Charlotte Perrelli is a Swedish singer and occasional television host, perhaps most famous for winning the 1999 Melodifestivalen and subsequently that year's Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Take Me to Your Heaven". Since then she has released six singles and five albums. Perrelli once again won Melodifestivalen 2008 and represented Sweden in Eurovision Song Contest 2008 with her disco song "Hero". She is one of Sweden's most popular female singers, often performing at Sweden's top shows. Throughout her career, she has worked with different types of music, ranging from dansband and schlager, via modern pop, to soulful ballads and jazz melodies.
Perrelli is married to Stockholm-based Italian restaurateur Nicola Ingrosso, brother of Emilio Ingrosso who was married to another Swedish singer Pernilla Wahlgren in the 1990s. Following a feud with the rest of the family, Charlotte and Nicola decided to change both of their last names to Perrelli. They reside in Stockholm with their two sons. In June 2008 the couple officially announced that they were taking a break in their relationship. It had been speculated for some time in the Swedish media that their relationship was on the rocks. It is believed that Charlotte's heavy workload was a contributing factor to the couple's split.[2][3] This was later denied by both Nicola and Charlotte, the couple stated they was just taking a break from each other but were still very much in love.
Eurovision Song Contest 1999 - Jerusalem
Entry for Sweden
Performer: Charlotte Nilsson
Song title: Take Me To Your Heaven
Song writer(s): Gert Lengstrand
Song composer(s): Lars Diedricson
Sang in Position: 15
Final Position: 1
Total Points: 163
In 1999, the long-standing rule that each country had to sing in one of its own national languages was abolished, and it was also decided that France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom, as the highest-paying European Broadcasting Union subscribers, would automatically be allowed to participate every year, irrespective of their five-year point average. Also, the requirement of an orchestra was optional.
The Israeli broadcaster chose not to use an orchestra, which meant that for the first time in the history of the contest, all entries would perform using a backing track. This change was criticized by two-time Eurovision Song Contest winner Johnny Logan, who commented that the contest turned into "karaoke". Latvia wanted to take part this year, but the country withdrew at a late stage, giving the opportunity to Hungary, but Hungarian TV didn't except the offer either, so the 23rd spot was given to Portugal. Finland, Greece, Macedonia, Romania and Switzerland stayed at home.
The Lithuanian delegation was trying to keep its budget problems under control and they were allowed to arrive at the Eurovision Song Contest venue a day later than everyone else to save costs. The Cypriot song by Marlain had been one of the favorites to win the contest, so many experts were shocked when the song just got 2 points altogether, both from the United Kingdom televote. The Croatian entry Maria Magdalena was sanctioned after the contest, as it used synthesized male backing vocals despite the rule stating that all vocals would have to be performed live on stage. Croatia lost 33% of their points, giving it a lower five-year average.
The Swedish delegation was very surprised about their victory of Charlotte Nilsson's Take Me To Your Heaven. Had the song in Sweden been seen as old-fashioned, the European televoters thought differently and saw the song as a charming hommage to the ABBA-sound. Sweden's win was endangered by the Icelandic and German songs during the voting, but when the Bosnian jury gave Sweden its 12 points while ignoring Iceland completely, it was clear that Sweden would be the winner of the 1999 Eurovision Song Contest.
When the winner of the 1998 contest, Dana International, was about to hand over the trophy to Charlotte, she fell down on stage in her stilettos causing a security alert in the hall.
Eurovision Song Contest 2008 Semi-Final (2) - Belgrade
Entry for Sweden
Performer: Charlotte Perrelli
Song title: Hero
Composer(s) Fredrik Kempe & Bobby Ljunggren
Lyrics writer(s) Fredrik Kempe
Sang in Position: 2
Final Position: 10
Total Points: 54
Eurovision Song Contest 2008 GRAND-FINAL - Belgrade
Sang in Position: 15
Final Position: 18
Total Points: 47
Bullet
Charlotte Perrelli Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've been living like a burning flame
Betting with my life
That love will play out like any other game
No end in sight
It's just another night
I can take a bullet
I can take a bullet
Watch me do it
Just like a work of art
It's coming trough my heart
And breaks it all apart
But I can take a bullet
I can prove it
You threw me in the car and started
Driving back to my mistakes
Going trough the years and speeding up
Till one of us will break
I'm gonna jump, I'm gonna run
I can take a bullet
I can prove it
I can take a bullet
Watch me do it
Just like a work of art
It's coming trough my heart
And breaks it all apart
But I can take a bullet
I can prove it
This woman standing here
She knows the face of fear
I can take a bullet
I can prove it
I can take a bullet
Watch me do it
Just like a work of art
It's coming trough my heart
And breaks it all apart
But I can take a bullet
I can prove it
The lyrics of Charlotte Perrelli's song "Bullet" are a powerful representation of resilience and strength in the face of adversity. The opening lines of the song convey a sense of restlessness and a willingness to take risks, as the singer describes themselves as a "burning flame" and someone who is willing to bet their life on the possibility of love. The repetition of the line "I can take a bullet, I can prove it" is particularly striking, as it suggests a willingness to face even the most dire of circumstances with bravery and determination.
The second verse of the song introduces a theme of regret and nostalgia, as the singer reflects on their previous mistakes and the ways in which they have been shaped by their past. The phrase "going through the years and speeding up till one of us will break" creates a sense of urgency and desperation, as if the singer is trying to outrun their own personal demons. Despite this, the chorus remains a steadfast declaration of resilience, with lines like "just like a work of art, it's coming through my heart and breaks it all apart" showcasing the singer's bravery in the face of pain and suffering.
Overall, Charlotte Perrelli's "Bullet" is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and an uplifting anthem for anyone who has ever faced adversity and emerged stronger on the other side.
Line by Line Meaning
Restless from the cradle
I've always been energetic and agitated since the beginning of my life
I've been living like a burning flame
My life has been full of passion, intensity, and energy, like a flame that never goes out
Betting with my life
I've been risking everything I have, including my life, for the sake of love
That love will play out like any other game
I believe that love is just like any other game, with its own rules, strategies, and outcomes that can be predicted and controlled
No end in sight
There seems to be no limit or boundary to my pursuit of love
It's just another night
Every night is a new opportunity to live and love again
I can take a bullet
I am strong enough to face any challenge, hardship or danger, including a gunshot
I can prove it
I am not just making empty claims or boasting, but I can actually demonstrate my courage and resilience
Watch me do it
You don't have to take my word for it, but you can witness my actions and see for yourself
Just like a work of art
My bravery and endurance are not only practical skills, but also aesthetic and expressive qualities worthy of admiration and appreciation
It's coming trough my heart
My strength and determination are not just in my body or mind, but also in my emotions and spirit
And breaks it all apart
Even though a bullet can break my physical heart, it cannot destroy my inner being or my faith in love
But I can take a bullet
I am not afraid of dying or suffering for love, because I believe it's worth it
You threw me in the car and started
You kidnapped me or took me by force, without my consent or cooperation
Driving back to my mistakes
You are blaming me for something I did wrong in the past and are using it to justify your aggression or revenge
Going trough the years and speeding up
You are trying to erase or ignore the time we spent together, as well as the changes we went through, and are escalating your anger or resentment
Till one of us will break
You are pushing me or yourself to the brink of exhaustion, denial, or surrender, hoping to win or dominate the situation
I'm gonna jump, I'm gonna run
I am not going to let you control or hurt me anymore, but I will take matters into my own hands and escape or resist
This woman standing here
I am not just a victim or object of your aggression, but an autonomous and brave woman who can fight back
She knows the face of fear
I have faced many fears and challenges in my life, and I know how to overcome them with courage and dignity
Contributed by Thomas O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.