Unicorn

Album: released as a single (2023)
Charted: 45
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Israeli singer-songwriter Noa Kirel began her music career aged 13 when she released "Medabrim BeShalom" on YouTube. Following its success, she dropped more songs, which were played on various Israeli radio stations. She won Singer of the Year at the Israeli Kids' Choice Awards the following year.

    When Kirel was 16, she became the youngest judge for an entire season of Israel's Got Talent.

    Kirel signed with Atlantic Records in June 2020 and unleashed her first international single, "Please Don't Suck." She continued to make waves, dropping the track "Bad Little Thing" and even performing it to kick off the Miss Universe 2021 pageant held in Eilat, Israel.

    In 2023, Kirel was internally selected by the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, Israel's broadcaster for the Eurovision Song Contest. Her entry "Unicorn" secured an impressive third-place finish in the final with 362 points.
  • The word "re'em" in the Hebrew Bible refers to a mighty and untamed creature like a wild ox or auroch. In the King James Version (KJV), it translates as "unicorn," symbolizing strength and power. Psalm 92:10, for instance, metaphorically compares a horn to that of a unicorn, representing exalted strength and power.

    Noa Kirel's song carries a message of inner strength and resilience, particularly for women. She compares herself to a unicorn, standing tall and independent, embracing her own power. Kirel determines not to dwell on the past or be discouraged, boldly stating that she will move forward without hesitation.
  • Kirel co-wrote "Unicorn" with Israeli songwriters Doron Medalie, May Sfadia and Yinon Yahel. Medalie co-penned "Toy," which was performed by Netta Barzilai and won the Eurovision Song Contest 2018. Yahel helped compose the Israeli entry for the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest, which came ninth in the final.
  • In an interview with I24News, Kirel said "Unicorn" carries a powerful message of self-empowerment. "The power to say what you want, what you feel, to dress how you want, to do whatever you want to do to be who you want to be."
  • Kirel drew inspiration from her own experiences as a young teenager in creating the track. "I started my career at 13 years old. In the beginning, I got a lot of criticism about what I was doing as a young woman and artist," she recalled. "At that time, I felt everybody was trying to put me down, and then I discovered this invisible horn that I needed to embrace, and I believe everyone has their horn that makes them different. Believe in yourself, in your dreams, because you can do anything you want."

    Kirel went on to explain that the lyrics of "Unicorn" aim to promote coexistence and togetherness, addressing the negative image often associated with Israel in the international community. Through her music, she seeks to transcend boundaries and foster unity.

    "I'm saying in the song, 'Hey, do you want to check my DNA?' We all have the same DNA, no matter your religion or where you come from. It's all about that, let's listen to each other, it doesn't matter where you come from or what your religion is, just listen to each other and understand we're all the same."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)Songwriter Interviews

Before "Rap" was a form of music, it was something guys did to pick up girls in nightclubs. Donnie talks about "The Rapper" and reveals the identity of Leah.

David Bowie Leads the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired Men

David Bowie Leads the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired MenSong Writing

Bowie's "activist" days of 1964 led to Ziggy Stardust.

Bob Daisley

Bob DaisleySongwriter Interviews

Bob was the bass player and lyricist for the first two Ozzy Osbourne albums. Here's how he wrote songs like "Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley" with Ozzy and Randy Rhoads.

La La Brooks of The Crystals

La La Brooks of The CrystalsSong Writing

The lead singer on "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me," La La explains how and why Phil Spector replaced The Crystals with Darlene Love on "He's A Rebel."

Randy Houser

Randy HouserSongwriter Interviews

The "How Country Feels" singer talks Skynyrd and songwriting.

Laura Nyro

Laura NyroSongwriting Legends

Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.