Last weekend was Eurovision time again. A total mystery to any of you outside of Europe (except OZ, where it is adored - and they even have an entry each year now, which is stretching the boundaries to the extreme! But we'll get to that...) I rarely watch the entire show these days. What I do is assess the tunes on the tubular channel and make up my mind just whether to bother or not. Some years are better than others. If there is at least 50% that I can bear to listen to, then I might spend the time.
From the first semi-final selection, I got to number 12 before I was prepared to go beyond 40 seconds of listening. First, the voice got me... then the lyrics, which I shall provide below the video. A song of the times...
And now for the words;
When we were boys
We played pretend
Army tanks
And army men
Hide and seek
Grow to be the kings we dream
Where did we go?
We're standin' on the frontline
Where did we go?
We go?
I don't wanna be a soldier, soldier
I don't wanna have to play with real blood
We ain't playin' now
Can't turn and run
No water guns
No, no
I don't wanna be a soldier, soldier
I don't wanna have to play with real blood
'Cause we ain't playin' now
Can't turn and run
No water guns
Just body bags that we've become
Adolescence, breaking rules
Nothin' hurts when you're bulletproof
I remember, yes, I do, I do
Where did we go?
We're standin' on the frontline
Where did we go?
We go?
I don't wanna be a soldier, soldier
I don't wanna have to play with real blood
We ain't playin' now
Can't turn and run
No water guns
No no
I don't wanna be a soldier, soldier
I don't wanna have to play with real blood
'Cause we ain't playin' now
Can't turn and run
No water guns
Just body bags that we've become
What we've become
What we've become
What we've become
Playin' with water guns
Not playin' with water guns
I seem to be rather out of step with many of my friends in remaining mostly immune to the appeal of Eurovision. Switzerland is of course, despite its famed neutrality, quite demanding of its citizens in terms of national service in the military.
ReplyDeleteAll the bravado in the world didn’t stop many of those who fought in WW1 feeling this way.
ReplyDeleteEurovision parties and all that goes with them is the domain of many LGBT communities down here
oh we totally missed it LOL;
ReplyDeleteHi Yam - definitely not my scene - but reading Switzerland's entry is rather thought-provoking to put it mildly ... thanks for posting - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI have been following Eurovision more for the news aspect. Otherwise, I am not quite familiar with it at all.
ReplyDeletemy brother played with toy soldiers his entire growing up years and the day he was 18 joined the Army, and spent the next year and a half in Vietnam. he would attest to this song
ReplyDeletethe uploader has not made this video available in my Country
ReplyDeleteHugs Cecilia
I watched the Eurovision finals for the first time this year. There were many songs with a similar theme but mostly I couldn't understand all the words. This song is one I remember hearing even though we in the USA can't see that video.
ReplyDeleteI've been watching it online, as it isn't available on TV here. I've been enjoying it! They are so dramatic! XX
ReplyDeleteWe couldn't watch it either, but we bet it was good.
ReplyDelete