In cooperation with our partners songfestival.web-log.nl, we present to you a different 2006 Eurovision Song Contest participant each day. Now it's time for the next finalist: The United Kingdom!
Final, spot 15 in the running order
Performer: Daz Sampson
Song: Teenage life
Lyrics: Daz Sampson and John Matthews
Music: Daz Sampson and John Matthews
Official website: dazsampson.co.uk
Best result: 1st in 1967, 1969, 1976, 1981, 1997
Broadcaster: BBC
Multimedia: video / audio
UK and the Eurovision Song Contest
Despite coming only seventh out of ten in its debut contest in 1957, and subsequently missing the 1958 contest, the UK has not missed an edition of the Eurovision Song Contest since it resumed entering in 1959. With five wins, although not the biggest winner in the contest, it developed a reputation for being the most consistently high scoring, clocking up an astonishing 15 second places over the years and sending international names like Cliff Richard, Lulu and Brotherhood of Man. Since 1999, the UK's fortunes have taken a tumble, with only a single top ten placing in that time. An all-time low was hit in 2003 when Jemini sang Cry baby to a humiliating last place with nil points in Riga.
In 2004, the UK selection process was revamped into the current format Making your mind up, which was the programme used to select the 2006 entry. This year, six acts competed to win the hearts of televoting regions, but it was Daz Sampson who crept up behind favourites Antony Costa (of boyband Blue fame) and ex-Hear'Say member Kym Marsh to win the ticket to Athens.
Daz Sampson
Daz Sampson has long been involved in the music business in the UK, starting out as a DJ. He had his first taste of commercial success with the group Bus Stop and the song Kung fu fighting, which sold 250,000 copies in the UK alone. As part of the duo Rikki & Daz, two chart hits followed: Rhinestone cowboy and The barndance boys. More recently, his work in the group Uniting nations led to the huge dance hit Call on me, a remix of the original Hall & Oates' track.
In 2003, Daz attempted to enter the UK selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, but stumbled at the preselection hurdle. This year, he finally gets his chance to represent the UK at a contest he himself confesses to be passionate about.
Teenage life
Now hear this…
What did you learn at school today ?
That's what the teachers used to say
But they don't know
Don't understand, do they?
Why do they always give advice?
Saying "Just be nice, always think twice"
When it's been a long since they had a teenage life
What did you learn at school today?
That's what the teachers used to say
But they don't know
Don't understand, do they?
Why do they always give advice
Saying "Just be nice, always think twice"
When it's been a long time since they had a teenage life
Dwelling on the past, from back when I was young
Thinking of my school days and trying to write this song
Classroom schemes and dreams
Man they couldn't save me
Cos my days were numbered when I signed down on “Avy”
Teenage kicks running out what could we do
I still show respect to my boys who made it through
And getting told off Mr T how my life would be
Then giving him a signal
So everyone could see
Sunshine and shade
Those girls I'd serenade
Thinking of those sixth form chicks that misbehave
Hoping that those days would go on and on forever
Every day something new
Just friends running together
But suddenly school ends
Your teenage life gone
All your mates are growing up now
They're moving on
And now I'm looking back
I'll tell you what I know
Do you listen to your teacher ?
No I don't think so
"What did you learn at school today?"
That's what the teachers used to say
But they don't know
Don't understand, do they?
Why do they always give advice
Saying "Just be nice, always think twice"
When it's been a long time since they had a teenage life
Now if you treat the kids fine, together they will shine
Ooh ooh ooh shine
And if you give the kids time, they won't do the crime
Won't do the crime
Now my bad old ways
Were during my school days
Messing on those grade A's
My life is just a haze
I'm going through the struggle
Five ten and kicking back
So I could lock my flow
Lace it up now on the track
Oh yeh I felt the pain
Whilst chasing all the fame
I'm being told I'm nothing
Just a player in the game
But now I walk tall
Stand proud for you to see
I'm driving these fast cars
It's five stars for me
"What did you learn at school today?"
That's what the teachers used to say
But they don't know
Don't understand, do they?
Why do they always give advice
Saying "Just be nice, always think twice"
When it's been a long time since they had a teenage life
When it's been a long time since they had a teenage life
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