1944 (song)

"1944" is a song by Ukrainian singer Jamala, which won the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 representing Ukraine. The song is primarily performed in English, with a chorus in Crimean Tatar.

The lyrics reference the deportation of Crimean Tatars in 1944 by the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin, specifically focusing on Jamala's great-grandmother's experiences. The song begins with the line "When strangers are coming, they come to your house, they kill you all and say 'We're not guilty, not guilty'." This sets the stage for the historical narrative of the deportation.

While the song's lyrics are ostensibly about the past, many interpreted them as a commentary on the then-recent annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 and the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. This interpretation led to some controversy, as Eurovision rules prohibit songs with political content. However, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) ruled that the song did not violate the rules, as it focused on a specific historical event rather than making a general political statement.

The song's musical style blends electronic, opera, and folk elements, creating a distinctive and emotionally impactful sound. Jamala's powerful vocals and the song's haunting melody contributed to its success at Eurovision. "1944" received high scores from both juries and televoters across Europe, ultimately securing Ukraine's second victory in the competition. The song brought international attention to the plight of the Crimean Tatars and their history of persecution.