It’s news to absolutely no one that the social media landscape is riddled with landmines. Distanced from the decency that mediates real-life interaction, people seated behind a keyboard or clutching a phone suddenly feel it’s OK to belittle, bully and berate others. Sometimes it’s for kicks, sometimes it’s to make up for whatever is lacking in their personal life, and other times it’s out of sheer jealousy, rage or malice. With “I Don’t Feel Hate”, Germany’s upbeat and chirpy song for Eurovision 2021, Jendrik shines a light into this dark space. The lyrics and music video suggest he feels pity for all those people who, as they lash out, are likely languishing inside: When you constantly drip poison, it’s only natural that you absorb some of the toxins.
But his message isn’t limited to young people and Twitter. Jendrik gave life to this song against the backdrop of growing populist movements and the rise of politicians like Donald Trump, who many feel has stoked hate to advance a particular agenda. Yes, this is a playful number with an outrageous video. But “I Don’t Feel Hate” carries a message that’s as universal as it is specific.
Scroll down for “I Don’t Feel Hate” lyrics
Germany in Eurovision 2021: Jendrik “I Don’t Feel Hate”
Jendrik Sigwart, 26, is a multi-instrumentalist with a background in piano and violin. A diverse performer who thrives in the limelight, he appeared in shows like “Hairspray”, “La Cage aux Folles” and “Berlin, Berlin” while studying musical theatre at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences. Throughout his time there he wrote songs on his favourite instrument — the ukelele. Among them is “Dibdibidi”, which he published in November 2016.
Naturally his love of performance had to be put on hold after coronavirus hit, shutting theatres and other performance spaces. So instead of taking to the stage, this bleach blonde wonder set about producing his Eurovision song and making the music video — an elaborate and amusing process he documented on social media. A casting agent with German’s Eurovision selection team got wind of him after one of those videos went viral, resulting in him officially entering the selection process. The German team recently revealed that Jendrik earned the highest-ever score in the country’s meticulous selection process, which involved a panel of Eurovision experts and a separate panel of music industry professionals.
What do the “I Don’t Feel Hate” lyrics mean?
At their heart, the “I Don’t Feel Hate” lyrics encourage people not to absorb the negativity that’s directed at them. Jendrik — with his infectious smile and aura of positivity — calls on people to instead hold up a shield built of reason and compassion. The hate they give isn’t a burden for you — it’s a reflection of the shortcomings and difficulties of the person throwing all that shade. When you remember that, it’s easier to scroll on past rather than hitting reply. That has an added bonus: Trolls lose power when they can’t cause a stir. As Jendrik sings: “I really don’t mind to be your rival, ’cause for your kind it’s essential for survival.”
The video tells this story in a bright and cheery way, and carries a homespun feel that’s perfect for these do-it-yourself, financially leaner times. Many will compare it to Latvia’s 2014 entry “Cake To Bake”, which had a similarly feel-good flair. But this is a cake served hot — and perhaps spiked with whiskey, cocktails, rum, rum, rum.
Set in the “Wash Your Worries Away” laundromat, this is all about cleaning up your mind as you deal with any and all ugly speech that’s thrown at you. Among the scenarios Jendrik brings to life are a beauty pageant for “Germany’s Next Little Miss Sunshine”. Sneering judges hold up signs that read “Ugly”, “Can’t Move” and “Zero Points” before throwing tomatoes at a male contestant. Later we see wealthy women throwing trash at a custodial worker, and bouncers refusing entry to someone based on their make-up. Later, a stressed-out waitress encounters surly customers with signs that say “Customer is King” and “Just Smile”. Say it with me now: Ruuuude.
Creating hate accounts, spreading misinformation to undermine someone’s credibility, always going to the dark place rather than giving someone the benefit of the doubt — it’s all a bit passé to Jendrik: “You feel so very clever whenever you find another way to wear me down.”
But here’s the catch: none of it actually bothers him. When he shouts “Sorry” in the instrumental chorus, it’s almost like an explosion goes off. This likely mirrors the mind-blowing reality among Jendrik’s haters that he’s getting on happily and is ready to slay another day. Why else we he hold up a sign with the lyrics, “You can wigglе with that middle finger, it’ll never wiggle back to you”? Naturally he punctuates the line with a smiley face.
I Don’t Feel Hate lyrics – Jendrik (Germany Eurovision 2021)
Songtext “I Don’t Feel Hate”
I don’t feel hate
I just feel sorry
you feel so very clever whenever you find another way to wear me down
But I don’t feel hate
I just feel sorry
so you can wiggle with that middle finger it’ll never wiggle back to you
’cause i don’t feel
sorry
I really don’t care that you want to bash me
do it with flair and I’ll let you be
(I’ll let you be common Eileen)
but don’t you dare, mmm, to get angry when you realise those words just don’t hit me (whaaat?)
Cause I don’t feel hate
I just feel sorry
you feel so very clever whenever you find another way to wear me down
But I don’t feel hate
I just feel sorry
so you can wiggle with that middle finger it’ll never wiggle back to you
’cause i don’t feel
hate
sorry
I really don’t mind to be your rival
cause for your kind it’s essential for survival (say what)
(he did not just say that)
yes I did, and I feel sorry, I don’t feel hate, that’s the whole point of the song
I guess you need patronization
as some kind of validation:
you won’t cope with the frustration
that your random me-fixation
is another affirmation
that you’re just a hateful person who’s not really better than me!
(trumpet and whistle duet)
(tap break)
(I don’t feel hate)
I don’t feel hate
(I just feel sorry)
I just feel sorry
(you feel so very clever whenever you find another way to wear me down)
Meine Damen und Herren das war’s mit “I Don’t Feel Hate” ich hoffe Sie haben noch ein derbe
nices Leben und bis bald.
[Ladies and gentlemen, that was “I Don’t Feel Hate”! I hope you have a nice life and see you soon!]
(but I don’t feel hate)
No no no no
(I just feel sorry)
I just feel sorry
(you feel so very clever whenever you find another way to wear me down)
don’t wear me down
(I don’t feel hate)
I don’t feel hate
(I just feel sorry)
I just feel sorry
(so you can wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle you)
wiggle wiggle wiggle you
‘cause I Don’t feel
What do you think of “I Don’t Feel Hate” by Jendrik? Do you think you’ll be voting Germany? Let us know in the comments below.
This is the DEFINITION of a guilty pleasure song
This getting 0 points would be so f ironic. Haven’t heard the song, just saying
I actually think it’s quite a clever entry. It’s not boring or bland, it’s definitely memorable. It’s better than the average British entry, which is not to say that it’s a better song, but it doesn’t try to be as middle-of-the-road as possible. Do I personally like it? No. Do I know lots of people who will like this? Yes.
Germany 7/10
I read the comments before listening the song and y’all too dramatic. It’s definitely an earworm, it grabs attention. Yes, it is funny, weird and silly but it was clearly supposed to be that way. It’s not a serious song. I personally like some parts of the song and don’t like others. I can see why some people don’t like it but it’s not the worst. It’s just not for everyone. If the staging is good and if he sings well live, it can actually come alive and be more enjoyable. I feel like it’s this kind of a song… Read more »
I JUST LOVE IT! He did all by himself with the help of his family and friends. Respekt! It’s so positive, so energetic and it brings so a lot of good vibes. I really hope they can build a good staging related to the video theme. And I also hope that the sentence in German will stay like this in the live version.
“i don’t feel hate” and then he posts hate messages in his ig stories… seems like he feels it and it bothers him. i personally find it offensive that germany is given an automatic spot in the final and they choose…this. i honestly can’t see anyone voting for this, it’s just as uncool as it gets. yep, uncool is the word.
He just got send a hate text and out of all the things you could have typed you chose to type that BS? Even if he didn’t feel hate, he clearly has to defend himself. He didn’t deserved to be disrespected like that, nobody does!
A chirpy happy song with a positive message which will resonate with viewers. Depending on running order and staging I can see this doing well with the Televote. For the jury vote, mmm who can tell?
On a separate note, if a recorded playback version is used in the SF, can a live ‘Rotterdam’ version be used on the final or does it have to be recorded in SF equals recorded in final? Have a great day readers!
So last year’s Iceland and Russia entries were « genius » entries but this is joke entry….sorry guys i dont understand!
Germany is taking part in Junior Eurovision 2021 with the funny and catchy song “I don’t feel hate” – the kids will go wild and will dance to ……..wait a second…..this is the song for the adult ESC. Before you go nuts and hate me ….that was only a small joke. I like (not love) the song and I can understand both (the people who love this song and the people who dislike this song). It is some sort of “TOY” by Netta for me. I liked the song in 2017 but soon after the contest I couldn’t stand it… Read more »
du bist richtig! ::
0 points.
Can’t wait to see the live performance…
I’m sorry but I really like this song. It’s catchy, it’s infectious, and it’s really really positive, and it has a lot Sunshine and New Orleans vibe, I just can’t hate it.
And this song really has point, though. We always focused on the hate, the toxicity, and the negativity that we always forget the bright side of things and smile, and it’s really nice to have a smile every once in a while, especially in this times everything seems to be going upside down.
That a song is catchy and positive doesn’t mean its good. We are speaking about musical quality as a whole in here
I think we sometimes make things worse by focusing too much on the Hate and Toxicity of the comments. I read negative comments from people who don’t like the song, yes, but also many positive ones. It’s not like Hendrick is getting threads or anything, right? (Like it happens in other fandoms, like football or RupaulDrag race). Internet culture is becoming too much from both sides, the haters’ and the anti-haters’. In any case, I think this song will be Top 15 with a good staging. I get modern Alf Poier vibes. And I think many of the negative comments… Read more »
I like it, specially after all we’ve been through, we deserve to smile a bit
Its not Violent Thing ( my favourite last year ) but this is cute and harmless.
Good luck!
why does this get a pass and Electro Velvet was derided?
That’s odd. Just listened to it and Electro Velvet also sprang to mind! Expect to see this in lower part of right-hand scoreboard once juries have had their say.
This video and song reminds me of the teenage tv-series W817 (w-acht-één-zeven, which also happens to mean as much as “wait a minute”) that aired in Flanders twenty years ago and since then still enjoys a HUGE cult following. Re-runs of the show are still happening to date so new audiences of teenagers also discovered it over the years.
Song sucks. Germany wants to lose. Last Place Right Here.
Honestly, I believe him. Pretty sure he knows how bad this song is and what most people are going to think of it but he entered it anyway, somebody in Germany had the bright idea to send it and here we are.
I am 100% convinced Jendrik doesn’t and will continue to not “feel hate”.
This is brilliantly done!! I love the message and the official video. It is really outstanding. Great job, Germany. I needed something like this after El Diablo. 🙂 I’ve noticed that many people predict a low ranking for Germany this year. I kind of understand why they think that, but on the other hand, I think we are too obsessed with ranking and we are missing out the fun.
Eurovision fans should see these lyrics and take a few hints. Hating on him or any act does nothing but make you look like a sad person with nothing better to do.
All y’all who are hating on folks. Just grow up and enjoy Eurovision for what it is. You’ll just ruin it for yourself if you keep hating! 🙂
me first reaction was .
what the hell is this.
Ugh…they SHOULD feel the hate because this is so cringey and appalling. Bye sister!
Ugh. You’re such a diva when you’re hungry. Have a Snickers. 😛
Affected by the lyrics, I see.
Simple and effective lyrics. Smart song.
@Deban
in your reaction video on Jendrik you show an extract of a clip of NENA and call her NINA HAGEN. Those are two different – VERY different – singers.
Holy crap, that’s like confusing Tom Leeb with Tom Waits.
It’s even more confusing because NENA is from the city of Hagen, whereas NINA HAGEN ist not! xD
It probably wasn’t Deban who made the video, in his defence.
That’s not Deban’s fault. That was the editor’s fault. I would love it if Germany sent NENA though!
Not a question of fault. I‘m just pointing it out.
As is Nina Mouskouri
LOL. Isn‘t that Nana Mousouri?
Yes, not to be confused with Banananana
I am not a huge fan of the song, however I admit that maybe this will bring a smile on Europe after all that we’ve been through. The intro reminds me of Malta’s 2013 act and afterwards I get UK 2015 vibes but I mean that in a positive way, like a UK 2015 upgraded version. It is highly staging-dependent but with a clever staging this could be a top 10 contender. However for me it is apparent that this is not the ESC 2021 winner. It is miles better than their 2019 act, I think that their 2020 song… Read more »
I shared same Malta reminding. I’m happy not to be alone 🙂
well I’m the different one because I’m among the few that’s loves this song and if this means Germany is trolling then I’m gonna love this more (when did the last time Germany send a novelty song?- I think that was in 2010 and they won :D)
P.S. Remember S!sters – Sister? Where the lyrics of that song fits on what Germany currently standing on ESC and now after they been tired of losing they sending us “I don’t feel hate” I just sense a heavy metaphor and I’m loving this song very positively.
This is like Toy or Uno, aren’t so good at all, but they are really catchy…
Guys stop the hate, he doesn’t feel it
I like the song very much !!
At least Germany is not serving us some bland generic pop like many others
ghastly “song”. He’s kinda hideous too ..
Don’t attack appearances, that’s low
Um….excuse me?!?! how can u say that. he’s literally so hot
Ahh finally a man with taste
He’s cute as a button.
Shut up! Don’t you ever insult this precious cinnamon roll ever again!
I am speechless at how awful this is.
Another year and another German entry that begs the question, how is this selected, and who are these people?
Highest ever score in the selection process with two juries?
This is my country and ESC 2021 just died for me…
Awfully accurate how apt the message of the song is with regards to hatred and toxicity?
Apropos of nothing except the apparent comparisons to Sesame Street, here are all the Eurovision acts who’ve been on a version of Sesame Street at some point: – Israel: Natan Datner (of Datner & Kushnir) was a regular cast member; Sarai Tzuriel was none other than Kippi Ben Kippod, the local equivalent of Big Bird; Gali Atari was a guest star; Gidi Gov (of Kaveret) was the voice of Herry Monster and sang the theme song; and Yoni Rechter (Kaveret’s conductor) wrote music for the show. – Germany: Lena, Roger Cicero, and Udo Jürgens appeared in musical segments with Ernie… Read more »
Oh, and Jacques Houdek showed up on the Croatian version to sing the very catchy “Dancin’ Shoes”
well, it’s a song competition after all, so expect to be judged…
Yeah get ready to called fagg*t just because people don’t like your song ?
The song is a risk and at this point, why not? What’s the worst than can happen? Hope Jendrik’s personality translates on the Eurovision stage. Think big! Like “Guildo Hat Euch Lieb” which came 7th in 1998. I absolutely loved that performance and it was very memorable in a wacky and fun way.
Last year we were treated with a German bop we hadn’t had in years …but now this. I’m making efforts to like “something” in this entry, but it’s useless. I can’t find anything.
Thank you for pointing that out. How did *that* gloss over William and Deban’s review or anyone else’s? Sexual assault is not a joke.
This is by far the worst song Germany has sent in well over a decade.
I’m from Germany and following Eurovision since 1998. I’ve come to think about it yesterday – there really hasn’t been any worse German entry since. Gracia, No Angels, ‘Miss Kiss Kiss Bang’, Levina, Ann Sophie, S!sters – all of them had better songs.
Never thought I’d say this, but … I’d wish we were represented by a Ralph Siegel song instead (and he’s actually partially deaf).
Bring back Wind (probably with yet again different personnel!)
The visual makes the song more palatable. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it is still an outrageously silly and stupid song, but with a weird and fantastical production when a lot of kids might be watching as well as drunk adults, I can see this actually being a form of entertainment and therefore scoring quite well with the public.
I mean I get the song is supposed to be super positive and a good message, which is nice, but the actual quality of the song is so low. Just because a song is positive doesn’t make it a good song to listen to. I’m really surprised that this won over the German juries and was selected. Granted it is a fun song, but I just don’t see it don’t well at all
The rest of the selection must have been really bad if this is the top dog.
Imagine if this gets higher than Cyprus….
Entirely possible. Both songs are more televote draws than something juries will appreciate. Cyprus will fight for the votes with ”seduction”, while Germany will do it with ”cuteness”. If lives are both good, I predict Cyprus getting somewhat bigger jury score, but if Germany manages to get a better televote response, they could score higher overall.
A fun song, fair enough, it will be of entertainment value and this is welcomed, but it’s not a great song. The sentiment is right and appropriate for our time, but if this was in the semi-final, it would struggle to qualify. It looks like Germany wants to be in competition with Iceland with quirkiness. I wish him the best with his originality but this has the potential to be bottom 5 in my opinion. ‘Sisters’ a few years ago was better than this and that ended up with 0 from televoting. Will his ukelele and washing machines do the… Read more »
Guildo Horn and Stefan Raab both had better songs, though. And I really don’t think there’s a place for acts that are seen as pure joke entries these days. I feel like Buranovskie Babushki closed that chapter for a lot of years to come.
Jeez, I hadn’t even noticed that. That’s no good.
This song’s energy reminds me of Suntribe’s ‘Let’s Get Loud’.
And who’s to say that there’s no space for it in this year’s Eurovision? It’s all about diversity.
I think it will do very well in the televote. Personally, not my favourite.
I don’t understand all the hate around this song, I find this entries enjoyable and unpretentious .
People just prefer generic trash songs like Cyprus’s
The video made me laugh. In a good way. I really needed that.
I’m starting to warm up to this song. It’s nothing groundbreaking or oomphy, but it has lots of charm.
And again, he seems like someone who I wouldn’t mind hanging out with. We could probably laugh all day.
A couple more listens and I might feel the same way. This is the definition of a grower. Plus, I couldn’t help but notice that while the comments here are mostly negative, most of the comments on YouTube are actually positive. Someone there said, “This is either coming top ten or bottom five – no in-between,” and I’m inclined to agree.
I think it can do well with the public vote.
You should get out more …
Lockdown, baby. 😛
This is my issue: I generally don’t like songs about “the haters.” I find a lot of them to petulant and a way for the performers to immediately discount criticism as “being a hater.” There are exceptions, of course – plenty of rap songs address “haters” and they’re total bops. But whenever it’s some kind of chirpy pop singer doing it, it takes on this unbearable kind of smugness. I love Taylor Swift, for instance, but most of her songs addressing the “haters” (“Shake It Off,” “Look What You Made Me Do,” “You Need to Calm Down,” big exception is… Read more »
Jessika’s song in San Marino’s 1in360 with Irol was my favorite and it was a cool love fling-type bop. It was great. Then they changed the lyrics, forced Jenni B into it, and tried to turn it some sort of anti-bullying anthem, and it instantly became a joke. And of course it did very poorly — to no one’s surprise.
Yeah, see, on the one hand I feel the same way about it not improving once Irol left it…but the difference is, it’s tiny little San Marino, and I DID find it endearing to see them standing up for themselves like that (and I wish they kept the “Justice for Valentina!” signs in the live performance).
I don’t blame him. But still I can say that the song is awful and he did a poor job. It’s the same as when I order a pizza, if it’s bad I’m gonna say it’s bad I’m not going to eat it. But the fact that he got selected is the HoD’s fault, especially when saying that big names applied and then they end up picking a nobody with the worst song I’ve heard.
Hey, to each their own. It’s like Germany and France’s HoD’s did a Freaky Friday switch compared to last year. And before the selection method itself is criticized, Switzerland’s only used it two years and it’s already paid off bigly.
again there is nothing wrong with the selection process, it’s the people who are behind it:) Love Voila tho
Taylor is as jaded as some of the people who comment on here.
Besides I’ve lost all respect for her when she didn’t own up to being a sl*g that she is. Have you ever seen any interviews with her? She’s not the brightest light bulb in the chandelier either. 😛
She’s gotten better. Those last two albums had nary a hater song to be found. I call that growth.
It was about time. Now I hope Adele will finally cheer up with her music. She can’t be singing about heartbreaks all her life. 😛
She’s so GOOD at it, though…
She is. I just hope that with her new looks she won’t suddenly treat us to some ‘Side To Side’ like collabo. 😛
I don’t know what you think she should have owned up to, or why you think she should explain herself to anyone. She seems quite intelligent to me, but even if she wasn’t, that’s not a character flaw.
If she seems intelligent to you then may Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on your soul. 😛
I guess the problem with anti-bullying songs is that if you try too hard to say you’re not affected by haters, it may ending up sounding a little passive-aggressive. In this particular case, if he’s so immune to hate, why he spent the whole song affirming it and not just singing a happy song?
Exactly! Same reason why “Shake It Off” doesn’t work – if you don’t care about the haters, why dedicate an entire song to saying you don’t care about the haters? The lady doth protest too much.
Doth? Admit it, are you Joe Lycett? 😀
Somebody knows their British comedians, clearly!
(I’ll be disappointed if his next special isn’t called “I Lycett Like That”)
Didn’t ZENA sing about him in 2019? Perhaps that is why she did less well.
I’ve learnt the English language by watching British comedians. So I’m very grateful to them. 🙂
Hope you were discriminating about which ones, though. Some of the folks on Countdown are barely speaking English to begin with…
It all started off with Sarah Millican. Then it was Peter Kay, Russell Howard, Billy Connolly, Alan Carr, Frankie Boyle and so on… 🙂
The one you take as your username doesn’t deserve much admiration, though.
I change my usernames often.
And shoo please with your negative vibes. Haven’t heard a single positive response from you.
Have a few spoons of sugar. You’re bitter and I don’t like that. 😛
#idontfeelhate
Oh, if you’re learning English from watching Billy Connolly, you’re gonna have one colorful vocabulary.
That I do. 😛 The Colonoscopy clip is a classic. Watched it hundreds of times and it makes me cry with laughter every time. 😀
Though I must admit I usually abstract from that and love shaking to “Shake it Off”. 😀 Let’s see if Jendrik will get me there too…
You don’t get the song..?