blas’ extensively use of his falsetto helps to capture the emotion on this mid-tempo track. Speaking with RTVE, Blas says “The song has a lot of power, it makes you sing it and get up from your chair. It is a very careful production, with a lot of percussion, with a very powerful set of voices.”
“Memoria” lyrics — Blas Cantó (Spain ESC 2021 selection)
Songwriters and composers: Blas Cantó, Steve Daly, Oliver Som, Leroy Sanchez
Spanish textFoto perfecta, tú y yo siempre juntos Te fuiste y me dejaste De mi memoria Y en mi memoria Y es que Pasaste de hablarme a cerrarme la puerta De mi memoria Y en mi memoria Y es que Yo sigo pensándote De mi memoria Y en mi memoria Y es que No te vas |
English translationThe perfect picture, you and me always together You left and left me Of my memory And in my memory The thing is You went from talking to me to closing the door Of my memory And in my memory The thing is I’m still thinking about you Of my memory And in my memory The thing is You will not leave |
Is “Memoria” your favourite entry? Should Blas sing it at Eurovision? Tell us in the comment section below!
See, I actually like this. It isn’t the uptempo that we were told to expect, but it’s quite nice. The lyrics are very well done, don’t seem awkward from my perspective. I still think this is a bottom-half song, but it’s still better than last year.
MEH-MORIA
I was able to recall Memoria’s hook right after the first listen, which is incredibly rare as I normally need repeated listenings to warm up to a song and remember how it sounds. The bit after the chorus is particularly effective for me. Blas is a handsome and charismatic performer who I’m sure can totally elevate the song even further live with his charm.
“Voy a Quedarme” on the other hand still eludes my memory, I’m afraid.
Personally I love Memoria more and it’s nice song but I think it will be a huge failure on esc.
With ballad you at least can count on jury votes.
His falsettos are grating af