The United Kingdom is back in Junior Eurovision after a hugely successful return-from-hiatus in 2022, this time around with girl-group STAND UNIQU3. The three-piece will perform the empowering dance anthem “Back To Life”. Freya Skye came 5th overall last year after gaining the most viewer votes. We can see that the BBC delegation aren’t playing around now that their return is cemented with this!
STAND UNIQU3 will be taking their harmonies and R’n’B-tinged pop to Junior Eurovision in Nice, on November 26th.
Scroll down for “Back to Life” lyrics
United Kingdom in Junior Eurovision 2023: STAND UNIQU3 with “Back To Life”
Three girls make up STAND UNIQU3: 12 year-old Hayla from Eurovision 2023 host city Liverpool, 13 year-old Maisie from the southern English county of Essex, and 12 year-old ballroom dancer Yazmin from Newcastle. The girls went through an extensive audition process to make it into the band, with producers noting the chemistry between the three as a group.
They already have a series of live performances planned to get Brits on-side. They will appear on the BBC’s long-standing signature children’s show Blue Peter to showcase their vocals. They’ll later appear on charity telethon event Children In Need, and also the spin-off show for Strictly Come Dancing. Strictly is one of the broadcaster’s biggest shows, so it’s a huge opportunity for the group.
The announcement comes days after the BBC confirmed participation in Eurovision 2024, and indicated they’ve already chosen the artist for Malmö.
What do the “Back To Life” lyrics mean?
“Back To Life” is reminiscent of songs from the early days of UK mega-icons Little Mix, with tight harmonies and dance break moments. The lyrics point towards being alone but then turning towards someone to bring them back to themselves.
We hear the group singing of discomfort in being alone: “I’m playing with fire out here on my own.” But then they reach out to someone even though it’s difficult: “If all our fears get buried tonight, That’s fine ‘cos maybe we can dance you back to life”.
This could be a reference to comforting someone as they face a mental health challenge, or a difficult family situation, which can be particularly complex for someone at a young age. They are encouraging someone to see the good things. Lyrics like “the dark is all you need, But I wanna see you in the light” are powerful and give bold meaning to the song.
The catchy whistle-y refrain in between choruses and verses give STAND UNIQU3 the chance to showcase their dancing talents, which we see in the music video. It provides a hook sure to get stuck in voters’ heads. We could see a great moment in the staging for this, we can’t wait what the BBC have cooked up.
“Back To Life” lyrics – STAND UNIQU3 (UK JESC 2023)
Music and lyrics by: Sky Adams, Jakke Erixson, Jack Hawitt
I get so fascinated
In this old ghost town
I keep on seeing faces
When no one is around
And I know
That I’m playing fire, out here alone on my own
I get so distracted
I walk right into hell
My hands just start reacting
Am I under your spell
So let’s go
I’m not scared of the dark, wanna go where the moon doesn’t glow
No, I can’t help it
I just cannot help myself
You get it
If all our fears get buried tonight
That’s fine
Cos maybe we can dance you back to life
Cos maybe we can dance you back to life
Bring you back to, bring you back to, bring you back to, back to life
Thunder and the lightning
Like you have never seen
I know it should be frightening
But I just feel so free
In this town
Yeah, I just wanna stay
No, I can’t help it
I just cannot help myself
You get it
If all our fears get buried tonight
That’s fine
Cos maybe we can dance you back to life
Cos maybe we can dance you back to life
Bring you back to, bring you back to, bring you back to, back to life
You’ve been living in the shadows
And the dark is all you need
But I wanna see you in the light (See you in the light)
Can you feel your heart beating
And the way you started breathing
‘Cos we’re gonna bring you back to li-i-i-ife
No, I can’t help it
I just cannot help myself
You get it
If all our fears get buried tonight
That’s fine
Cos maybe we can dance you back to life
What do you think of “Back To Life”? Are STAND UNIQU3 one of your favourites in this year’s contest? Let us know in the comments below.
