Eurovision song pokes fun at Putin

Controversy as Georgia’s entry for song contest takes swipe at Russian prime minister.

Georgia Eurovision
The song's producer said the lyrics of the disco tune carry a 'double meaning' [AFP]

Political message

“The song is called ‘Put In’ and its text carries a double meaning. I think everyone will understand what we want to say. It’s important for us to say what Georgia wants to say as a country,” he said.

The disco tune, which has the chorus: “We don’t wanna put in/Cuz negative move/It’s killin’ the groove/I’m gonna try to shoot in/Some disco tonight/Boogie with you,” is unlikely to receive a warm reception in the Russian capital when the contest is held there in May.

Georgia’s public broadcaster denied the song contained a political message, something that is banned under Eurovision rules.

“This song is not about politics, it has nothing to do with politics and politicians,” said Natia Uznadze, international projects producer at First Channel.

“It’s a funny disco song,” she said. “I hope we won’t face any problems in Moscow since we don’t want a scandal”.

Georgia war

Georgia and Russia broke diplomatic relations last year following their five-day war.

In August, Georgia sent troops and tanks to retake the pro-Russian region of South Ossetia.

Moscow responded with a counter-strike that drove the Georgian army out.

Russian forces bombed targets across the country, inflicting heavy damage, before withdrawing to within South Ossetia and another breakaway region, Abkhazia.

Source: News Agencies