For now, Israel has no plans to back down on the song “October Rain,” which singer Eden Golan plans to perform at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, in May. The public broadcaster Kan confirmed this today after learning that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is examining the text to ensure that it does not contain political content. “Our dialogue with the EBU continues,” Kan said, adding, however, that this song will not be changed. However, if it is not approved, it was stressed, Israel would not be able to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Meanwhile, Culture Minister Micky Zohar weighed in on the matter, pointing out to the EBU that the song “is not political and does not talk about war or conflict.” Rather, it expresses widespread sentiments among the Israeli people, including a desire for renewal “in a fragile situation of loss and destruction.”
In light of the controversy, Kan released the full lyrics of “October Rain” on his website today. It's almost all in English, with a final word in Hebrew: “I have no more room to breathe.” There is no more room. There is no “I” from day to day. “Everyone is a good kid, one at a time.”
Read the full article on ANSA.it