In 1975, Dutch pop group Teach-in won the Eurovision Song Contest with the song Ding-a-dong. The band from the eastern Dutch town of Enschede was the last Dutch Eurovision winner, 36 years ago.
Bassist John Gaasbeek and drummer Rudy Nijhuis still think it is a great song. “I still enjoy playing it today,” says Mr Gaasbeek. “Musically, it's a good number.”
What about the lyric? “Well, it is not about anything really,” says Mr Nijhuis. “It is not deep and meaningful.”
But back in 1975, the English lyric for Ding-a-dong was a conscious decision. Everyone in Europe could follow the song. “Even a Bulgarian understands it.” This year's Dutch entry, Never Alone by the all-male 3Js trio is again in English. On the eve of the 12 May semi-finals, hopes for another Dutch winner are high - as they have been for the past 35 years.
(This article was first published on 27 May 2010)
Email this Video
Printer-friendly version
Wow, I did not know that I was born in the year of Ding-a-Dong!
The subtitles make about as much sense as the song. Don't you guys have an editor or native speaker who can look things over before they're published?
Post new comment
Please be reminded all comments must be in English, short and to the point - guideline 250 words. Abusive and inappropriate comments will be removed.