Cogs can think.

As I’ve blogged about before, The Netherlands has a very rich music culture. The problem, of course, is that most of you don’t understand a word Dutch (shame on you!), and as such, really can’t properly experience Dutch music. That’s why, every now and then, I translate a Dutch song into English, for all to enjoy.

Guus Meeuwis. If there is one artist that has experienced a positive development over time, it’s him. He started out as a rather corny student singer, but later turned out to be a great, inspiring singer/songwriter, and his last string of songs are of outstanding quality. I especially like “Tranen Gelachen“.

The rain ruins a March afternoon, at least, that’s what she thought
But I kept some sunlight in my head, so I get the last laugh

And without my jacket, I step outside
Full of spirit, I start my journey
I have to tell myself not to whistle
That’s how I walk towards the sun

Today, I’ll meet my friends of old, just to see if something’s still there
Of the boys within us, who didn’t ask for anything, who didn’t want to know what was black or white

I laughed tears of joy, acted silly, and in the end, contently… Turned off the lights

I’m greeted by a pat on my shoulder
How are you, first joke, first beer
In this light we barely aged, a short silence, then we laugh

One by one, the room fills, the guys never change
Still, there is so much new to tell, the guys never change

I laughed tears of joy, acted silly, and in the end, contently… Turned off the lights

The stars foresee a morning in March that whispers, “spring is here”
And I can’t get a cab at this hour, but why do I care - spring is here

I laughed tears of joy, acted silly, and in the end, contently… Turned off the lights
I laughed tears of joy, acted silly, and in the end, contently… Turned off the lights

Turned off the lights

I love this song so very much, because I know I will be in a similar situation ten years from now, and when future Thom leaves to meet his friends of now, he’ll still remember this song, smile on his face, pedal to the metal.

With Fiona next to me, of course.