Decoding ‘Who the Hell Is Edgar?’Teya & Salena’s Eurovision Sensation
In 2023, the name Edgar Allan Poe continues to resonate, not Nevermore but more than ever. Austrian pop duo Teya and Salena brought Poe back into the spotlight with their satirical song, “Who the Hell is Edgar?” performed at the Eurovision Song Contest.
Decoding ‘Who the Hell Is Edgar?’Teya & Salena’s Eurovision Sensation
This catchy entry has secured its place in the grand final of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. You can watch the show on the major broadcasters across Europe and on Peacock in the United States.
Teya and Salena‘s song takes listeners on a roller coaster of emotions. Starting with the dramatic voice exclaiming, “You’re such a good writer!”. The artists quickly admit that it’s actually Poe who has possessed them, proclaiming, “There’s a ghost in my body, and he is a lyricist. It is Edgar Allan Poe, and I think he can’t resist.”
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The track delves into a lamentation of the streaming pay model, with lyrics like “Gas station champagne is on me. Edgar cannot pay rent for me.” The chorus features the artists chanting “Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe, Poe” to an infectious beat.
Already popular on TikTok, the song ends with a repeated question: “Who the hell is Edgar?”
While the rest of Europe may be questioning the identity of Edgar, Baltimore, Maryland knows exactly who he is. The renowned writer and poet lived and tragically died in the city. His legacy never died.
Visitors to Baltimore can explore the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum. Located in the downtown rowhome where he resided as an adult. Poe’s grave can be found at the Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Furthermore, it is no coincidence that Baltimore’s national football team bears the name Ravens, a nod to Poe’s famous poem.
According to Alex Zavistovich, founder and artistic director of the National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre in Baltimore, Poe’s presence is vivid in the city.
Zavistovich believes that exposure to Poe’s works during schooling has a lasting impact. Suspense and thrillers read at a young age tend to leave a lasting impression.
Poe’s international acclaim is not a recent phenomenon either, as he has made appearances throughout pop culture history. Notably, he is featured on the cover of The Beatles’ album “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” in the back row.
Decoding ‘Who the Hell Is Edgar?’Teya & Salena’s Eurovision Sensation
Zavistovich suggests that Poe’s ability to tap into our innate fears is what has kept readers inspired for over a century.
“Poe’s relevance after more than 100 years lies in his ability to use short stories — sometimes very short — to create and sustain feelings that tap directly into some of our innate fears,” he explains.
If indeed Teya and Salena have become vessels for Poe’s spirit, it would only be fitting for the duo to visit North America, specifically Baltimore, where it all began.
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