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Wales Online
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Greece's harrowing Eurovision lyrics explained as song 'addresses separation'
Greece's harrowing Eurovision lyrics explained as song 'addresses separation' Greece is amongst the countries competing in the second Eurovision semi-final, with Klavdia performing the song Asteromata, which translates to 'Starry-eyed' Asteromata is performed by Klavdia (Image: EUROVISION ) The second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest is about to commence, with Greece among the contenders vying for a spot in Saturday's grand finale. Before the 2025 competition, Greece had graced the Eurovision stage 44 times since its first appearance in 1974. Greece has claimed victory once in the contest's history, with Helena Paparizou's performance of 'My Number One' in 2005. This year, Klavdia, who reached the final of The Voice of Greece under the mentorship of Eurovision champion Paparizou, will represent the nation. Klavdia shares 'personal connection' to song Klavdia has already made waves in the music industry with platinum-selling hits like 'Haramata' and 'Vasanizomai', earning her the Best Newcomer title at the Super Music Awards in Cyprus in 2023. At just 22, she has shared the stage with some big names in the industry. Article continues below Her Eurovision entry, 'Asteromata', which translates to 'Starry-eyed', features poignant lyrics such as: "My sweet mother, do not weep. Though they dress you in mourning black, This faded, weary body of mine. No flame can ever crack, The swallows born of fire's embrace." The song is characterised as "an ethnic ballad that addresses separation in every possible form." The song's description further reads: "From what we love, from our childhood, from a place we left behind... It's open to interpretation but, in its essence, it shares a message of hope and resilience." While she didn't pen the lyrics herself, she found it easy to connect with the song on a personal level, affectionately referring to it as "her little baby". Speaking to Eurovision, she revealed: "The lyrics were ready since last year. They were in some drawer just sitting and waiting to be used. Klavdia representing Greece attends the Turquoise Carpet of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest Opening Ceremony "I did the melody in some parts. In the verses, to be exact. And I totally feel like this song is my little baby." She described the process as organic, saying: "I literally went with the flow. I read the lyrics and the melody came by, it was very natural. In fact, all about this song was natural and we were all on the same page." Article continues below She also shared that she has received numerous messages from fans who were moved by the song. The lyrics continue: "My sweet mother, do not weep. My life's a vessel, drifting free. Forever searching for its home. The wind, its sail at sea." This isn't her first attempt to represent Greece at Eurovision; she tried in 2023 but wasn't successful. "Back then the process was different. We didn't have a national selection contest," she explained. The second Eurovision semi-final will be broadcast on BBC One on May 15 at 8pm. Viewers outside the UK can watch it on the official Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel.
Irish Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Greece's Eurovision song explained as Klavdia shares 'personal connection'
The second Eurovision semi-final is set to commence with Greece among the remaining nations vying for a spot in Saturday's grand finale. Before the 2025 contest, Greece had graced the show 44 times since its first appearance in 1974. The country has claimed victory once so far, with the song My Number One performed by Helena Paparizou in 2005. The 2025 contestant Klavdia made it to the final of The Voice of Greece, where she was coached by Eurovision champion Paparizou. Klavdia proceeded to release platinum-selling hits like Haramata and Vasanizomai, which contributed to her winning Best Newcomer at the Super Music Awards in Cyprus in 2023. At a mere 22 years old, she has already shared the stage with some big names. Her Eurovision song, Asteromata, translates to 'Starry-eyed' and features lyrics such as: "My sweet mother, do not weep. Though they dress you in mourning black, This faded, weary body of mine. "No flame can ever crack, The swallows born of fire's embrace." Her song is characterised as "an ethnic ballad that addresses separation in every possible form." The narrative goes on: "From what we love, from our childhood, from a place we left behind... It's open to interpretation but, in its essence, it shares a message of hope and resilience." Even though she didn't pen the tune herself, she found it easy to relate to "on a personal level", affectionately referring to it as "her little baby". Chatting with Eurovision, she revealed: "The lyrics were ready since last year. They were in some drawer just sitting and waiting to be used. "I contributed to the melody in certain parts. Specifically, in the verses. And I absolutely feel like this song is my little baby. "It was a completely instinctive process. I read the lyrics and the melody just came to me, it was all very organic. "Actually, everything about this song felt natural and we were all in harmony." She shared that numerous fans have reached out to her, expressing how much the song has moved them. Continuing with the lyrics: "My sweet mother, do not weep. My life's a vessel, drifting free. Forever searching for its home. The wind, its sail at sea." Previously, she had tried to secure a spot to represent Greece at Eurovision in 2023, but didn't make it on her first attempt. "Back then the process was different. We didn't have a national selection contest," she clarified. The second semi-final of Eurovision is set to broadcast on BBC One on May 15 at 8pm. International viewers can catch the event on the official Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel.
Euronews
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Klavdia brings a starry-eyed Greek ballad to Eurovision 2025
Euronews Culture met with Klavdia, a rising star in the Greek music scene and the country's representative at this year's Eurovision Song Contest. Many Greeks are pinning their hopes on her to bring the trophy back home, exactly 20 years after Helena Paparizou's iconic win. Curiously, Paparizou herself mentored Klavdia during her time on The Voice of Greece, where the young singer reached the finals. Since then, Klavdia has released platinum-selling singles and built a following of over 200,000 on TikTok. Now 22, Klavdia is bringing her song 'Asteromáta' to the European stage, having secured her place at Eurovision by winning Greece's national selection contest. 'The vibe here is amazing. The energy of the team is really high. We love being here,' she tells Euronews Culture. Rehearsals are well underway, with artists having their first stage run-throughs and dress rehearsals. 'We're having so much fun. It's better than I thought it would be,' Klavdia confesses. For the second year in a row, Greece is sending a Greek-language song to Eurovision, following Marina Satti's 'Zari', which placed 11th and received attention beyond Greece. 'Asteromáta in English means 'starry-eyed' - eyes that look like stars, beautiful eyes,' Klavdia explains. Her ethnic ballad is emotionally powerful, touching on themes of displacement and survival, with undertones that some interpret as referencing refugee experiences. Klavdia, who is of Pontic Greek descent - a community historically persecuted during and after World War I - has sparked discussions. The word 'asteromáta' was once used in Pontus' Smyrna to describe women with striking, bright eyes, adding symbolic weight. While Klavdia has downplayed any specific connection to that history in interviews, speculation has prompted political reactions in Türkiye, which has historically denied the genocide of Pontic Greeks. 'The song talks about separation from loved ones, your family, your friends, and having to leave your home,' she says. Political controversy isn't new to Eurovision. From Joost Klein's disqualification last year to ongoing disputes surrounding Israel's participation, the contest often finds itself at the centre of drama. But Klavdia remains unfazed: 'I came here really determined to enjoy everything, to connect with people, to make friends and enjoy this musical journey with positive vibes. Music is here to unite people all over the world, not to divide us.' Though Asteromáta is sung in Greek, Klavdia believes it carries a universal message. 'I think anyone can relate to the song through their own emotions, experiences, and memories,' she said. She hopes non-Greek speakers will connect through her expression, stage presence, and voice. 'I'll try my best, and I really hope they feel what I feel when I sing this song.' While the song is modern in production, it's deeply rooted in Greek tradition. 'We've used traditional Greek melodies and vocal runs, and even included 'to klarino', the classic clarinet in Greek music,' she explains. For Klavdia, the use of the Greek language and elements is not a barrier but an asset. 'I think it's beautiful that countries can sing in their native languages and showcase their culture. That's what Eurovision is all about.' As for staging, Klavdia hints at a visual surprise that will align with the song's message. 'We want something that connects with the song but also amazes you, something that makes you say, 'Oh, I wasn't expecting that.'' Klavdia is also bringing personal elements with her, including her now-signature glasses. 'My glasses are a lucky charm for me. I think they're a good feature that makes me stand out.' She's also wearing her grandmother's earrings on stage, the same ones she wore during the national final. 'They're my lucky earrings. I wore them for the national final, and I think they brought me good luck.' Her grandmother, also named Klavdia, was forced to flee from Pontus to the Soviet Union. Klavdia's parents were born and raised there before the family returned to Greece in 1991. She's also brought from Greece a necklace with the iconic Greek eye, a gift from her mother. 'These are two people I really love. My mom and my grandma. And they love me too,' she says with a smile.
