It’s no secret that Spain has been a Junior Eurovision powerhouse, and they’re more than ready to prove it once again with their next entry: “Érase una vez (Once Upon a Time)” by Gonzalo Pinillos.
Last year, they were the host nation for the contest, with Chloe De La Rosa reaching an impressive sixth place with “Como La Lola”. And now they’re aiming for the top five once more with this epic literary ballad.
Scroll down for the “Érase una vez (Once Upon a Time)” lyrics
Spain in Junior Eurovision 2025: Gonzalo Pinillos with “Érase una vez (Once Upon a Time)”
Selected internally from over 270 auditionees, 14-year-old Gonzalo is a musical theatre kid at heart. Since 2020, the Madrid-born singer has taken part in a variety of plays and performances, including the lead actor in The Chorus as well as important roles in School of Rock and Intérprete.
Outside of performing, Gonzalo is interested in creative writing and a variety of sports, ranging from basketball to surfing, skiing, swimming and even chess, where he reached the finals of the Madrid regional championship.
What do the “Érase una vez (Once Upon a Time)” lyrics mean?
This song is all about Gonzalo’s love for books, reading, and everything literary. Titled as the common starting phrase of many tales, it speaks of a day Gonzalo decides to disconnect and get lost in a book instead.
Today I turn off the Internet
Today I prefer to dream
I open a book and begin to imagine
He elaborates on how a myriad of characters in his books come alive to call him, imagining adventures in their respective worlds, even if he can get a bit too immersed.
C’est ta différence, qui te rend spécial
I see Isadora Moon telling Greg
Asterix says, ‘What are you doing?’
It’s time for dinner
Obelix and Naruto are going to get angry
Wait for me in Lilliput
In Narnia, in Oz
In Neverland
But nevertheless, the song tells the tale of how reading can make you feel invincible and the possibilities it opens.
And sing for heaven, earth and sea
Beyond, I want to imagine
When I read I feel
Thаt everything is possible
“Érase una vez (Once Upon a Time)” lyrics – Gonzalo Pinillos (Spain JESC 2025)
Lyrics and music: Alejandro Martínez, David Parejo, Luis Ramiro, Gonzalo Pinillos
Spanish/English textHoy apago Internet En la isla del tesoro I can see the colours of my dreams Everything is possible C’est ta différence, qui te rend spécial Espérame en Liliput I can see the colours of my… When you re-e-e-ead Y cantar por cielo, tierra y mar Everything is posѕible |
English translationToday I turn off the Internet On Treasure Island I can see the colours of my dreams Everything is possible C’est ta différence, qui te rend spécial Wait for me in Lilliput I can see the colours of my… When you re-e-e-ead And sing for heaven, earth and sea Everything is posѕible |
What do you think of “Érase una vez (Once Upon a Time)”? Is Gonazlo Pinillos’ song one of your favourites in this year’s contest? Let us know in the comments below.
