Eurovision songs are occasionally branded – by muggles – as nonsense. Meaningless lyrics, daft arm-waving dance routines, and reinforcement of national stereotypes.
Some of this may be true, but we love them nonetheless. Even if the title may make you think the song is nothing but a novelty. In fact, a novelty song can win you a lot of admirers. Now I’m not saying the song from today’s birthday boy Fredi (né Matti Kalevi Siitonen) was a novelty, but it was a lot more relaxed than his earlier attempt at Eurovision in 1967. His two years on stage were won by singers from the United Kingdom – BBC take note. And along with his friends/ystävät, is his best performance to date. So watch the video, and let your hips go… well you know the rest. Who cares if it’s nonsense.
Fredi is 78 today.
Hyvää syntymäpäivää, Fredi!