“Fortunately I don't need a visa to be with you” — Joost Klein speaks about a world without borders in the “Europapa” lyrics (2024)

Joost Klein — The Netherlands Eurovision 2024 singer — is riding a wave of momentum. After smashing streaming records at home with this song “Europapa”, he’s now one of the betmakers’ Top 5 picks to win it all. Judging from the social media buzz that surrounds him, it’s safe to say he’s produced one of the anthems of the year.

“Europapa” is irresistibly catchy and it lingers on the mind long after it’s over. It blends elements of pop and rap that showcase Joost’s versatility — and also his heart. Beyond its joyous sound, the song carries a moving backstory about an orphan making it on his own.

Scroll down to read the “Europapa” lyrics

The Netherlands at Eurovision 2024: Joost Klein with “Europapa”

Joost Klein comes from Leeuwarden, Friesland and is a versatile musician, rapper, singer, and former YouTuber. His musical style primarily revolves around hip hop, but incorporates diverse influences from electronic music genres like hardstyle and gabber. With an impressive discography boasting eight studio albums, Joost has made a significant impact on the Dutch music scene, with two of his albums reaching the top ten of the Dutch Album Top 100. Among his notable hits are “Scandinavian Boy,” “Wachtmuziek,” and “Friesenjung.”

Despite his musical success, Joost’s journey has been marked by personal tragedy. At the age of twelve he lost his father to cancer. A year later his mother died from cardiac arrest. These devastating losses profoundly shaped Joost’s life, and he took solace in his older brother and sister. Initially gaining popularity as a YouTuber under the name EenhoornJoost, Joost transitioned into music with the release of his debut extended play Dakloos (Homeless) in 2016, marking the beginning of his musical career.

Joost’s musical evolution has been characterized by experimentation and growth. From releasing his debut mixtape Scandinavian Boy in 2017 to collaborating with Dutch rapper Donnie on the studio album M van Marketing in 2018, Joost has continuously pushed artistic boundaries. His eighth studio album, Fryslân, released in September 2022, pays homage to his home province of Friesland and features poignant reflections on personal experiences, such as coping with the loss of his parents. Joost’s impact extends beyond the Netherlands. In 2023, he had a hit in Germany with his single “Friesenjung”, topping the German Single Top 100 chart and solidifying his status as a rising international artist.

What do the “Europapa” lyrics mean?

Joost’s Eurovision entry reflects on his personal journey, including the profound loss of his parents at a young age — and his desire to pay tribute to them. It’s a deeply personal and cathartic expression, allowing him to share his grief, resilience, and ultimately his journey towards healing and acceptance. In doing so, Joost not only pays homage to his parents but also invites listeners to make sense of their own experiences of loss and overcoming adversity.

Visit my friends in France

Or take a long walk to Vienna

I want to leave the Netherlands

But my passport is gone

Fortunately don’t need a visa to be with you

So take the bus to Poland or the train to Berlin

“Europapa” narrates the tale of a young orphan venturing across Europe, aiming to carve his name into the vast expanse of the world. The song draws significant inspiration from Joost’s father, evoking the image of a paternal figure guiding and influencing his journey. The title itself, “Europapa,” hints at this paternal influence, symbolizing a nurturing presence.

Joost’s father imparted invaluable wisdom, teaching him to transcend societal labels and to recognize the universal humanity that binds us all. Through his father’s lessons, Joost embraced an open-minded perspective, navigating the complexities of life and seeking his own path with courage and resilience. His travels across the continent, unencumbered by the need for visas, symbolize a freedom rooted in his father’s teachings and a deep-seated love for his homeland (and the European Union).

Welcome to Europe

Stay here until I die

Euro-pa-pa, Euro-pa-pa

Joost’s father instilled in him the profound belief that we inhabit a world without borders, transcending geographical and cultural divides. Through the highs and lows of his journey, Joost cultivated a deep appreciation for the places he visited, cherishing their unique essence while eagerly anticipating the exploration of new horizons.

For Joost, “Europapa” extends beyond mere geography; it embodies a collective ethos that resides within each individual, encompassing a way of life and a mindset characterized by openness and inclusivity. It’s a philosophy that celebrates diversity, fosters connection, and embraces the shared humanity that unites us all: “Europapa is everybody, is within us all, a way of life, a way of thinking.”

At the end of the day

We are all human beings

My father told me once that

The world has no borders

The outro of the song holds profound significance, serving almost as a therapeutic release. The imagery of the fire engulfing the house and the photo of Joost with his parents carries a symbolic weight, reflecting a cathartic process akin to writing down one’s burdens and then letting them go by burning them. It’s a poignant reminder that sometimes, in order to progress, one must bid farewell to painful memories.

For Joost, this act represents a transformative journey of healing and growth, as he refuses to allow his trauma to be solely a burden. Instead, he channels his experiences into a catalyst for change, propelling himself in a new direction and toward a brighter future.

The closing lines, echoing his father’s words, resonate with a sense of longing and acceptance. As Joost whispers his father’s lessons and expresses his longing, he also acknowledges the profound impact his father had on him, affirming that he carries his teachings forward with him on his journey.

“Europapa” lyrics and translation — Joost Klein (The Netherlands Eurovision 2024)

Songwriters: Joost Klein, Maradonnie, Tim Haars, Dylan van Dael, Paul Elstak, Teun de Kruif, Thijmen Melissant

What do you think of the “Europapa” lyrics from Joost Klein? Will The Netherlands qualify for the final? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Related Topics

• Europapa
• Joost Klein