On this day every year, Europe celebrates the ethos of being united as declared from the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Robert Schuman back on 9th May 1950. And since a new Eurovision week is coming ahead next week (13-17 May), I want to surface an all-time favorite entry, that shares a common message.
The song is none other than 'Europapa' from Netherlands by Joost Klein, from last year’s contest. It catches your attention with its infectious energy, the multilingual lyrics, and that wild Gabber drop; this is where the Dutch legend DJ Paul Elstak added his unmistakable loud and very Dutch touch.
The main theme speaks about a united Europe with no borders. It is also a tribute to his late father. It opens in English and spirals quickly through Dutch, French, German, Italian, and Spanish - more languages than any other Eurovision entry (probably ever?). It's a frenzy train ride across the EU with very much beauty in that mess. When Joost sings: “Fortunately I don’t need a visa to be with you,” it spots the connection, freedom, and finding belonging wherever you are. And honestly, the message couldn’t be more timely. Among its banging vibe, this song showcases a connection with us all.
If you give it another spin, you’ll realize there’s something much deeper pulsing beneath the surface. What makes 'Europapa' so powerful is that it manages to be both a tribute and a dancefloor anthem. Amidst the beats and hilarious lines about Joost losing his passport or taking a bus to Poland, he is grieving, healing, and remembering. The song is rooted in his father’s worldview, that life has no borders, people are more alike than different, and that Europe, is something worth celebrating. Joost decides to stay and honor and you can tell that the song is split in two words: 'Europe' and its 'Papa' (i.e. referring to his father).
On a personal note: I’m not here to judge Joost’s disqualification or debate what happened or whether we should have seen him on the Finals. But let me just say that when I see countries like Australia participating in a European contest, it's ridiculous. So who knows, maybe Greece is gonna win this year after all, especially since their primary surplus is literally double the 2024 goal?!
And look, in the end, a song’s success at Eurovision isn’t about where it ranks on the scoreboard. Songs like 'Anoiksi' by Sofia Vossou (1991) or S.A.G.A.P.O.' by Michalis Rakintzis (2002), didn’t peaked the top 10, but they’re still played in greek clubs to date, and people love them a lot.
That’s what 'Europapa' is. A song with soul and a vibe that stays.
Either you forgot it or not, try at least to keep alive the message of unity in Europe and apparently peace and solidarity throughout the planet.
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