It’s the dark rock song that went from dark horse to runaway favourite in Finland’s Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2021. Blind Channel and “Dark Side” is Finland’s first Eurovision rock act for several years. But what is the entry about and what do the lyrics mean?
Scroll down for “Dark Side” lyrics
Finland in Eurovision 2021: Blind Channel “Dark Side”
Blind Channel has been around since 2013, but the current formation welcomed its latest member in autumn. Their line-up for UMK consists of Joel Hokka, Niko Vilhelm, Joonas Porko, Olli Matela, Tommi Lalli and Aleksi Kaunisvesi. The group have performed at some of the world’s most famous heavy metal festivals, including Germany’s Wacken Open Air. They received an EMMA (Finland’s answer to the Grammys) nomination in 2018 for ‘Rock Album of the Year’.
What do the “Dark Side” lyrics mean?
“Dark Side” is an anarchic anthem to parties in the dark, so say Blind Channel before adding that it perfectly condenses the core of the group. “We want to show that even if life is darker and harsher, you can still have fun. This song is for all those who feel outward and inadequate, who have sometimes made up their minds to raise the middle finger and shout. We claim that there are many such people in the world, and Eurovision is a celebration of unity, in whatever form!” There wasn’t a live audience at UMK, but Blind Channel created the track with one in mind. “We wanted this song to hook me up immediately and get the listener to the fair”.
The group describe the sound as “violent pop”. And indeed, “Dark Side” is littered with many disturbing references. The most notable is the 27 Club. This is a list of notable musicians, artists and actors who have died at 27. It includes Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse.
The line, “Living that life on the dark side, Like the 27 club” is particularly chilling. Many of these people suffered with alcohol and substance abuse, which often was a contributing, if not main, factor of their death. However, Blind Channel don’t appear to be seeking out death. They’re really more like Peter Pan and the lost boys — “We don’t wanna grow up”. Are they actually just a bunch of man-boys that want to avoid adulthood? Or is there more to it than that?
Update: In an interview with wiwibloggs, the band explains that the “27 Club” reference is about the fact that Joel turned 27 during the pandemic and that he wanted to survive what felt like the end of music.
Hedonistic living might bring some comfort for a couple of hours, but ultimately it’s all a facade. The real reason for their need to party like there’s no tomorrow is hidden at the heart of the song: “Just another night on my pitch black paradise, Don’t wanna cry so I gotta get paralyzed”. It’s not clear what’s causing such pain and grief. The song closes with the declaration “All drinks on me”. The question is, for how long?
“Dark Side” lyrics — Blind Channel (Finland ESC 2021)
Written and composed by: Aleksi Kaunisvesi, Joonas Porko, Joel Hokka, Niko Moilanen, Olli Matela
Put your middle fingers up
Take a shot, throw it up and don’t stop
I’m, I’m, I’m living that life on the dark side
Every psycho in the scene
Hands up and follow me saying (hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo)
Empire of the freaks, all drinks on me
Just another night in my pitch-black paradise
Don’t wanna cry, so I gotta get paralysed
My body is my weapon, so I keep it loaded
‘Til I’m all over the place like my head exploded
Don’t waste your prayers, they can’t save us
Lifestyles of the sick and dangerous
Put your middle fingers up
Take a shot, throw it up and don’t stop
I’m, I’m, I’m living that life on the dark side
Likе the 27 Club, headshot
We don’t wanna grow up
I’m, I’m, I’m living that lifе on the dark side
Life on the dark side
Every psycho in the scene
Hands up and follow me saying (hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo)
Empire of the freaks, all drinks on me
I’m in a cave of man-made misery
Digging a grave for myself and my enemies
Of all the dark things that keep me wasted
You’re the sweetest I’ve ever tasted
Put your middle fingers up
Take a shot, throw it up and don’t stop
I’m, I’m, I’m living that life on the dark side
Like the 27 Club, headshot
We don’t wanna grow up
I’m, I’m, I’m living that life on the dark side
Life on the dark side
Just another night in my pitch black paradise
Don’t wanna cry so I gotta get paralyzed
Don’t waste your prayers, they can’t save us
Lifestyles of the sick and dangerous
Put your middle fingers up
Take a shot, throw it up and don’t stop
I’m, I’m, I’m living that life on the dark side
Like the 27 Club, headshot
We don’t wanna grow up
I’m, I’m, I’m living that life on the dark side
Life on the dark side
Every psycho in the scene
Hands up and follow me saying (hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo)
Empire of the freaks, all drinks on me
Have you gone to the “Dark Side”? Is there room for violent pop at Eurovision? Let us know below.
I was never really curious how Good Charlotte would sound if they did a more modern hard rock thing so they would be played on SiriusXM’s Octane, but now I know…
I hope they do well in the contest.
Blind Channel should do well at Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Rotterdam. I like the song from the first second I listened to it on Spotify. Good luck Finland!
Choose this, Finland. it’s the only way you’ll make an impact in the contest: by offering something different from the others.
Honestly I hope they win because being completely honest here- they’re probably our only chance to have a song of this genre this year
Very tasteful, Mr Vanilla Bean 🙂 This is the third selection where we both share the same winners(Memoria in Spain and Rijeka in Croatia). Aksel and Ilta are my absolute favorites here as well, but it’s pretty clear yle doesn’t want aksel to win after giving him the second position in the running order and favoring the public over the juries. Ilta on the other hand is performing last and over performed on the finnish charts so here’s to hoping she’d win.
I find this song a little awkward, tbh.
Rooting for these guys on saturday!