They’re the two veterans of Swedish showbiz who’ve become the surprise package of Melodifestivalen 2021. And as Eva Rydberg & Ewa Roos prepare for Saturday’s second chance round, we take a look at the meaning behind their song “Rena rama ding dong”.
Scroll down for “Rena rama ding dong” lyrics
Melodifestivalen 2021: Eva Rydberg & Ewa Roos “Rena rama ding dong”
Eva Rydberg and Ewa Roos are two of the most beloved actresses and artists in Sweden. They boast lengthy careers in theatre, revue, film and music. They have shared the stage many times. But now, is the first time they’ve come together on the Melodifestivalen stage. At 77, Eva is the oldest ever female performer to compete at Melodifestivalen. The overall record holder is Owe Thörnqvist, who was 87 in 2017.
Eva previously took part in 1977, while Ewa is making her Melfest debut. The pair qualified to andra chansen from the second semi-final. On Saturday, they’ll go up against Clara Klingenström.
What do the “Rena rama ding dong” lyrics mean?
You don’t have to speak Swedish to get the general gist of “Rena rama ding dong”. Eva explains it best. “The song is merry, swinging and somewhat whacky”, she says. “When the viewers will see our performance, I hope they will get to laugh and feel a little joy”.
Whacky is a good way to describe the number. Even the title is nonsensical, “Rena rama ding dong” is simply a series of onomatopoeic words that translates the same in English as it does in Swedish. Read literally, the lyrics seem to act as an instructional guide on how to live your best life and enjoy yourself. The joyously bonkers message is enhanced by a stage show which includes high kicks and backing dancers dressed as OAPs.
Like Charlotte Perrelli, Eva and Ewa are tackling the subject of ageing. However, their message differs from “Still Young”. Rather than outlining everything that’s still left to do and achieve, they’re simply saying that you’re never too old to be silly and fun.
“Rena rama ding dong” lyrics — Eva Rydberg & Ewa Roos (Melfest 2021)
Written and composed by: Göran Sparrdahl, Kalle Rydberg and Ari Lehtonen
Swedish text |
English translation |
| Kom och vicka din fot Knäna kommer efter Kom och vicka din höft Nu känns det lite bättre Kom och klappa din hand Ding dong ding dong ding dong Kom och ge mig en ton Kom och joddla en gång Ja, vi ska sjunga och dansa Kom allihopa nicke-docka med oss. Kom allihopa nicke-docka med oss. Ding dong ding dong ding dong Kom allihopa nicke-docka med oss. Kom allihopa nicke-docka med oss. Kom allihopa nicke-docka med oss. Kom allihopa nicke-docka med oss. Ding dong ding dong ding dong |
Come and wiggle your foot The knees come after Come and wiggle your hip Now it feels a little better Come and clap your hand Come all nicke-docka with us. Ding dong ding dong ding dong Come and give me a tone Come and yodel once Yes, we will sing and dance Come all nicke-docka with us. Come all nicke-docka with us. Ding dong ding dong ding dong Come all nicke-docka with us. Come all nod with us. Come all nicke-docka with us. Come all nicke-docka with us. Ding dong ding dong ding dong |
What do you think of “Rena rama ding dong”? Do you want to see Eva and Ewa in the final? Let us know below.
Additional reporting by Padraig.
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Photo: Stina Stjernkvist
I have work whit them, they are great. Ewa Roos was godmother to my dog and he loves her. GO FOR IT LADYS
Call me crazy but I’m still holding my breath for them to win Melfest AND Eurovision. Gothenburg 2022!
i wish sweden didn’t take itself too seriously so that they could send a song like this
I can’t be the only one thinking of UK Hun? Can I?
You know, the Eurovision parody song on Drag Race UK.
Imagine Graham Norton’s comment about it. As he was a judge on that episode.
not really a fan of this type of music but those women can put on a really entertaining show and sell the song perfectly… they will qualify, sorry clara
True queens of MF 2021 🙂
I thought it will be one of those songs performed by schlager veterans that usually ends up last in the semi and I’ve grown to absolutely love it.
I love them, but Clara brings more quality and a lovely nostalgic song.
I want Clara Klingenström in the final
I want them in final. I like them more than half of the songs already qualified…
Play ja ja ding dong!
They are queens? Sad that they’re going against Clara, my two favourites of AC.
I want Clara to go through. Quality must prevail