Country Norway Language Norwegian Lyricist(s) Ola B. Johannessen | Artist(s) Odd Børre Composer(s) Tor Hultin Conductor Øivind Bergh | |
"Stress" was the Norwegian entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 1968, performed in Norwegian by Odd Børre.
The song is a moderately up-tempo number, with Børre seemingly conducting a conversation with a friend or colleague, while trying to excuse himself to catch "the last bus home". He finds this to be a stressful situation, and sings that in the future he hopes to have more time.
The song was performed thirteenth on the night, following the United Kingdom's Cliff Richard with "Congratulations" and preceding Ireland's Pat McGeegan with "Chance of a Lifetime". At the close of voting, it had received 2 points, placing 13th in a field of 17.
Despite the comparative lack of success, the song has become something of a cult classic among fans of the Contest. An excerpt of Børre's performance, featuring the distinctive stammering delivery of the verses, was played during one of the collections at the Congratulations special in late 2005. Additionally, Australian Eurovision commentator Des Mangan derives humour from the unlikely title, the (to English-speaking ears) unusual name of the singer (generally pronounced "Odd Bore" in English) and also from the distinctive delivery.
It was succeeded as Norwegian representative at the 1969 Contest by Kirsti Sparboe with "Oj, oj, oj, så glad jeg skal bli".