After writing my last post, I immediately heard a song I have kept dear to my heart since I first heard it in 2009′s Eurovision Song Contest. Since I have talked about a song that bothers me, I will talk about a song that still truly inspires me, and hoping it inspires you too.
The song is La Voix by a fine Swedish mezzo soprano – Malena Ernman. For those who may not know, the Eurovision Song Contest occurs every year at the end of May, and is grounded by so much tradition. This tradition, in my opinion, is why it is still a big event in Europe and most French speaking places (i.e. Quebec – Celine Dion competed and won in 1988 with Ne partez pas sans moi). Several other music artists from Quebec have competed on behalf of France, and since I used to host a French radio show, I would some times highlight these songs. That is also why, I follow it every year. And in 2009, when I heard this song, I really felt like it could win. Although she made it as a semi-finalist, she still ended in 21st place.
Either way, the song is a true example of how beautiful the French language is and how well it sounds sung in operatic style. Although the chorus is operatic and sung completely in French, the verses are in English and have a rhythm that screams pop music. Here is what Malena is singing in the chorus…
Je t’aime amour quand j’entend la voix
Je t’aime ma vie c’est jamais sans toi
Je vis ma vie pour toi
C’est l’univers pour moi
Je t’aime amour quand j’entend la voix
In English it would be…
I love you darling/sweetheart when I hear the (your) voice
I love my life it is never without you
I live my life for you
It is the universe to me
I love you darling/sweetheart when I hear the (your) voice
Now try to sing the way she does in French with the English translation… Does not work as well. The song was composed by Fredrik Kempe, with lyrics by both Kempe and Ernman. Mr. Fredrik is a genius, and more people need to know this song. More people need to know Malena as well. Try to sing this one Mariah…
Hope you enjoyed today’s entertainment, and have a great weekend! Oh! And let’s do something like this again for 2012′s EuroVision.