PARIS: “It’s a song that talks about energy and resilience”: Singer Gala is “delighted” to see her 1996 hit “Freed from Dec” take on the blues at the World Cup in Qatar and beyond.

We saw on social networks Kylian Mbappe and his team singing the chorus in the locker room after the Round of 16 win over Poland (they face England in the quarter-finals on Saturday).

Something to bring back good memories when their predecessors in the France team covered Gloria Gaynor’s 1978 hit “I Will Survive” during their triumphant trip to the 1998 World Cup.

Like “I Will Survive,” the story of a woman breaking free from a toxic relationship, “Freed from Desire” reads like a feminist anthem.

“Everyone says that, but it’s not feminist to begin with,” the Italian-born singer, who lives in the United States and now spends time in Paris, told AFP Gala.

It is a little known story. At age 13, a doctor in Italy diagnosed her with a back problem, guaranteeing her life’s dream of becoming a dancer. But later in America, when she studies photography, another doctor tells her that nothing can stop her from dancing.

Foot, box, paddle

“Two things came together, I fell in love with a Senegalese artist who lived in the USA for a while (ie, freed from materialistic desires, editor’s note) and I got this energy back”, develops Forties. “+Release From Desire+ is a song that talks about energy and resilience, which I understand is related to the desire to achieve a goal.”

“I’m happy that the French players sing it, because France has always received me well, I’m a diamond here, I’m there now, but this song has many other lives, united many people. , that’s what makes me happy,” she continues.

Speaking only about sports, his tube has been adopted by supporters of the Northern Ireland football team at Euro-2016, English club Wigan and AC Milan. It also served as the soundtrack for English boxer Tyson Fury.

“It’s not just the song of the winners, it’s the song of the outsiders, and I’ve even seen supporters of Paquito Navarro, who lost in padel (racquet sports), take it up,” recalls the singer. “Sung at the same time by supporters of two Australian rugby teams who should hate each other.”

freedom

“Freed from Desire” is also a freedom song, and Gala paid her dearly. When she realizes that her contract with her record company in the late 1990s is “not the most conducive to being politically correct,” she breaks it. What was not done at that time.

“People tell me, but where have you been on an island paradise all these years? ” she says.

“I didn’t stop making music, but it was just my label, me and an email address, I was independent before my time, but this is the rule today”, she describes, making sure she has “ongoing projects”.

And to return to football? “Yes, I always respond to those who love me, and if the French are world champions and invite me, I want to sing for them to celebrate.”