Poland POLAND 2021 - RAFAŁ - The Ride

[escYOUnited]

Lights, beaming down the rainy street
All the faces that I meet tell me I'm wrong
Ride, staring at the neon signs
Making up a storyline, gotta hold on
Not lost, even in the death of night
I can make it out alright
Just let me go
Yeah, I, I will make it through somehow
Let me figure out what is in and out

So baby, hold on for the ride of your life
High above ground, living it now
I'm gonna take you to the end of the line
Taking that fight, make it alright
It doesn't matter if I stumble and fall
I'll make it through, I'll never touch the ground
So baby, hold on for the ride of your life
Hold on real tight, make it alright

Hard, I won't give my heart and soul
I am going for the glow, no looking back
I'm gonna rise high up in the atmosphere
I ain't got no time to fear
Follow my tracks

Not lost, following the neon lights
Shooting through the summer skies
Just let me go
Yeah I, I will make it through somehow
Let me figure out what is in and out

So baby, hold on for the ride of your life
High above ground, living it now
I'm gonna take you to the end of the line
Taking that fight, make it alright
It doesn't matter if I stumble and fall
I'll make it through, I'll never touch the ground
So baby, hold on for the ride of your life
Hold on real tight, make it alright

I'm gonna take all the world tonight (Oh-woah-oh-oh)
Not gonna ask, gonna take what's mine (Oh-woah-oh-oh)
So hold on tight, baby, let's get high (Oh-woah-oh-oh)
High above the ground
Ride, staring at the neon signs
Let me figure out what is in and out

So baby, hold on for the ride of your life
High above ground, living it now
I'm gonna take you to the end of the line
Taking that fight, make it alright
It doesn't matter if I stumble and fall
I'll make it through, I'll never touch the ground
So baby, hold on for the ride of your life
Hold on real tight, make it alright​

 

[debemaks]

I listened to it live at PNŚ and the feeling was "nice song, not memorable... better than some other songs, but also worster than some other else... it is just a song... if it is there, good... if not, no one will blame about it".... than right after the 1st listening it tickled in mind mind for days... OMG how is it possible... really it is an average song but once you listen to it, it reminds in your mind....
Frankly speaking I hoped for Cleo & Donatan or for Ochman - Wielkie Tytuły, which is a masterpiece!

 

[burrito]

^
I'm not really sure why people hate on him either tbh , I think it's mostly a combo of people who wanted someone else and are bitter with the choice and people who consider him connected to the government in Poland due to him being from TVP, but maybe someone from Poland can explain if he really is politically affiliated with them or if he's just "simply" a TV host?

a) the song is dull
b) rafał's voice does not suit it at all
c) and to add to this, it's heavily altered
d) people don't seem to like him much in general (I personally find him quite cringey)
e) we could have had Alicja as a representative which apparently would be a better choice (even if I didn't like "Empires" but she's a good singer)
f) he's backed by tvp and defended by them in an obnoxious way. Tbh the fact that he's affiliated with tvp is very important here, but I don't think that point can be easily understood if you don't know how does TVP behave like nowadays, because there is more to that than just them being "pro-government".

 

[Yoozek]

a) the song is dull
b) rafał's voice does not suit it at all
c) and to add to this, it's heavily altered
d) people don't seem to like him much in general (I personally find him quite cringey)
e) we could have had Alicja as a representative which apparently would be a better choice (even if I didn't like "Empires" but she's a good singer)
f) he's backed by tvp and defended by them in an obnoxious way. Tbh the fact that he's affiliated with tvp is very important here, but I don't think that point can be easily understood if you don't know how does TVP behave like nowadays, because there is more to that than just them being "pro-government".

Good thing we'll never see him again on ESC stage after the SF.

 

[A-lister]

a) the song is dull
b) rafał's voice does not suit it at all
c) and to add to this, it's heavily altered
d) people don't seem to like him much in general (I personally find him quite cringey)
e) we could have had Alicja as a representative which apparently would be a better choice (even if I didn't like "Empires" but she's a good singer)
f) he's backed by tvp and defended by them in an obnoxious way. Tbh the fact that he's affiliated with tvp is very important here, but I don't think that point can be easily understood if you don't know how does TVP behave like nowadays, because there is more to that than just them being "pro-government".

I can agree with a-e, but they aren't really answering my question though... alot of the hate he receives is solely political and has nothing to do with what people actually thinks about the song or him as an artist.

I know how TVP functions and I'm well up to date with what's going on in Poland, but is HE politically affiliated or is he "just" working there as some host for entertainment shows? I mean Michal Szpak, a flamboyant gay man, is also part of TVP, yet it doesn't stop him from being part of a broadcaster that is currently openly homophobic... so again how is Rafal connected other than working at TVP? And also (and this is not a defence of the government) but the opposition isn't winning my respect either by basically acting in the same way (spreading hate on people who they don't agree with, and not even have proof of what they stand for politically)

 

[burrito]

I can agree with a-e, but they aren't really answering my question though... alot of the hate he receives is solely political and has nothing to do with what people actually thinks about the song or him as an artist.

I know how TVP functions and I'm well up to date with what's going on in Poland, but is HE politically affiliated or is he "just" working there as some host for entertainment shows? I mean Michal Szpak, a flamboyant gay man, is also part of TVP, yet it doesn't stop him from being part of a broadcaster that is currently openly homophobic... so again how is Rafal connected other than working at TVP? And also (and this is not a defence of the government) but the opposition isn't winning my respect either by basically acting in the same way (spreading hate on people who they don't agree with, and not even have proof of what they stand for politically)

AFAIK Michał is not gay. He doesn't support government's latest decisions either and - I'm not sure about that - is/will be no more affiliated with tvp.

For me, personally - because I don't want to speak for others who might have similar but not exactly the same views - Rafał has been chosen because he is a perfect posterboy for the public broadcaster. He is a singer, he likes to be in the spotlight, works for TVP (to answer your question - yes, he is "just" working there) and doesn't do anything against tvp/government (Szpak, for example, took part in recent protests, Andrzej Piaseczny had a little bit of scandal going on when a video from his birthday leaked showing him shouting ***** ***) while some others left/were fired due to their views/not agreeing on what's happening in Poland. People think he has been chosen because TVP likes him, and tbh, I think the same.

On the side note, politics start to enter entertainment area as well (vide "Motel Polska") so despite the fact that he's a entertainer, not a politician, the longer he stays in TVP the more I see him as government-friendly persona. Even despite the fact that he doesn't really talk about politics. I might be projecting, because I don't know his personal views regarding politics, but nevertheless the connection is just way too strong in my head. But that's just my personal feeling.

To not dwell too much on politics here, regarding your last paragaph, there is not a political party - probably not even in the entire world - which is so spotlessly clean and doesn't deserve any criticism, but at the very least I gotta admit that in the 25 years of my life I've never feared that one day I'll wake up in an authoritarian country. Never have I considered emigrating. Never have I ever been worrying so much about economics in Poland and it's impact on quality of my life. Never have I worried about my personal freedom and authority over my own life being taken away from me. Now I do. And it sucks. Even if the opposition was spreading hate, which I don't think they really do (at least compared to "the other side") then I think that's very much understandable given the feelings the current situation evokes.

 

[A-lister]

AFAIK Michał is not gay. He doesn't support government's latest decisions either and - I'm not sure about that - is/will be no more affiliated with tvp.

For me, personally - because I don't want to speak for others who might have similar but not exactly the same views - Rafał has been chosen because he is a perfect posterboy for the public broadcaster. He is a singer, he likes to be in the spotlight, works for TVP (to answer your question - yes, he is "just" working there) and doesn't do anything against tvp/government (Szpak, for example, took part in recent protests, Andrzej Piaseczny had a little bit of scandal going on when a video from his birthday leaked showing him shouting ***** ***) while some others left/were fired due to their views/not agreeing on what's happening in Poland. People think he has been chosen because TVP likes him, and tbh, I think the same.

On the side note, politics start to enter entertainment area as well (vide "Motel Polska") so despite the fact that he's a entertainer, not a politician, the longer he stays in TVP the more I see him as government-friendly persona. Even despite the fact that he doesn't really talk about politics. I might be projecting, because I don't know his personal views regarding politics, but nevertheless the connection is just way too strong in my head. But that's just my personal feeling.

To not dwell too much on politics here, regarding your last paragaph, there is not a political party - probably not even in the entire world - which is so spotlessly clean and doesn't deserve any criticism, but at the very least I gotta admit that in the 25 years of my life I've never feared that one day I'll wake up in an authoritarian country. Never have I considered emigrating. Never have I ever been worrying so much about economics in Poland and it's impact on quality of my life. Never have I worried about my personal freedom and authority over my own life being taken away from me. Now I do. And it sucks. Even if the opposition was spreading hate, which I don't think they really do (at least compared to "the other side") then I think that's very much understandable given the feelings the current situation evokes.

Michal is gay lol, he doesn't even need to come out, it's obvious from miles away and I can just tell from my personal experience seeing him in Warsaw gay clubs... let's just say he doesn't hide it

Well, I hear you, but it's still speculative, there is no proof (from my understanding) out there where Rafal stands politically and just working at TVP and not being a publically political person isn't any "proof".

I understand your point, I know personally people who feel the same and I can't blame them really. Again, I am not defending TVP, Rafal or the government (or the opposition either for that matter), I just try to point out that hating on someone by just being "guilty-by-association" to me is quite far stretched. With that logic, Szpak is a bigger hypocrite then because he doesn't mind work for the broadcaster and be "part of the machinery" and then go and "demonstrate" and run around local gay clubs...

 

[burrito]

Michal is gay lol, he doesn't even need to come out, it's obvious from miles away and I can just tell from my personal experience seeing him in Warsaw gay clubs... let's just say he doesn't hide it

Well, I hear you, but it's still speculative, there is no proof (from my understanding) out there where Rafal stands politically and just working at TVP and not being a publically political person isn't any "proof".

I understand your point, I know personally people who feel the same and I can't blame them really. Again, I am not defending TVP, Rafal or the government (or the opposition either for that matter), I just try to point out that hating on someone by just being "guilty-by-association" to me is quite far stretched. With that logic, Szpak is a bigger hypocrite then because he doesn't mind work for the broadcaster and be "part of the machinery" and then go and "demonstrate" and run around local gay clubs...

About Michał, allright if you say so, my knowledge regarding that matter is limited to what I read online about him being attracted to women. As for him being a hypocrite, well, I find it kinda weird that he is/was willing to work for TVP knowing their stance on LGBT+ community and abortion rights, but still I don't see him the same way as Rafał because his persona isn't what could be considered "ideal" by TVP standards. He literally gives you proof of him not agreeing with the govt, at least to some extent.

Rafał, on the other side, does nothing to disprove that he's not supporting the government or at least their discriminatory views. He holds this status quo but it isn't working in his favor, given his workplace. I understand him wanting to be quiet about his personal views, but in his situation, even silence can be and is a kind of a statement.

 

[A-lister]

About Michał, allright if you say so, my knowledge regarding that matter is limited to what I read online about him being attracted to women. As for him being a hypocrite, well, I find it kinda weird that he is/was willing to work for TVP knowing their stance on LGBT+ community and abortion rights, but still I don't see him the same way as Rafał because his persona isn't what could be considered "ideal" by TVP standards. He literally gives you proof of him not agreeing with the govt, at least to some extent.

Rafał, on the other side, does nothing to disprove that he's not supporting the government or at least their discriminatory views. He holds this status quo but it isn't working in his favor, given his workplace. I understand him wanting to be quiet about his personal views, but in his situation, even silence can be and is a kind of a statement.

Well, I dunno what I think, I don't like either hypocrisy or "silent agreement", but with silence we can just speculate right? I mean majority of people out there aren't political really and don't have any strong sentiments in any direction, and some are just career-driven and will simply leave politics out of it to remain their careers and I think that could also be the case. Surely it's not something we can idealistically applaud, but it's how most people act though.

Some people treat this the same as with Belarus, but let's agree it's really not even comparable? (regardless of what we think of the choice and the broadcaster and government). Also, let's assume he does hold conservative views (we don't know), I think that's his right and as long as he doesn't spread hate or they are ultra-conservative, should he then be hated? Don't get me wrong, I know that the Polish government (and TVP) has been overstepping, but I think it's also a dangerous path to make someone "guilty-by-association" and cancel someone just because we don't agree on everything.

Anyways, I know we're spinning this a bit out from topic I'm afraid, I was just trying to understand the logic of hating Rafal for politics we just assume (but don't have actual proof for). I mean I dislike the choice for various reasons, I think he's a non-charismatic boring singer and I think he got the job because he's from TVP which smells a bit corrupted to me, so It's not like I am defending this choice either... oh well, maybe people get my point or not I dunno

 

[crashworld]

Anyway, to be honest, it doesn't matter what the Poles think about Rafal and his participation. They can't vote for him nor downvote him anyway. So if anything, the uproar from the Polish public will not affect his chances much since most of the ESC viewers will not have any background info of him.

And if he is smart enough, he should just ignore all this hatred he got and just focus on preparing for the ESC. He shouldn't even bother replying to those criticisms surrounding his participation in order not to give those detractors any more reason to dislike him.

 

[burrito]

Some people treat this the same as with Belarus, but let's agree it's really not even comparable?

I joined the party very late this time so I'm kind of out of spin when it comes to Belarus. The fuss was about the lyrics, I believe?

I think he's a non-charismatic boring singer and I think he got the job because he's from TVP which smells a bit corrupted to me,

You just put pretty much all I've been trying to say in one sentence. I really need to work on length and clarity of my utterances, I blame my gemini moon

oh well, maybe people get my point or not I dunno

I think I do

 

[Iker]

Anyway, to be honest, it doesn't matter what the Poles think about Rafal and his participation. They can't vote for him nor downvote him anyway. So if anything, the uproar from the Polish public will not affect his chances much since most of the ESC viewers will not have any background info of him.

And if he is smart enough, he should just ignore all this hatred he got and just focus on preparing for the ESC. He shouldn't even bother replying to those criticisms surrounding his participation in order not to give those detractors any more reason to dislike him.

Yeah but he may fail to get that diaspora vote because of him being disliked. Sure there was a lot of hate aimed towards for instance Michał Szpak and a lot of resentment because of Margaret's flop in the NF which entry was hailed even a possible winner of the ESC before that, but still he was and is liked by most in Poland unlike Rafał Brzozowski.

 

[Iker]

Well, I dunno what I think, I don't like either hypocrisy or "silent agreement", but with silence we can just speculate right? I mean majority of people out there aren't political really and don't have any strong sentiments in any direction, and some are just career-driven and will simply leave politics out of it to remain their careers and I think that could also be the case. Surely it's not something we can idealistically applaud, but it's how most people act though.

Some people treat this the same as with Belarus, but let's agree it's really not even comparable? (regardless of what we think of the choice and the broadcaster and government). Also, let's assume he does hold conservative views (we don't know), I think that's his right and as long as he doesn't spread hate or they are ultra-conservative, should he then be hated? Don't get me wrong, I know that the Polish government (and TVP) has been overstepping, but I think it's also a dangerous path to make someone "guilty-by-association" and cancel someone just because we don't agree on everything.

Anyways, I know we're spinning this a bit out from topic I'm afraid, I was just trying to understand the logic of hating Rafal for politics we just assume (but don't have actual proof for). I mean I dislike the choice for various reasons, I think he's a non-charismatic boring singer and I think he got the job because he's from TVP which smells a bit corrupted to me, so It's not like I am defending this choice either... oh well, maybe people get my point or not I dunno

I hate that toxic 'cancelling' culture too. It is an overkill. He is not famous for making any offensive statements or anything like that anyway.

 

[crashworld]

Yeah but he may fail to get that diaspora vote because of him being disliked. Sure there was a lot of hate aimed towards for instance Michał Szpak and a lot of resentment because of Margaret's flop in the NF which entry was hailed even a possible winner of the ESC before that, but still he was and is liked by most in Poland unlike Rafał Brzozowski.

When the Polish delegation decides to send him, I believe they would already expect they won't get support for the Poles and forgo the diaspora vote.

To be honest, I feel like they are just participating for the sake of it. The effort they have put in is so minimal to the point that they are fine with another non-qualification. Lol.

 

[A-lister]

When the Polish delegation decides to send him, I believe they would already expect they won't get support for the Poles and forgo the diaspora vote.

To be honest, I feel like they are just participating for the sake of it. The effort they have put in is so minimal to the point that they are fine with another non-qualification. Lol.

I am actually worried that them not being bothered this year is a pretext for withdrawing next year. They will just blame bad results and leave the contest like Hungary did I'm afraid and if you don't put any effort, it's obviously easier to achieve bad results.

 

[burrito]

This. I kind of expect us to withdraw next year too. They will say something like we are being treated unfairly or something, or that we need to focus on JESC more. They'll come up with a half-assed excuse and that will be it for the next few years.

 

[crashworld]

I am actually worried that them not being bothered this year is a pretext for withdrawing next year. They will just blame bad results and leave the contest like Hungary did I'm afraid and if you don't put any effort, it's obviously easier to achieve bad results.

Perhaps, only time will tell then. IIRC, for the past couple of years, they did try different formula but it didn't help with the results. So I'm not surprised that they got disheartened.

I do feel that this year is just a one-off occurrence because of the controversies & backlash the TV broadcaster is facing. So I'm not surprised by the fact they want to select someone who will not go against them.

If only we know why they don't want to internally select Alicja again. Something must have happened.

 

[A-lister]

Perhaps, only time will tell then. IIRC, for the past couple of years, they did try different formula but it didn't help with the results. So I'm not surprised that they got disheartened.

I do feel that this year is just a one-off occurrence because of the controversies & backlash the TV broadcaster is facing. So I'm not surprised by the fact they want to select someone who will not go against them.

If only we know why they don't want to internally select Alicja again. Something must have happened.

We'll see, I mean I applaud them for trying different routes, but their efforts still fell flat (and not just because of the results, they just didn't invest properly to pick impactful entries and obviously they did nothing for the stage-shows).

I hope you're right though, but I have a bad feeling they just already paid the fee and didn't want to pay any fine so they just picked whoever was the closest and would be a good pretext to leave next year (which could be a reason they didn't want to go with Alicja in the end of the day, because I think with a decent entry she could do decently in Eurovision).

 

[Mrm]

This entry is so bad..

My beautiful Poland disappoints me BIG TIME in 2021, but hey ho..

 

[crashworld]

I hope you're right though, but I have a bad feeling they just already paid the fee and didn't want to pay any fine so they just picked whoever was the closest and would be a good pretext to leave next year (which could be a reason they didn't want to go with Alicja in the end of the day, because I think with a decent entry she could do decently in Eurovision).

I did think about it the same way as you. But imagine if this is the original intention and it backfired because Rafal became a surprise qualifier? Lol.

At this point in time, I feel the pandemic has caused alot of changes in people and the world shifting drastically. So I'm no longer so sure about how people are going to respond to certain entries despite thinking they are lackluster. Haha.

 

[A-lister]

I did think about it the same way as you. But imagine if this is the original intention and it backfired because Rafal became a surprise qualifier? Lol.

At this point in time, I feel the pandemic has caused alot of changes in people and the world shifting drastically. So I'm no longer so sure about how people are going to respond to certain entries despite thinking they are lackluster. Haha.

That would be kinda funny, but if it flops in the final they could still point at it as a flop I guess

I dunno, I mean they say that Covid can cause some lasting brain damage even on those who got it but was never severely sick, maybe people just went nuts ? (I know it's not a laughing matter but as of now what more can we do with this whole surreal pandemic we're going through? )