Jüri Leesment: Our goal was to write stirring and awakening songs

Poet and lyricist Jüri Leesment spoke about the creative process behind patriotic Estonian songs written together with Alo Mattiisen. He explained that the two never wanted to write sad laments about a small unfortunate Estonia, but believed patriotic songs should be bold and rousing.

Estonian poet and lyricist Jüri Leesment recently appeared on the television programme "Hommik Anuga" to share memories of his creative collaboration with the late composer Alo Mattiisen, whose songs played a defining role in Estonia's national awakening.

Leesment recalled that when he and Mattiisen sat down together to craft their songs, they were driven by a clear artistic and political vision. Rather than writing melancholic ballads about a small and helpless homeland, the two wanted their work to carry fire and urgency.

"Our goal was to write stirring and awakening songs," Leesment explained, emphasising that in their view a truly patriotic song had to provoke emotion and inspire action — not sorrow or resignation.

The collaboration between Leesment and Mattiisen produced some of the most iconic songs of Estonia's Singing Revolution era, pieces that helped galvanise public sentiment during the push for independence in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their work remains a celebrated part of Estonian cultural heritage.