At number 19 on the Eurovision Top 100 list, we have one of the most mistreated songs in Eurovision history: “Ein Lied kann eine Brücke sein” from 1975.
Germany was one of the original seven countries in the Eurovision Song Contest dating back to 1956. Between then and their first win in 1982, they had a number of near-misses. They also had at least one song that deserved to finish near the top, but its magnificence was not recognized by the juries of the time. This was that song. Its low finish remains one of the great shames of the contest, but at least I can report that it is much more warmly received today.
Today, The Euro Yard sets this straight and gives Joy Fleming the recognition she deserved in 1975. Joy’s song from this contest in Sweden is one of the few times in Eurovision history where I think a jury missed so badly that this treachery should be illegal in the European Union, parts of Canada, and at least 15 American states. It may also be the most underrated song in Eurovision history.
Vital Information: “Ein Lied kann eine Brücke sein”
| Song | Ein Lied kann eine Brücke sein |
| English Translation | A song can be a bridge |
| Performed By | Joy Fleming |
| Written By | Michael Holm & Rainer Pietsch |
| Country | Germany |
| Year | 1975 |
| Language(s) Performed In | German |
| How It Fared | 17th Place (15 Points) |
| Was It Fair? | A grave injustice |
What I Liked
This had a warmth and energy that I liked from the first time I watched it up through my most recent re-scoring. I have had this song at the top of the table for 1975 every single time despite changing the scoring rubric three times. (And apropos of nothing, I have had “Ding-a-Dong” in second all four times.)
She was a fantastic singer and she delivered a commanding and unforgettable performance. Unfortunately, from the vocals (she killed that high note towards the end) to the very smooth orchestral arrangement, saxophones and all, this song was way ahead of its time.
Other Facts
- Joy Fleming became a Eurovision fan favorite, and this song in particular has remained popular in Germany. For example, on The Voice of Germany, this song was performed in 2023. It was also covered by Guildo Horn, another German Eurovision act from decades in the future.
- She tried several more times to earn a bid to Eurovision, but 1975 would end up as her only appearance. Sadly, she passed away in 2017.
- Germany went fourth in the running order out of 19 songs.
“Ein Lied kann eine Brücke sein” on Video
Joy sang with a lot of joy back in 1975, and you can check out the performance on YouTube.
