Joost Klein — The Netherlands Eurovision 2024 singer — is riding a wave of momentum. After smashing streaming records at home with this song “Europapa”, he’s now one of the betmakers’ Top 5 picks to win it all. Judging from the social media buzz that surrounds him, it’s safe to say he’s produced one of the anthems of the year.
“Europapa” is irresistibly catchy and it lingers on the mind long after it’s over. It blends elements of pop and rap that showcase Joost’s versatility — and also his heart. Beyond its joyous sound, the song carries a moving backstory about an orphan making it on his own.
Scroll down to read the “Europapa” lyrics
The Netherlands at Eurovision 2024: Joost Klein with “Europapa”
Joost Klein comes from Leeuwarden, Friesland and is a versatile musician, rapper, singer, and former YouTuber. His musical style primarily revolves around hip hop, but incorporates diverse influences from electronic music genres like hardstyle and gabber. With an impressive discography boasting eight studio albums, Joost has made a significant impact on the Dutch music scene, with two of his albums reaching the top ten of the Dutch Album Top 100. Among his notable hits are “Scandinavian Boy,” “Wachtmuziek,” and “Friesenjung.”
Despite his musical success, Joost’s journey has been marked by personal tragedy. At the age of twelve he lost his father to cancer. A year later his mother died from cardiac arrest. These devastating losses profoundly shaped Joost’s life, and he took solace in his older brother and sister. Initially gaining popularity as a YouTuber under the name EenhoornJoost, Joost transitioned into music with the release of his debut extended play Dakloos (Homeless) in 2016, marking the beginning of his musical career.
Joost’s musical evolution has been characterized by experimentation and growth. From releasing his debut mixtape Scandinavian Boy in 2017 to collaborating with Dutch rapper Donnie on the studio album M van Marketing in 2018, Joost has continuously pushed artistic boundaries. His eighth studio album, Fryslân, released in September 2022, pays homage to his home province of Friesland and features poignant reflections on personal experiences, such as coping with the loss of his parents. Joost’s impact extends beyond the Netherlands. In 2023, he had a hit in Germany with his single “Friesenjung”, topping the German Single Top 100 chart and solidifying his status as a rising international artist.
What do the “Europapa” lyrics mean?
Joost’s Eurovision entry reflects on his personal journey, including the profound loss of his parents at a young age — and his desire to pay tribute to them. It’s a deeply personal and cathartic expression, allowing him to share his grief, resilience, and ultimately his journey towards healing and acceptance. In doing so, Joost not only pays homage to his parents but also invites listeners to make sense of their own experiences of loss and overcoming adversity.
Visit my friends in France
Or take a long walk to Vienna
I want to leave the Netherlands
But my passport is gone
Fortunately don’t need a visa to be with you
So take the bus to Poland or the train to Berlin
“Europapa” narrates the tale of a young orphan venturing across Europe, aiming to carve his name into the vast expanse of the world. The song draws significant inspiration from Joost’s father, evoking the image of a paternal figure guiding and influencing his journey. The title itself, “Europapa,” hints at this paternal influence, symbolizing a nurturing presence.
Joost’s father imparted invaluable wisdom, teaching him to transcend societal labels and to recognize the universal humanity that binds us all. Through his father’s lessons, Joost embraced an open-minded perspective, navigating the complexities of life and seeking his own path with courage and resilience. His travels across the continent, unencumbered by the need for visas, symbolize a freedom rooted in his father’s teachings and a deep-seated love for his homeland (and the European Union).
Welcome to Europe
Stay here until I die
Euro-pa-pa, Euro-pa-pa
Joost’s father instilled in him the profound belief that we inhabit a world without borders, transcending geographical and cultural divides. Through the highs and lows of his journey, Joost cultivated a deep appreciation for the places he visited, cherishing their unique essence while eagerly anticipating the exploration of new horizons.
For Joost, “Europapa” extends beyond mere geography; it embodies a collective ethos that resides within each individual, encompassing a way of life and a mindset characterized by openness and inclusivity. It’s a philosophy that celebrates diversity, fosters connection, and embraces the shared humanity that unites us all: “Europapa is everybody, is within us all, a way of life, a way of thinking.”
At the end of the day
We are all human beings
My father told me once that
The world has no borders
The outro of the song holds profound significance, serving almost as a therapeutic release. The imagery of the fire engulfing the house and the photo of Joost with his parents carries a symbolic weight, reflecting a cathartic process akin to writing down one’s burdens and then letting them go by burning them. It’s a poignant reminder that sometimes, in order to progress, one must bid farewell to painful memories.
For Joost, this act represents a transformative journey of healing and growth, as he refuses to allow his trauma to be solely a burden. Instead, he channels his experiences into a catalyst for change, propelling himself in a new direction and toward a brighter future.
The closing lines, echoing his father’s words, resonate with a sense of longing and acceptance. As Joost whispers his father’s lessons and expresses his longing, he also acknowledges the profound impact his father had on him, affirming that he carries his teachings forward with him on his journey.
“Europapa” lyrics and translation — Joost Klein (The Netherlands Eurovision 2024)
Songwriters: Joost Klein, Maradonnie, Tim Haars, Dylan van Dael, Paul Elstak, Teun de Kruif, Thijmen Melissant
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Europapa Europe, let’s come together Welkom in Europa Bezoek m’n friends in France Ik ben echt alles kwijt, behalve de tijd Welkom in Europa Euro-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa Ich bin in Deutschland, aber ich bin so allein Zet de radio aan, ik hoor Stromae met “Papaoutai” Welkom in Europa Euro-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa Euro-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa… (Hey) Aan het einde van de dag Ik mis je elke dag
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Europapa Europe, let’s come together Welcome to Europe Visit my friends in France I lost everything except time Welcome to Europe Euro-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa I’m in Germany but I’m so alone Turn on the radio, I hear Stromae with “Papaoutai” Welcome to Europe Euro-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa Euro-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa… (Hey) At the end of the day I miss you every day
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What do you think of the “Europapa” lyrics from Joost Klein? Will The Netherlands qualify for the final? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
If there is a need to explain everything regarding this song, its message and its vision on stage, and that need to be a ton heavy, sorry, I won’t buy it.
Things need to be straighforward. North Macedonia 2019 winning the jury vote was a straightforward event – singing a message to her daughter, no further explanation.
Kaarja had a straightforward message – “it’s crazy, it’s party” without the need of translating Finnish.
Maneskin was pure rockish fun, something that transcends borders.
If something needs to be elaborated in details, like NL this year, it won’t finish well.
He doesn’t speak about a WORLD with no borders. He’s just thankful for the privilege to live in the EU.
Nah. The Dutch word “grenzen” translates both as territorial borders and personal limits. It’s very important to know that, because Europapa is a play on those words. His dad said to him that borders of nations were drawn by man (and within the Schengen area their limitations were again taken away by man). So if they can do that, nothing is stopping him from setting his own limits.
ain’t winning, try a bit harder at marketing next time
Quick poll, just to be sure.
Is this song PRO or ANTI European Union?
Upvote for PRO
Upvote for ANTI
Upvote for NEITHER
It seemed strongly pro to me from the beginning. The music video, with him posing like a politician, the costume like the blue Euroflag, the title alone, the stay here till I die…
That’s what I figured too, but a small part of me is wondering if I missed something. It could be some kind of parody. Probably not, but what with the shock election results of November 2022, you never know. A rally against Geert Wilders, or a rally FOR him? There is obviously SOME kind of political dimension.
Or we are just completely overthinking it and the motive just is “how might I get as many televotes as I can?”.
Also a possibility, though the subject matter, or perception of it, could equally LOSE him votes.
(Kosey, which is why I am interested in the U.K. reception, and asked you recently what Brexiteers might make of it…)
It’s a gamble indeed.
Yah, Kaleen wants her backing track!- back.
Neither! I reject the binary of the poll 🙂
I think the song points beyond to the fact that there’s so much that unites us as peoples of the world, and as he says at the end – borders are human creations and if we can put them up and divide people, we can also dismantle them and bring people together. I think the song should definitely be considered pro-Union, rather than anti-Union, but I think it gestures beyond the nation state (or a union of nation states) as well.
That does make sense. It could easily be considered pro EU, but just as equally anti bureaucracy. Which is an oxymoron of sorts.
I dont think voters from the Caucasus, Moldova, Ukraine etc. like that message and style. (but maybe some will vote for the fun part or just the emotional ending).
The open borders are only for the EU, Schengen countries. If you are from outside, it is not easy to get in.
It’s only part of Europe that’s without borders.
On the other hand, borders are good.
A world without borders is not recommendable.
When you have a crazy neighbor you want a border.
All those countries in the East didnt say NO to all the money they received from the EU in the last decades!!
Say TY, merci en alstublieft to your Euro Papa
So it is Anti, against the Eastern countries that take the money from the West?
mmm, thats not quite what I would liked to express. I understood from your reaction that you prefer having borders. And you are right in pointing out the open border policy is applied for the Schengen countries. The point what I was trying to make that the countries in the East ( former east block) have received much EU money restarting and rebuilding their economies since they joined. On the other hand other EU regulations, laws and social issues adressed like LHBTQ and other minorty rights, are not welcomed with open arms in some countries. Its not being against for… Read more »
You offended and belittled us.
Your answer is not helping.
You are lucky not many East Europeans are on this wiwi blog.
Joost his dad thought him thinking beyond borders to free your mind and reaching your goals.
The EU is without the former borders, so people can travel free, reaching their goals.
I think the intention of the song isnt political.
I dont like the use of those EU symbols. Many people wont like it on that.
His intention of the message gets lost in this way. The blue bird isnt also contributing much imo.
I’ve explained this many times on this site: the European flag might have been adopted by the EU, but it certainly does not belong to the EU. It is older than the EU and is used by many more European organisations. It is meant to represent the whole continent, not just the EU-27.
It is both, depending on one’s interpretation. This will probably be talked about for years. The music is childlike right from the start and very naive in the way it loves to see Western Europe, but later in the song, the lyrics reject Europe’s selling points and instead cry out for self-help. There is tragedy at the end, but it is deliberately unclear whether “I miss you every day” refers to Joost’s father or to Europe, or both. The whole concept of “Europapa” is that it is conflating the two together. Speaking as someone who also travelled Europe with my… Read more »
So it could be also Anti, you say. Missing the old Europe?
Before the own values and soeverenity of the countries started disappearing. So then its mocking the European Union?
Neither. Because this song is not about the European Union. Joost has already explained this many times.
If he’s gonna shed a tear in the outro through all rehersals, semi and final, with the same words and facial expressions – how genuine do you think it is? I’m not insensitive at all, everyone has a sad story, trauma and all but not everyone is using it to earn eurivision votes. Jesus, it’s Tix and his ticks all over again.
Exactly. Fakery at its best (or worst)
When Joost will perform his outro in a full Arena, he will show his true emotions. These were just rehearsals.
If that’s the case, one more reason to dislike this act. Playing with tears is something I find really disgusting. When OG3NE cried after their song you could see it was genuine and they just couldn’t hold it back. Fake crying diminishes these heartfelt moments. Tix is a good example. I loved his song originally when it won the NF. When Eurovision came, I cringed at that performance.
Estonia 2015 did it well
I thought of that one too. Even that one I disliked for the fake tears although in her case, it was obvious the tear was fake and just for show so I guess it’s not that deceptive but still…
Russia 2015 did it too. At the time, I remember watching the SF performance and thinking how emotional she was at the end and how much the message must mean to her. And then girlfriend cried in exactly the same way at the end of her performance in the GF and I realised how rehearsed it must have been. I agree, engineering tears for emotional impact can come across as deceitful. But it may also be the case that someone has a genuine, sincere emotional response every time they perform something.
I always thought that Polina was more reacting to the hostile crowd. She’d held it together out of professionalism for theee minutes, then let the mask drop as soon as she was able to. Release those tears. The boos were deafening, and probably puzzling to her.
I thought it was hysterical tears because the hostile crowd genuinely frightened her. It seemed a bit manic to me. Frightening to think that this was also orchestrated because damn, it that case it was very overdone.
Who are you to decide that he is fake crying? When you’ve gone through something as traumatic as he has, leave it to him to decide how he wants to process that.
I didn’t decide. I said “if that’s the case.” Who are you to decide if it’s real and nobody can question the act?
I didn’t. I’m not the one coming on here trying to drag artists down.
Hoe fake are you when your both parents died when you were a kid? All those hate… please..
Erm I don’t know. Do a study on it if you want.
So you are not insentitive about artists sharing their feellings ( a broken heart, love, relation, dying of partner, parents, familymembers etc) but that should be packed in a slow and sad mood??
Joost choosed creating a sad life story in a happy (hardcore/ gabber-vibe) song. Mon amour of Slimane is not his style.
Tho he is showing in his outro a more emotional feeling.
He is very genuine and a talented young dutch artist.
I think his message and style presenting will touch many ESC24 viewers.
Hit or miss.
Gabber-style. Douze points!
Neh, ur just missing the point of what I said. I don’t have a problem with the song, I get it and it’s fine. I’m talking about manifactured emotions and forcing something at a specific moment and using them to win points, which I find weird. It’s like crying on command if you do it so many times.
Nope I didnt miss that point Buddy.
Joost will convey these emotions as he is a good genuine artist.
Believe me.
He isnt manufactured.
His parent are always in his performances and song. Thats is a part of him as an artist. This is something they watched when he was younger. Its a ungoing story… and not a trick for votes.
You know they actually had to convince Joost to rehearse the outro, because he felt weird about doing it without an audience? His parents are the whole reason he wanted to go to Eurovision. They’re the whole reason he is the person he is today. He references to them in almost every song he makes. Of course he’s gonna get emotional when he is on that stage.
f you think this guy is fake, please look up a live registration of his song Florida 2009.
It’s a great song with some interesting lyrics. Joost has a whole back catalogue of tracks discussing his problems with mental health and this is a strong theme here as well. There is the homourous veneer which is his trademark coping mechanism. As ever, there are the layered meanings. Whilst being able to freely travel around and meet people is great, the lyric “stay here until I die” is not as positive as it might sound and cuts to social issues. Also, he talks about paying for people but not receiving any help on his travels which some have commented… Read more »
The messages Joost delivers are interesting and personal.
Two weeks ago it was a fun act, last week it turned out we will have a blue bird on stage and food plates on the led screen.
In the last 24 hours, we found out that it is not a fun song, not a circus, but an emotional and liberal song.
I like the song, but it’s still a joke act, to make the contest a weird freak show more than it already is. That’s the genre and that’s fine, but let’s not pretend it’s not.
Wow, that post has a fair degree of judgment in it my friend. I thought the contest was all about bringing people together and celebrating diversity?
It’s a question of whether a blue bird on stage is celebrating diversity, or it makes fun of the event.
Why is a blue bird making fun of the event? Joost has already said he is a fan of the contest. He used to watch it with his parents for goodness sake.
He loved Eurovision as a kid. He wanted to put something in his act that kids will like. Hence the Bluebird. It’s a reference to something he remembers fondly from his youth. I think it is sweet.
Not receiving help on his travels?
No requiring a visa is help. No currency exchange. Free healthcare etc.
That’s pretty helpful.
Also, another way of saying “stay here until I die”” is “’til death do us part”, which is generally regarded as a positive thing. A “happily ever after” vibe to suggest that the EU is here to stay, despite efforts to the contrary.
More likely, the values he inherited from his Dad will stay with him until he dies.
Beautiful message but poorly executed. Sadly you can’t change my opinion in this song. For me it’s just very bad taste but if Europeans like it I won’t say they’re wrong.
There isn’t much shown in the snippets about which we can have a good judgement.
I was sure that we would have dozens of Loreens this year (we have some Chanels/Elenis). Apparently, it takes a good voice to imitate her, so some opted to become another Kaarja (incl. CRO and NED). Joost? I don’t find him amusing, and the song isn’t a masterpiece.
Joost and the song are memorable. As someone else said on the chat, could be lots of references to 50 years of Ding -a-Dong next year. Go Joost. And what a sad back story.
So basically song about western Europe supremacy lol God forbid to go to some dark, scary places eastern from Vienna on than kids bicycle… anyway, I’m definitely for the Europe without visa, but with sovereign countries and borders. Having national identity doesn’t make me less European …
Exactly. Look at Joost. He’s proud of his regional identity (Frisian) while also supporting a united Europe. You can be both!
I’m also supporting united but independent, sovereign European countries… all not only Western European.
Comment is against Joost, so stop that childish manipulation!
Yes, its a bit Western thing, including Spain, Italy.
You have to protect your own values.
Everyone East of Vienna already knows that a world without borders is disillusional.
When you have a crazy neighbor, you want a border.
Kinda on the same genre as Greece and Croatia I think. Melancholic pop.
You mean trash?
Our Joost is eating the televote points from Croatia, leaving no crumbs and leaving the baby crying (that’s what the plate on the LED represents), go on, Joost!!!
Excuse moi?
My first comment was literally “And then you w.o.k.e. up” (without .s), but I guess it wasn’t approved lol.
Nah, Netherlands is in direct competition with Finland. It’s giving me same vibes. But it’s totally out there, for sure there are people who will love it:) and don’t talk trash about other artists, you look desperate hehe
There was lasanga on the plate.. That was a good one! Even if I don’t agree.. I don’t care of any of them actuallly.
The cat will eat the bird. Actually two, your blue one and swiss pink one.
A one-eyed cat, no less
So instead of trying to apeal to people so that we could vote for your (and maybe our) fav, you’re disrespecting the other singer of the show? This is how Joost is loosing point by point, and I am so not voting after seeing these kind of comments from his (mainly) Dutch fans. Joost isn’t winning, deal with it 😉
That is a horrible way to put it
Still think this is a classic mix of two very good songs Falco rock me amadeus and 2 Unlimited no limits.
Anyone thinking that Joost came to troll the Eurovision Song Contest, while representing his country and singing about his dead parents, needs to work on their emotional intelligence.
He’s obviously holding things back from the rehearsal footage for the purpose of his live show performance. He obviously cares deeply, and personally, about this performance.
If he wins, next year we will not get 5 joke acts like this year. We will get 10 joke acts.
And what about it?
This is Eurovision Song Contest not Eurovision Sob Story Ballad Contest.
Or maybe, it is possible that all his fans are in stress right now and are delusional. It is very possible that the 3 minutes will be a complete let down.
It’s also possible that it will be Epic…But you like it to trash the Dutch entry. Maybe you should take care about the Belgian entry? A complete let down you said?…
Are you still as confident of ultimate victory, Jimmy?
He will likely win the televote and that is victory enough.
I’m still kinda with you on this. I always thought the televote winner must be the real winner. Jonas raised some good points though. San Marino’s fake pints are part of the televote and they are not from the people, not a single one. I wish I could trust the televote because I ultimately agree I’m the people should decide but do they actually?
*agree that the people should decide
We’ll know soon…
It’s a good question. I’m very much still rooting for Joost. I think he can do it, yes. At the same time, it’s a very open year, and we all know it could go a large number of ways. I was reflecting yesterday, and I realised that for Joost just standing on that stage is a form of victory in itself. Your own goals and view of yourself is all that really matters, ultimately. I agree with all the comments below about him winning the televote and the value of that. I think we’ll know if he’ll have the ultimate… Read more »
Thanks. Overthinking is one of my favourite pastimes, so I’ll give that video a go!
I’m sure you’ll enjoy the video 🙂
Also check out their 20-minute on Greece’s entry. It gives a great overview of Marina and her inputs into the song and music video.
There are several different factors here:
A. He lost a parent.
B. He wants no borders in the world.
C. The comic part: blue bird, the video screen – 90% of the performance.
The surprising and emotional part are the last 20 seconds. I can’t decide if I like it or not. He’s a good entertainer, but he also came to troll the show.
Yeah, the message will probobly fly above people’s heads. But he seems like a nice guy.
Not at all.. wait and see.