Released on March 10, 2024, as a non-album single through Session 42, Eden Golan’s Hurricane quickly became a lightning rod for controversy.

Initially titled “October Rain,” the song faced scrutiny for its perceived political undertones, referencing the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel and its aftermath.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), responsible for the Eurovision Song Contest, requested a rewrite.

The songwriters, Avi Ohayon, Keren Peles, and Stav Beger,complied, birthing Hurricane.

Notably, before its official release, the song was leaked online, sparking further controversy and debate.

Despite calls for its exclusion, the song persevered, earning acclaim for its emotional depth and Golan’s powerful vocal performance.

“Hurricane” Lyrics: A Message of Resilience and Hope

While inspired by the Israeli perspective on the 2023 conflict, the lyrics of Hurricane at its core is a song about resilience in the face of adversity. 

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of inner turmoil and the unwavering determination to overcome challenges.

Eden Golan poetically explores the metaphor of a “hurricane” ravaging one’s life.

The song opens with the lines: “Writer of my symphony, play with me; Look into my eyes and see.”

These words evoke a sense of vulnerability and a plea for understanding, setting the stage for a deeply personal and emotional journey. 

Golan’s voice, soft and emotive, draws the listener into her world of emotional upheaval, a world that resonates with the aftermath of the 2023 Hamas-led attacks on Israel.

As the song progresses, the lyrics become increasingly powerful, with the chorus declaring:

“Every day, I’m losin’ my mind; Holdin’ on in this mysterious ride; Dancin’ in the storm, I got nothin’ to hide; Take it all and leave the world behind”

This chorus, filled with fervor and urgency, highlights the strength found in embracing the storm and dancing through life’s trials. 

The Hurricane lyrics, while seemingly personal, also echo the resilience of the Israeli people in the face of adversity, creating a powerful connection between the artist and her audience.

The song’s bridge introduces a more introspective tone, with Eden Golan singing: “Hours and hours, empowers; Life is no game, but it’s ours; While the time goes wild”

These lines speak to the fleeting nature of time and the importance of seizing the moment, a message that resonates with the urgency and intensity of the song’s overall theme.

Musical Composition

Hurricane blends various genres into an emotionally charged sonic experience.

The haunting piano intro sets the tone, soon joined by swelling strings that enhance the emotional intensity.

As the chorus hits, pulsating drums drive the rhythm forward, undergirded by subtle guitar textures.

Eden Golan’s vocals seamlessly transition from vulnerable verses to soaring, impassioned choruses that belt out the title’s defiant cry.

The song’s production, helmed by renowned producer Stav Beger, further enhances the emotional impact of the music.

Controversies and Hidden Meanings

The original lyrics were deemed too political by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), leading to a rewrite and a title change.

Despite the revisions, many believe the song still carries hidden messages relating to the conflict.

The lyrics mention losing loved ones, feeling lost, and seeking solace in a higher power, themes that resonate with those affected by the conflict. 

The music video, featuring dancers in a field, has been interpreted as a reference to the Re’im music festival massacre, further fueling the controversy. 

The songwriters, Avi Ohayon and Keren Peles, have offered differing interpretations of the song’s meaning, with Ohayon acknowledging the influence of the Israeli situation and Peles emphasising the universal theme of strength in difficult times.

Music critics have offered varied interpretations of Hurricane’s deeper meaning.

The Jerusalem Post’s Hannah Brown viewed it as “a song about loss and redemption,” while Kveller’s Lior Zaltzman suggested lyrics could allude to advocacy for captives held by Hamas. 

Despite debates around its inspirations, Hurricane has undeniably resonated with Israeli audiences as an authentic expression of the nation’s collective turmoil and hopes for healing.

Eurovision Performance and Protests

Hurricane faced numerous calls for its exclusion from the Eurovision Song Contest due to its perceived political undertones.

Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in Malmö, Sweden, to voice their opposition to Israel’s participation in the contest, highlighting the deep divisions surrounding the conflict.

Despite the controversy, Eden Golan delivered a powerful performance, securing fifth place overall.

The Legacy of “Hurricane”

While Hurricane may not have won the Eurovision Song Contest, it has left a lasting impact on listeners worldwide.

Its message of resilience, combined with Eden Golan’s passionate delivery and the song’s rich musicality, has resonated with audiences from all walks of life.

The song’s ability to spark conversation and debate further solidifies its significance.

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Eden Golan Hurricane Lyrics

Verse 1
Writer of my symphony, play with me
Look into my eyes and see
People walk away but never say goodbye
Someone stole the moon tonight, took my light
Everything is black and white
Who’s the fool who told you boys don’t cry?

Pre-Chorus
Hours and hours, empowers
Life is no game, but it’s ours
While the time goes wild

Chorus
Every day, I’m losin’ my mind
Holdin’ on in this mysterious ride
Dancin’ in the storm, I got nothin’ to hide
Take it all and leave the world behind
Baby, promise me you’ll hold me again
I’m still broken from this hurricane
This hurricane

Verse 2
Living in a fantasy, ecstasy
Everything is meant to be
We shall pass, but love will never die, mm

Pre-Chorus
Hours and hours, empowers
Life is no game, but it’s ours
While the time goes wild

Chorus
Every day, I’m losin’ my mind
Holdin’ on in this mysterious ride
Dancin’ in the storm, I got nothin’ to hide
Take it all and leave the world behind
Baby, promise me you’ll hold me again
I’m still broken from this hurricane
This hurricane, ooh
Ooh, ooh
(This hurricane) Ooh
Ooh, ooh

Outro
לא צריך מילים גדולות, רק תפילות
אפילו אם קשה לראות
תמיד אתה משאיר לי אור אחד קטן