Look Mum No Computer shares real reason for German lyrics in UK Eurovision song amid backlash

Look Mum No Computer has addressed the backlash surrounding the UK’s Eurovision 2026 entry after the song sparked controversy over its repeated use of German lyrics.

The experimental electronic musician, whose real name is Sam Battle, will represent the United Kingdom at this year’s contest in Vienna with the track Eins, Zwei, Drei, a retro-inspired synth-pop anthem which has divided Eurovision fans since its release.

Many viewers were left stunned after discovering that large sections of the chorus are sung in German, despite the act competing for the UK.

Others questioned lyrics that appeared to mock elements of British culture, including the line: “Counting in English doesn't cut the mustard. So sick of munching roly-poly with custard. I'm so bored with it, bored with it.”

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The repeated phrase “Eins, zwei, drei” features heavily throughout the song and quickly became one of the most talked-about aspects of the UK entry online.

Despite criticism from some Eurovision fans, others praised the BBC for taking a more unconventional approach after years of disappointing results with traditional pop tracks.

Mr Battle, who performs under the name Look Mum No Computer, said he deliberately wanted to try something different for Eurovision.

Speaking to the Radio Times, he explained: “There’s a different style to the music.

“We’ve always had a run of very good pop songs but sometimes they haven’t translated well to points, though they’re still very good songs.

"We’ve gone for a different tactic with this one. It’s different because it’s just a little bit more tongue in cheek.”

The musician also revealed he never expected the BBC to seriously consider him for the competition.

“Around a year ago my manager and I contacted the BBC. We were like, ‘Wouldn’t it be funny if we tried to go for Eurovision?’ but we didn’t think it was possible,” he said.

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“They said to give it a go, just try and write something. Skip forward to January, I found out. I was flabbergasted.”

Mr Battle first emerged on the British music scene as frontman of indie band Zibra before building a major online following through his bizarre homemade instruments and musical machines.

His inventions include a Furby organ, a Raleigh Chopper synthesizer and even a flame-throwing Henry Hoover.

Discussing the unusual creation, he joked: “I do – a flame-throwing Henry hoover. It’s by far my favourite.

I need to rebuild it because I got really excited and used it too much and it’s melted his body. I built it not really thinking Henry’s made of plastic…”

Later in the interview, the musician finally addressed why he chose to include German lyrics in the UK’s Eurovision entry.

“I think I’ve probably spent more time in Germany than any other country except for the UK, be it working on music, meeting people or playing shows,” he explained.

“So it’s certainly inspired by spending a lot of time there.”

He added: “I had the chorus and then came up with the verses and it was like, ‘How do they merge together?’ Nothing really worked, and I thought if only there was a language I could count in that would make me feel better on a Eurovision stage. It just made sense.”

Despite the explanation, bookmakers have dramatically shortened expectations for the UK entry in recent weeks, with Look Mum No Computer now considered a major outsider ahead of the Grand Final in Vienna next week.

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