The days of Azerbaijan as the foremost Eurovision powerhouse are long gone. But having regained their place in the Top 10 courtesy of Chingiz, the Caucasus nation is riding on a high. Hoping to continue the Azeri rebirth this year is Samira Efendi, who brings a big dose of female power with her Eurovision 2021 song “Mata Hari”.
Scroll down for the “Mata Hari” lyrics
Azerbaijan in Eurovision 2021: Efendi “Mata Hari”
29-year-old singer Efendi has vast experience in music competitions. She first found fame as a teenager, taking part in Yeni Ulduz. Six years later, she was a finalist on The Voice of Azerbaijan ahead of 2016 representative Samra Rahimli. The next year, she placed third on international competition of Silk Way Star in Almaty. And in 2019, she again competed in Kazakhstan on The Star of Asia and The Voice of Nur-Sultan.
This is the sixth year she’s attempted to fly the Azeri flag at Eurovision. She competed at the national selection, Böyük Səhnə, in 2014 and was eliminated in the third heat. Since then, she’s regularly been considered for internal selection by İTV. In 2019, she made the shortlist of four potential performers, and in 2020, finally won the ticket to the big stage with the song “Cleopatra”.
Efendi was one of the first artists to be re-confirmed to represent her country in Rotterdam this year following the cancellation of the show last year, but her song was one of the last to be released. “Mata Hari” was selected from an open submission from songwriters which included more than 150 songs. In the end, a group of music experts and fans decided that Efendi should sing about a historic femme fatale.
What do the “Mata Hari” lyrics mean?
“Mata Hari” was written by the Dutch team of Amy van der Wel, Luuk van Beers, Tony Cornelissen and Josh Earl. Luuk van Beers and Tony Cornelissen also produced her previous entry “Cleopatra”. This is the second Eurovision song about the Dutch spy, the other being the Norwegian song in 1976 by Anne-Karine Strøm.
Lyrically, “Mata Hari” is very similar to “Cleopatra” in that it features Efendi comparing herself to a strong woman from history. Mata Hari was a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan who was executed in World War I as a suspected spy for Germany. The seductress supposedly used her wiles and charm to gain secret information from high-ranking French officials. Efendi mentions these details from the start, singing “I’m a spy, I uncover all of your secrets, I want them”. She also refers to Mata Hari’s method of espionage as the “playing the game of desire… would you fall for me now?”
She goes on to refer to herself a “dangerous lover”, saying the men are “drinking my poisonous water, and you’re under my spell”. The seduction continues: “Moving my hips, you are trying, you can’t resist, try to fight it”. Then Efendi gets the information she wants: “Got a story to tell”.
Efendi refers to her previous song, saying she is “just like Cleopatra”. She then chants in Azeri – the first time the Azeri language has appeared in a song representing Azerbaijan. “Yalan da mən, yanan da mən, yaman da mən” roughly translates to “I also lie, I’m on fire, I’m bad”. Don’t mess with strong, intelligent women!
The feminine power of the song is beautifully portrayed in its energy as well as the lyrics. Azerbaijan proudly join the ranks of the feminist songs going to Rotterdam this year, and will no doubt be very well-received on the stage. It’s very important to recognise and celebrate the great women of history, y’all! Ma-ma-ma-Mata Hari!
In a statement, Efendi summed up the point of her song as follows.
“It is very important to talk about strong women in order to remind our beautiful ladies that despite the fact that we still live in a world full of prejudices, a woman can do anything and female power cannot be compared with anything. And if suddenly you do not have enough inspiration now, let the stories of strong women in history become the source of that very charge of energy with which you can cope with everything and achieve even bigger success. There is a queen in each of us and I want to remind you that it’s time to release her.”
Mata Hari lyrics – Efendi (Azerbaijan Eurovision 2021)
Written and composed by: Amy van der Wel, Luuk van Beers, Tony Cornelissen and Josh Earl
Mata Hari
I’m a godless spy
I’m a spy, I uncover
All of your secrets, I want them
There’s no stopping me now
I’m a liar
Playing the game of desire
Ain’t gonna leave no survivors
Would you fall for me now?
Just like Cleopatra
The army of lovers
I start a fire
Yalan da mən, yanan da mən, yaman da mən
Ma-Ma-Ma-Mata Hari
Mata Hari
(Ma-ma-ma-ma, ma-ma-ma-ma)
(Ma-ma-ma-ma) Ma-Ma-Ma-Mata Hari
Mata Hari
(Ma-ma-ma-ma, ma-ma-ma-ma)
(Ma-ma-ma-ma, ma-ma-ma-ma)
Mata Hari
Undercover
I am a dangerous lover
Drinking my poisonous water
And you’re under my spell
Mesmerizing
Moving my hips, you are trying
You can’t resist, try to fight it
Got a story to tell
Just like Cleopatra
The army of lovers
I start a fire
Yalan da mən, yanan da mən, yaman da mən
Ma-Ma-Ma-Mata Hari
Mata Hari
(Ma-ma-ma-ma, ma-ma-ma-ma)
(Ma-ma-ma-ma) Ma-Ma-Ma-Mata Hari
Mata Hari
(Ma-ma-ma-ma, ma-ma-ma-ma)
(Ma-ma-ma-ma, ma-ma-ma-ma)
Mata Hari
Ma-ma-ma-ma, ma-ma-ma-ma
Ma-ma-ma-ma, ma-ma-ma-ma
Just like Cleopatra
Let’s start a fire
Let’s go
Ma-ma-ma-ma, Mata Hari
Ma-ma-ma-ma, ma-ma-ma-ma, Mata Hari
Mata Hari
What do you think of the “Mata Hari” lyrics? Are you loving all the female power? Let us know below!
Lazy AF lyrics. Would be better if there were more. How much of this song is ‘ma-ma-ma’ or ‘mata hari’ (not to mention ‘just like Cleopatra’ is so cringe – they are not comparable women – one was a ruler one was a spy)
“Cleopatra” was a better song. It’s sad she didn’t get to perform that.
“Mata Hari” is OK. But the singer seems to be very talented, so she may elevate it on stage. We shall see ..
Perfect
Okay… In 2012 Georgia was asked by EBU to change the title of their entry because it could be in some ways upset Russia and more specifically Putin. Name of the song was I don’t want to put in. Georgia refused and so they decided not to participate. In 2016, Ukraine, with Jamala, was represented by the song 1944. A song, not only about her grandmother, but also what the Russians did during WW2 with the Tartar population. Besides what the Tartars did during that same WW2, not a word, what a shocker. No problem said the EBU. Nowadays we… Read more »
Already did
Some lyrics are sometimes so painful….
I dont like these of song its weird and bad. But its Azerbadzjan so its go to the final anyway
If this wgonna do much better than Malta just because it’s Azerbaijan, Im done with ESC .
I pity that people.
LOL ……… people comes with the worst explaining for songs, when clearly is something else. Only because this song got some nice instrumentation that doesn’t make it a good song & there are a lot of better songs that deserves to qualify.
The way this years going, we’re only gonna have 5 songs participate ;-;
Worst entry from Azerbaijan, clear NQ.
Clear qualification you mean?
I don’t think this is a “clear” anything. Depending on the staging and the comparison with several other songs about seduction, this could qualify and finish top ten in the finals, fail to qualify by several spots or end-up in any of the shades in between, in between, oh, in between. 😉
Even though they sound very similar (though I think last year’s entry was much better), the lyrics between Cleopatra and Mata Hari are different enough in their meanings to be able to distinguish them. And in my opinion, Cleopatra clearly has the upper hand there since it actively tells a story. Cleopatra is about a woman regaining her confidence, telling her story by drawing comparisons between her life and Cleopatra’s. Sure, it’s not exactly reinventing the wheel, but it’s effective songwriting, has a solid meaning, and makes sense. Mata Hari is about… seduction, I guess? It’s understandable, since Mata Hari… Read more »
What you wanted to say:
Bland lyrics: check
Unmemorable music: check
Swedish plasticity: check
Nationalist singer: check
Last in my top: triple check
Man, you couldn’t say this better. Exactly my thoughts. I’m so happy she is free-falling on the odds.
Considering that today is St. Patrick’s Day, do you think that there would be an article honoring the Irish Eurovision entries as a way to mark the holiday.
If we follow every national holiday of every country, we will have such articles every single day. St Patrick is an Irish day and nothing more.
Fair enough. I didn’t even think about other countries national holidays.
Already did.
I know this is off-topic, but does anyone have any idea what’s happening regarding Belarus’ participation? The deadline for song submissions was two days ago.
Dispute ongoing because they deny any political explicit lyrics and are pointing past EBU decisions like Jamala, Hatari and even political lines in Verka’s 2007 song.
Yeah, they’re really dragging their feet here. Is Belarus in or out? I keep checking this site and other Eurovision new site every day for any news about Belarus, but I keep getting nothing. At this point, I think Belarus should drop out.
Can we stop pretending like every song has some deeper meaning? xd It’s made to be a bob, let it be a bob.
It was made to be a bop but failed to be even that…
In other news:
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to all eurofans.
We are all Irish today today.
Lá ceile Padraig, a chairde
Hapoy St. Patrick’s to you too!
I wish people actually used Irish more, instead of just on St. Patrick’s Days greetings and the like. At the very least, Ireland could send a song in Irish.
I think TG4 could give us a decent song Ás Gaelige…but I don’t think it’s going to happen anytime soon.
Atleast well always have “Ceoil an Ghrá” back in the 70s
K
The song has 88 seconds of singing , out of which 28 would be ma-ma-ma -mata hari and 75 seconds of instrumentals/beats. That’s why it feels she’s not singing and the ending is just abrupt . They need to add vocals and some structure to the end.
Well, the Swedes kept the good songs for themselves, hahahaha
Have you heard the 1995 winner?
That was a different era , with Live orchestra I presume
At least Nocturne was a damn good song, what you can’t say about this!
Besides you forgot Belgium 1983!
This song goes nowhere. PRAY THE SWEDS!!!!
Dangerous lover indeed….just saw her military pictures on her insta and made me remove her song from my TOP10! I have no trouble with Azerbaijan but her pictures are provocative!
Bad for her….I loved her song and her candidacy till I saw these pictures! SHAME ON HER!
I really like this song first and foremost because it is an electric slice of pop with perfect staging potential for Eurovision. It is not really a song about female empowerment, but there are interesting layers. I like the storytelling of a historical figure who has resonance today in terms of cultural appropriation, the sexual objectification of women and the murky dealings of European relations. I doubt that the average viewer would be interested in exploring these layers but I like that the song focuses on something a little deeper than simple sexual desire or a need to heal the… Read more »
Move over, Amanda Gorman, here’s Efendi!
Now that would be hilarious and I would pay money to see it!!
This is so funny. You should apply for the position to write the next manuscript for a feminist Ghostbusters. Like this song has a deeper meaning LOL
As legendary 1990s Italian electronic dance band U.S.U.R.A. would say……
Open Your Mind.
I find it a little offensive that you imply that my mind is closed.
Very funny! LOL!
Azerbaidjan will win the televote. Imagine the power of the turkish diaspora if Serhat managed to get the 9th place. And this time addition of regular votes. Bye outdated Charleston.
with Armenia out of the contest? They needed a nice little aliyev puppet in Azerbaijan to take the risk and Efendi was perfect.
If it was the Turkish diaspora, why didn’t Serhat make it to the final in 2016?
I’m pretty convinced it was the “Eurovision Daddy Serhat diaspora” instead.
You still have a bit of vomit on your lips.
Remember my words and you will all be crying in may.
Meh, I don’t cry that often and there are chances I don’t remember you in May.
I guess I’m Turkish. Good to know
What? We’re hating on Serhat now? wtf happened?
well, hate that kinda people talking about things which they know nothing at all… should you check out which countries voted for serhat in 2019, you will get that it was not turkish diaspora. even.the countries where turks live the most in, gave 0 points for serhat.
How did four Dutch people write lyrics in Azeri? The translator should also get a credit.
It’s possible one or more of the songwriters speaks Azeri.
Translation does not involve authorship, unless they changed the lyrics or added new content, so a translator wouldn’t get a writing credit. Translators sometimes get a translation credit but if it’s just a few words or a line then usually the translator’s fee will suffice.
I think it does involve authorship, especially when it is usually not possible to just translate word for word. Books in translation published today always give the translator appropriate credit under the author’s name. The Jules Verne or Leo Tolstoy available in English now are very different to what was around a hundred years ago. Anybody translating a Pablo Neruda poem needs to think very carefully about how to do it.
The Dublin Literary Award gives a tenth of the €100,000 to the translator, if there is one. Obviously, this song is only a small example, with just one line…but still, a credit isn’t too much to ask for – if only for the listener’s benefit, so they know it’s accurate and where it came from.
Translation of novels is very different to, and much more time-consuming than, translation for pop music. Something like the Dublin Literary Award will recognise translation because of the political and postcolonial significance of that act, particularly in the Republic of Ireland, where English is considered a coloniser’s language.
That’s partly what I said – it’s not authorship, unless it involves changing the content. I agree, a translation credit would be useful information and nice recognition, but that’s not usually the case for this type of material. The translation needs of centuries-old classic literature are completely different to contemporary pop songs. Novels are a completely different form, with different publishing standards, practices, and marketing. Translations of Beowulf are credited solely to the translator, for example, because we don’t know the original author/s. Translations of contemporary novels usually either credit the translator, as a translator, on the front of the… Read more »
I think it is slightly relevant, because it is a creative translation – not a functional one. Anyway, I really was just asking a question more than making a point – maybe one of the songwriters actually does speak Azeri.
And it’s a great question. I was simply thinking it through with you 🙂
I’d say your examples and analysis made a strong case for crediting the role of translators in literature, but presented a less convincing argument for pop music songs. It’s also worth considering how a credit might affect fee and contract. In any case, I agree with you that ideally all work should be openly and appropriately credited.
I’m bad with tone, people here might think I’m always fighting or in a bad mood…when really I’m not. I sometimes misread the tone of others – which just reminds me of another crucial job of the translator. It really is authorship. Back to the song…maybe the songwriters refused the first translation, asking the translator to try again – this time using an exact amount of syllables to match the beat. They would deserve credit for that. Celine Dion has recorded some English versions of her French songs, like Vole/Fly. The translator of Jacques Goldman’s lyrics got a songwriter credit,… Read more »
For what it’s worth, that’s not my impression of you. You strike me as kind, sincere, and earnest. Reasonable, thoughtful and decent.
Thank you. That’s a lot to live up to, but I’ll try…
Apparently it is a well known expression in Azeri. I doubt anyone can claim to be its author.
That would make sense.
Here’s a tip: If you can’t dance, don’t go with the song that requires dancing.
Also, since we can’t use American Indians as a costume and such, is portraying an Egyptian allowed?
You are suggesting a gross cultural appropriation here? ?
That is the exact opposite what I’m suggesting; You can’t dress as a native American so why are we allowing the Egyptian culture being sold here?
Imagine what it would look like if Efendi would sing about being a Cherokee.
Cher did that once…
I love that you mentioned Cher since I was thinking about her while writing this, I can understand her doing it in some level, as she said she’s 1/16 of Cherokee and back in the seventies people were not as aware of cultural appropriation but if she would release that album now, would it be seen as a good thing?
Just because something was more allowed before doesn’t mean it would still be. People evolve and opinions change.
You do not understand irony.
My comment was written in a bit of a sarcastic way, I guess there’s some communication problems with us. No harm done Helene, sorry for misunderstanding your message!
Why is it offensive to dress up as Native american? Why can’t I paint my face black? Is it really not a good costume to wear a nazi outfit? Were those crows from Dumbo really racist?
Wearing Levi jeans and an AC/DC t-shirt isn’t about culture or race.
Why! never said it’s okay for black people to wear a whiteface. You’re just blant racist.
You’re not going to even apollogize when people here clearly see you as a racist and to top it all you see yourself as a better person. Disgusting behaviour.
Lol! Just watch the Dutch performance in 2012 and you’ll perhaps have an idea what can be done. I really don’t get why people feel the urge to comment on things they clearly have no idea about!
I have seen it, I’m not new to Eurovision. It also was cultural appropriation and disrespectful to Native American cultures to wear a symbolic and important part of their culture as a costume. What is your point, that it’s okay to use other’s cultures as costumes? Very disrespectful.
Maggie that literally was cultural apppropriation, which is not acceptable.
Why are you not reporting on Tornike’s facebook post and why did you close the comment section for Vasil’s article?
My Love, I wanna be with you
I don’t get the hype on this one, it’s just annoying with that “mata-mata hari” being repeated all the time. I feel like this is going to be a NQ, since there are better songs.
There is no hype , since the song release Azerbaijan is constantly dropping in the odds too
Oh no, I meant the hype as in it was quite anticipated upon it’s release. To me this kinda is a letdown, as I was expecting something more spectacular.
My favourite part of this song is that they don’t rhyme “fire” with “desire”.
But they rhyme liar with desire XDD
Once again song is bought from another country, are Azeri people that bad at making music?
Efendi: “I start a fire…”
Meanwhile in my head:
Cause I’m burning up and I ain’t coolin’ down
Yeah I got the the fire
Ah yeah ah yeah ah yeah, yeah ah yeah ah yeah
Fuego!
Or you can go with the classic: “you’re a fire, and desire, when I kiss your lips you know you take me higher” 🙂
More like she is copying Dilara Kazimova , Azerbaijan 2014 , Start a Faiiiiii-re
And Dilara probably copies someone else. The Azeris generally haven’t proved to us they are creative enough.
Yes it is so similar to Cleopatra because everybody wanted a Cleopatra vol 2. They responded and cared audience’s feedbacks and opinions. Maybe a little basic but i don’t think this is a bad one. She needs to improve dance skills until May because everything is up to stage show. If the staging is good , the worst possibility is 12th place and the best one is a place between 5-10
I don ‘t like the song
Sorry guys but this is a mess. How’s Mata Hari a feminist anthem? I think we really overreact as a community whenever there is a bop. You could call a feminist anthem the song from Malta. France’s song is also about finding your identity and confidence but how’s Mata Hari a feminist anthem? It’s a messy song with nonsense lyrics trying to recreate the vibe from Cleopatra. My point here is that we should enjoy the songs for what they are and not try to decorate them with big labels like ‘feminist anthem’ just to push them more and make… Read more »
Especially when it is the opposite of feminist.
Sorry honey, the feminist anthem has been taken by Malta this year. Please try again next year.
Azerbaijan is like so much better.
Russia !!!! Malta just copied and even choose a french tittle when they saw Switzerland was leading.
Netta 2.0 we don’t want.
you’re paranoid and offensive.
I think this song is overrated by the fans (9th on My Eurovision Scoreboard app). The song is nice but nothing special and I would even say it’s not quality. It is a guilty pleasure.
I don’t know if she can sing live but I feel like it could stay in semi final. I wish not for her but the juries will probably not give her many points.
This is 16th in the betting odds. How is this overrated?
Any place higher than 20th is overrating when it comes to this song. Because 20th is the place she is gonna get in May. Just wait 🙂
It’s probably gonna rise to top five in the odds after rehearsals, same with Cyprus.
Even though you’re possibly right, that really saddens me. 😉
Malta is 10X more overrated.
Did I say overrated in the betting odds? No. I said overrated by the fans. But still I think it will struggle to go through the semi final. And if she does a great show and gets a great score then I’ll be happy for her.
You wrote my thoughts exactly! I don’t think deserves a spot in the final since there are better songs in the same semifinal.
Why Malta is so high on the odds when Azerbaijan hasn’t move with a song 10X better that will 100% do better than Malta on televote ?
Malta delegation is creating fake hype by certainly bying the betting odds companies.or placing high amounts on themselves.
Have you not heard ? All the countries participating to the Eurovision secretly met in Moscow early March annd decided to not vote for Azerbaijan this year.
They met in Moscow ? Would seem more plausible they made a pledge to vote for Azerbaijan rather than against , lol
I love Destiny, but I feel like her destiny will be like Michela in 2019.
Wish her the best of luck, tho.
Sorry you’re wrong. Michela absolutely failed to support Chameleon on stage. She was bland.
Destiny has the sass and the vocals and has stage charisma.
But Chameleon was still 10X better song than this messy charleston.
I know, and as I said, I wish the best of luck to her. I would love to see Malta in the TOP 10 or even a Maltese victory in the near future, but Malta often does really bad with the televotes, that’s why I am a bit worried.
Serbian song is about 3 girls singing to a guy (1 guy?) to go crazy and sleep with them 😀 I really wonder what meaning will they say their song has 😀
Translation of the chorus:
And I am sweet and fine,
And you are alone, alone, alone,
And I know, know, know,
That there will be breaking, breaking, breaking,
So com’on, be crazy, crazy 😀
Well you just said it 🙂
Yes, I said it, but I am wondering what will THEY say, how will they explain the meaning haha It’s nothing against Hurricane, I love them! But this is going to be a funny answer and I wanna hear their explination 😀
Probably how consumerism makes us lonely and at the same time very superficial to the point of spiraling into mental illnesses (hence the “crazy”). The “breaking” probably references the breaking point of one’s moral standards in the capitalistic world we live in but also the breaking of one’s own mental health, which is also an indirect critique to class discrimination.
oh, sorry, I used the word “breaking”, but the direct translation is “break”, and a slang meaning of it is “fu*k” 😀 You can type the word “Lom”, and check all the translations, and the last one will be the naughtiest one lol
What are you talking about? It isn’t about breaking anything, it means chaos in the context of the song. They used ,,lom” because it’s short and easy to pronounce. ,,ludilo” didn’t fit the criteria. And it’s not 3 girls addressing 1 guy, it’s 1 girl. Groups often do this thing where they all sing but represent 1 person. The lyrics are not good but there’s no need to stir additional controversy.
This is my favorite of the year, but the lyrics aren’t really that deep lol. All this reminds me of Switzerland 2019 when Luca or someone in wiwibloggs said his song was about female empowerment or something of meaning, yikes…
I don’t think that every song needs to have lyrics with a deep meaning. Neither has this song, but the lyrics fit really well with the concept and as a great party dance track this really works. A definite earworm!
How in the hell this user is still allowed to comment on this site?! Accusing one artist constantly with very offensive adjectives. At this point wiwibloggs’ admins should do something I guess.
Feminism is about not judging women for what they want to look like. If you’re sl*t-shaming someone for looking “seductive”, you’re doing exactly the opposite of what a feminist should do.
For me the deepest part of the song is the chanting in Azeri. It’s a very meaningful saying in Azerbaijan and we usually say it when someone is a victim but also being blamed. I think this saying perfectly matches with Mata Hari’s sad life story taking her to her execution.
Oh, come on, just stop it. What has this got to do with propaganda? Don’t you have got anything better to do than hating here?
Well, that’s also what you basically do, so..
Seems like I’ve got fans over here.
I love when a man comes to explain what Feminism is all about and fights “sl*t shaming” when absolutely no one critized Efendi of this…
So a man can’t know what feminism is? It’s probably the most narrow-minded thing I’ve heard these days.
A man can know what feminism is, but YOU, with your Messiah man-spreading attitude delivering lecture and mentioning “sl*t shaming” when absolutely no one said or thought that about Efendi, you have definitely no idea about Feminism.
It is not judging her for what they she looks like. If you are beautiful it is not a fault. The opposite. And she seams like beautiful. But feminist empower have nothing to do with making yourself pleasing for men to gain your fortune. It is to reach the point where you are free of such ideas. This song is full of cliches about a woman using men so for me it is not feminist at all. It is actually as cheesy as it can be.
After the sexist comment you said last time, you will be the last person who should be explaining feminism.
Lol, when did I ever make a sexist comment? What’s wrong with these people? Now you’re making up a fake sexist comment? Also I had no idea I had so many followers reading every comment that I make on this website. 😀 I feel flattered.
http://wiwibloggs.com/2021/03/15/efendi-releases-mata-hari-azerbaijans-eurovision-2021-song/263237/#comment-1145040
Feeling flattered for people disagreeing with almost everything you say? Rashad you’re the living end.
Rashad said that Efendi can even win if she does sexy choreography, looks like you don’t know what sexism is Kris. And after you said doing a blackface should be allowed I doubt you’re much to say on these things.
Yeah, it looks like Rashad is joined by Kris on the wrong side. Sexism and racism have no place here, you should just both look on your views that are not acceptable and rethink those comments you’ve said. Sad to see that women get hatred even in the Eurovision community. Don’t take it up to youself Emelié, it’s good you try to correct wrong behaviour here, but sometimes people just don’t listen.
The whole situation is just pathetic. I’m not even going to try to explain myself, because clearly these articles are shared in some groups to attack any Azerbaijan related comments. All the dislikes, likes, and obviously trolls commenting nonsense explain it very well. It just upsets me to see how a group of people can lose their minds at once and not find anything better to do.
You’re saying sexist comments towards women and enjoying people getting upset? That’s narcist behaviour!
The oriental part of the song is complete rip off of Turkish folk song Konyalim. There is literally 2 added notes at the end but it is not original for sure
She’s my second place, but let’s not act like the lyrics have such a deep meaning lmao
Look, this is a guilty pleasure song and I like it for what it is. I get that every singer wants to promote their entry, but it gets a bit funny when every party song suddenly has a hidden meaning about empowerment, true love or self reflection. Love them or not, Russia, Malta and Latvia are about feminism. This is about seduction. The closest feminist thing I can take from it is that women shouldn’t be ashamed of displaying their sexuality. I’m totally fine with that. Just don’t overplay the depth of these lyrics, please. 😉
100% with you.
The song is good and not all the songs need a deep meaning or cause to exist and to make people dance and have a good time!
But there are some limits to a guilty pleasure. This passes my limit. It is without any sense of humour or charm.
“I am a dangerous lover
Drinking my poisonous water
And you’re under my spell
Mesmerizing
Moving my hips, you are trying
You can’t resist, try to fight it.”
Yep, feminism. Obvs.
“Ain’t gonna leave no survivors” is not the classiest or most appropriate lyric miss Efendi could have sung. La militarrrrrrrrri – sta
How is that celebrating women who unleash their power ? She just sings about ONE famous woman.
Read Efendi’s quote in the article maybe?
Is she going to show the same quote on the video backdrop on the night?
Sure … so tomorrow is she sings about coffee beans and she says in an interview that this a metaphorical song about women who unleash their power and keep us awake, this will be fine for you ?
No need to mention that based on “her” choices of women (Cleopatra, Mata Hari), her idea for women to unleash their power is mainly focused on seduction… That’s totally fine and nothing to be ashamed of but what about women who unleash power in different ways ?
Do not misinterpret my comment. This is exactly what I meant, what about she sings about all and numerous examples of women who unleash their power in an other way than seduction!?
What about singing of different ways to unleash power for women (and men) using whatever way they want (seduction, intelligence, charisma, leadership…)? Because now basically she is saying that women should be inspired by strong women in the past => Cleopatra/Mata Hari who are famous for their seduction skills. This is counter-productive…
Both songs are great! No need to use pseudo-feminism as a moral excuse.
It takes real skill and self-control to write a non-mocking article about the lyrics of this song. The temptation must be huge.
or you just reproduce Efendi’s press release. The easy, lazy, irresponsible, risk-free way to do it.
Does Efendi even know who Mata Hari is?
Great song.. Very Eurovision, middle eastern pop.. Will do well as is expected of Azerbaijan
I love Turkic language and sounds.. Jamala had turkic lyrics in her song.. also Efendi has. I hope she will do well.
Oh well, I guess those super rich lyrics do really empower women!
Look, the song is fine — although, in my opinion, it is not the masterpiece some people want it to be — but, I respect every opinion, and as I always say, taste is subjective. Still, I am so tired of seeing this “oh, this is feminist!” argument when the song in particular is so bland lyric-wise… I do not get it, seriously.
Is it an ethnic BOP? Definitely.
Will it do well? Definitely.
Is it feminist? Well …
I wouldn’t bet that it will do well. There are a lot of good songs this year.
I mean… I don’t even have it in my TOP15 but seeing how it is being hyped… I expect it to do well in the televote.
It should do well in Televote , the juries I don’t know. But Samra qualified in 2016 with garbage vocals , I highly doubt She is as bad as her