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Did you hear about the treasure fleet
the silver fleet from Spain?
The ships they were loaded with silver coins
and oranges, pearls and spices!
Heb je van de zilveren vloot wel gehoord
de zilveren vloot van Spanje?
Die had er veel Spaansche matten aan boord
en appeltjes van oranje!
Piet Hein, Piet Hein
Piet Hein, is name is short
his deeds however great
his deeds however great
he conquered the Spanish silver fleet
he conquered surely the silver, the silver fleet!
Piet Hein, Piet Hein
Piet Hein, zijn naam is klein
zijn daden bennen groot
zijn daden bennen groot
die heeft gewonnen de zilveren vloot
die heeft gewonnen, gewonnen de Zilvervloot!
All the man on board climbed the rigging like cats
and fought as brave as lions.
They brought to the Spanish disgrace and shame
their cries could be heard in Spain.
Klommen niet de jongens als katten in 't want
en vochten ze niet als leeuwen?
Ze maakten de Spanjers duchtig te schand
tot in Spanje klonk hun schreeuwen.
Piet Hein, Piet Hein
Piet Hein, is name is short
his deeds however great
his deeds however great
he conquered the Spanish silver fleet
he conquered surely the silver, the silver fleet!
Piet Hein, Piet Hein
Piet Hein, zijn naam is klein
zijn daden bennen groot
zijn daden bennen groot
die heeft gewonnen de zilveren vloot
die heeft gewonnen, gewonnen de Zilvervloot!
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Lyrics: Jan Pieter Heije.
Music: J.J. Viotta.
19th century song.
Background: Piet Hein (or Piet Heijn) (1577-1629) was Commander of the Dutch West India Company during the Eighty Years' War (Dutch War of Independence) against Spain, 1568-1648.
Content: The Spanish treasure fleet was a yearly convoy of cargo ships with silver, gold, gems, pearls, spices, sugar, tobacco, silk, and other exotic goods, from the West Indies to Spain (Europe). Piet Hein conquered the fleet in 1628. The catch was so big, that the war could be financed with it for over a year (converted to modern value about 100 million euro's).
Commentary: The song is from halfway the 19th century. J.P. Heije often used historic and patriotic themes in his songs.
The song book Can you still sing, then sing along, collected by teachers J. Veldkamp and K. de Boer (1906), was very popular during the whole 20th century. It was in print the whole century. Therefore the songs collected in it, became well-known and widespread.
Sources (Dutch Song Database):
• F.A. Snellaert, Oude en nieuwe liedjes (1864)
• J.P. Heije, Nederlandsche liederen (1865)
• J. Kwast, Gezelschapsliederen (ca. 1900)
• Veldkamp en De Boer, Kun je nog zingen (1911, 1938, 1972)
 Lyrics 'Heb je van de zilveren vloot wel gehoord' on Dutch website: Nederlandse volksliedjes H.
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The horn sounds along the mountain and dale
the tone so clear and loud,
the tone so clear and loud
and through the forest echoes strong
the sound so beautiful,
the sound so beautiful.
Langs berg en dal klinkt hoorngeschal
met vollen zuiv'ren toon,
met vollen zuiv'ren toon
en forsch en stout weerklinkt door 't woud
die galm zoo schoon, zoo schoon,
die galm zoo schoon, zoo schoon.
It strengthens colour, fragrances
of nature all around,
of nature all around
the creek does splash it's drops like pearls
as if it sings a song,
as if it sings a song.
't Geeft schooner kleur en frisscher geur
aan alles wat me omringt,
aan alles wat me omringt
en 't beekje spat zijn paarlend nat
alsof 't een liedje zingt,
alsof 't een liedje zingt.
I feel serene with joy for life
when listening to this tune,
when listening to this tune
the painful sadness leaves my heart
and runs away from me,
and runs away from me.
Genot en rust en levenslust
daalt bij die melodij,
daalt bij die melodij
verdriet en smart wijkt uit het hart
en vlucht, en vlucht van mij,
en vlucht, en vlucht van mij.
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Lyrics: Ch. von Schmid.
Music: F. Silcher.
19th century song.
Text: Because the text mentions an echo, the repeating sentences are sung softer.
Commentary: The song book Can you still sing, then sing along, collected by teachers J. Veldkamp and K. de Boer (1906), was very popular during the whole 20th century. It was in print the whole century. Therefore the songs collected in it, became well-known and widespread.
Sources (Dutch Song Database):
• De zangvogeltjes (1875)
• Veldkamp en De Boer, Kun je nog zingen (1911, 1938, 1972)
Lyrics 'Langs berg en dal klinkt hoorngeschal' on Dutch website: Nederlandse volksliedjes L.
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In name of the prince, open these city gates!
The Sea Beggars lie for your shores.
The fleet's admiral will agree with no less
he demands the town of Den Briel.
The order of admiral lord of Lumey
so citizens, do not resist anymore.
The Sea Beggars will take Den Briel,
The Sea Beggars will take Den Briel!
In naam van Oranje, doet open de poort!
De Watergeus ligt aan de wal.
De vlootvoogd der Geuzen, hij maakt geen akkoord
hij vordert Den Briel of uw val.
Dat is het bevel van Lumey op mijn eer
en burgers, hier baat nu geen tegenstand meer.
De Watergeus komt om Den Briel,
de Watergeus komt om Den Briel!
The fleet counts no less than fivethousands heads
these men are so brave, full of fire.
Wait only a moment, they will step on land
it will be announced in the hour.
Don't hesitate longer, but open the gate!
The Sea Beggars, without a murder or kill,
will take the stronghold Den Briel,
will take the stronghold Den Briel!
De vloot is met vijfduizend koppen bemand
de mannen zijn kloek en vol vuur.
Een oogenblik nog en zij stappen aan land
zij wachten bericht binnen 't uur.
Gij moogt dus niet dralen, doet open de poort!
Dan nemen de Geuzen terstond zonder moord
bezit van de vesting Den Briel,
bezit van de vesting Den Briel!
Now quick, guarantee me, I have to go back
the clock did just now chime the hour
I tell you, if you do not give me the keys
your fate is then certain and fixed.
The watchful Sea Beggars stand grinding on guard
they sharpen their sabres and swords and prepare
and they all swear: death or Den Briel,
and they all swear: death or Den Briel!
Komt, geeft de verzeek'ring, 'k moet spoedig terug
de klok heeft het uur reeds gemeld.
Ik zeg 't u, geeft gij mij de sleutels niet vlug
dan is reeds uw vonnis geveld.
De wakkere Geuzen staan tandknersend daar
zij wetten hun zwaarden en maken zich klaar
en zweren: den dood of Den Briel,
en zweren: den dood of Den Briel!
Some sneak out the city, some shelter and hide
they speak about Koppelstok's choise:
to give up the city, or else death for all.
The first option they sure decide.
But just when the ferryman brings their reply
the north gate is already under attack.
The Sea Beggars captured Den Briel,
The Sea Beggars captured Den Briel!
Hier dringt men naar buiten, daar schuilt men bijeen
en spreekt over Koppelstoks last.
De stad in hun handen of anders den dood
't besluit tot het eerste staat vast!
Maar nauw'lijks is hiermee de veerman gevleid
of Simon de Rijk heeft de poort gerammeid
en zoo kwam de Geus in Den Briel,
en zoo kwam de Geus in Den Briel!
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Lyrics: A.J. Schooleman (1872).
19th century song.
Dating: The song was written in 1872 for the celebration of the victory of Den Briel 300 years earlier (1572).
Content: The Capture of Brielle by the Sea Beggars in 1572 was a turning point in the Eighty Years' War (Dutch War of Independence) against Spain, 1568-1648. Many more cities fell the following years.
Text: The 'prince' is prins Willem van Oranje (William, Prince of Orange, 1533-1584). As first leader of the War of Independence, he is considered the Father of the Nation for the Netherlands.
The 'Sea Beggars': 'Beggars' ('Geuzen') was a nickname by the Spanish for the the Dutch rebels, but the Dutch took over the name and used it with pride.
The 'ferryman Koppelstok': Jan Pieterszoon Koppestok (or Koppelstok) told the Sea Beggars most of the Spanish were out of town a few days. He then went to the mayor and exaggerated there were 5.000 Sea Beggars at the shore. In fact there were about 600.
Commentary: The song book Can you still sing, then sing along, collected by teachers J. Veldkamp and K. de Boer (1906), was very popular during the whole 20th century. It was in print the whole century. Therefore the songs collected in it, became well-known and widespread.
Sources (Dutch Song Database):
• M.A. Brandts Buys, Gezelschapsliederen Oud en Nieuw (1875)
• Veldkamp en De Boer, Kun je nog zingen (1938, 1972)
Lyrics 'In naam van Oranje' on Dutch website: Nederlandse volksliedjes I.
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In this green valley, peaceful, quiet,
so full with little flowers,
here whisper the creek and the clear waterfall,
the drops of water splash all around
so all the flowers get water, even
the smallest,
so all the flowers get water, even
the smallest.
In 't groene dal, in 't stille dal
waar kleine bloempjes groeien
daar ruischt een blanke waterval
en druppels spatten overal
om ieder bloempje te besproeien
ook 't kleinste,
om ieder bloempje te besproeien
ook 't kleinste.
And on the hilltop, pointed, high,
where big trees grow so impressive,
there blows a windstorm fierce and sharp
there strucks the flash of lightening a tree
and splits, in roaring thunderstorm
the biggest,
and splits, in roaring thunderstorm
the biggest.
En boven op der heuv'len spits
waar forsche boomen groeien
daar zweept de stormvlaag fel en bits
daar treft de rosse bliksemflits
en splijt, bij 't daav'rend onweerloeien
den grootste,
en splijt, bij 't daav'rend onweerloeien
den grootste.
Uphill, downhill, on top, in deep,
God's hand will guide and lead me!
But I choose, if I have to choose,
my quiet place, my waterfall,
I will remain, as I desire,
the smallest,
I will remain, as I desire,
the smallest.
Omhoog, omlaag, op berg en dal
ben 'k in de hand des Heeren!
Toch kies ik, als ik kiezen zal
mijn stille plek, mijn waterval
toch blijf ik steeds, naar mijn begeeren
de kleinste,
toch blijf ik steeds, naar mijn begeeren
de kleinste.
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Lyrics: Jan Pieter Heije.
Music: J. Beltjens.
19th century song.
Content: Contemplative, religious song. The songwriter prefers small over big.
Background: J.P. Heije was deeply influenced by the ideals of the Enlightment (with education children can become virtuous and respectable citizens; also with literature and song texts) and he wrote more idealistic songs.
Commentary: The song book Can you still sing, then sing along, collected by teachers J. Veldkamp and K. de Boer (1906), was very popular during the whole 20th century. It was in print the whole century. Therefore the songs collected in it, became well-known and widespread.
Sources (Dutch Song Database):
• J.P. Heije, Nederlandsche liederen (1867)
• Veldkamp en De Boer, Kun je nog zingen (1911, 1938, 1972)
Lyrics 'In 't groene dal' on Dutch website: Nederlandse volksliedjes I.
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If you want to sail to the cape
you must be a bearded man.
Jan, Pier, Tjores and Corneel
they do have beards, they do have beards,
Jan, Pier, Tjores and Corneel
they do have beards, so they sail with us.
Al die willen te kaap'ren varen
moeten mannen met baarden zijn.
Jan, Pier, Tjores en Corneel
die hebben baarden, die hebben baarden,
Jan, Pier, Tjores en Corneel
die hebben baarden, zij varen mee.
If you like to eat rancid biscuits
you must be a bearded man.
Jan, Pier, Tjores and Corneel
they do have beards, they do have beards,
Jan, Pier, Tjores and Corneel
they do have beards, so they sail with us.
Al die ranzige tweebak lusten
moeten mannen met baarden zijn.
Jan, Pier, Tjores en Corneel
die hebben baarden, die hebben baarden,
Jan, Pier, Tjores en Corneel
die hebben baarden, zij varen mee.
If you too want to kill the walrus
you must be a bearded man.
Jan, Pier, Tjores and Corneel
they do have beards, they do have beards,
Jan, Pier, Tjores and Corneel
they do have beards, so they sail with us.
Al die met ons de walrus killen
moeten mannen met baarden zijn.
Jan, Pier, Tjores en Corneel
die hebben baarden, die hebben baarden,
Jan, Pier, Tjores en Corneel
die hebben baarden, zij varen mee.
Not afraid of the death or devil
you must be a bearded man.
Jan, Pier, Tjores and Corneel
they do have beards, they do have beards,
Jan, Pier, Tjores and Corneel
they do have beards, so they sail with us.
Al die dood en duivel niet duchten
moeten mannen met baarden zijn.
Jan, Pier, Tjores en Corneel
die hebben baarden, die hebben baarden,
Jan, Pier, Tjores en Corneel
die hebben baarden, zij varen mee.
If you want to sail to the cape
you must be a bearded man.
Jan, Pier, Tjores and Corneel
they do have beards, they do have beards,
Jan, Pier, Tjores and Corneel
they do have beards, so they sail with us.
Al die willen te kaap'ren varen
moeten mannen met baarden zijn.
Jan, Pier, Tjores en Corneel
die hebben baarden, die hebben baarden,
Jan, Pier, Tjores en Corneel
die hebben baarden, zij varen mee.
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Dutch 19th century folk songs.
Commentary: This is a sailor's song (sea shanty song). It was written down from the oral tradition by E. de Coussemaker in 1856, probably in Dunkirk (that was infamous for it's Dunkirk Privateers during the 16th and 17th century).
Text: To 'sail the cape' could refer to sailing to the Cape of Good Hope, but also to sailing with pirate/privateer ships. To be 'a bearded man', to have a beard, means that young, beardless boys cannot join them. The name 'Pier' is short voor Pieter/Petrus and the name 'Corneel' is short for Cornelis.
Background: The song is still sung by sea shanty choirs.
Sources (Dutch Song Database):
• E. de Coussemaker, Chants populaires des Flamands (1856)
• F. van Duyse, Het oude Nederlandsche lied (1903)
Lyrics 'Al die willen te kaap'ren varen' on Dutch website: Nederlandse volksliedjes A.
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A small wooden cart, the moon was bright
drove on a sand road, so wide and quiet
the horse was eager, joyful.
I bet it finds it's way on it's own
the driver was lying, resting.
Een karretje op een zandweg reed
de maan scheen helder, de weg was breed
het paardje liep met lusten.
'k Wed dat het zelf zijn weg wel vindt
de voerman lei te rusten.
A safe journey home, my friend, my friend,
I wish you all well, my friend.
Ik wensch je wèl thuis, mêvrind, mêvrind,
ik wensch je wèl thuis, mêvrind!
An other cart drove in darkest night
through mountains on a steep, narrow path
the horse ran as an arrow
although it's blinded by snow and storm.
The driver holds the bridles.
Een karretje reed langs berg en dal
de nacht was donker, de weg was smal
het paard liep als met vleugels.
De sneeuwjacht zweept zijn oogen blind.
De voerman houdt de teugels.
A safe journey home, my friend, my friend,
I wish you all well, my friend.
Ik wensch je wèl thuis, mêvrind, mêvrind,
ik wensch je wèl thuis, mêvrind!
Just one cart comes home all sound and safe
the other one lost his driver
where can he be, this poor man?
I guess on the sand road he is found
or just along the road side.
Eén karretje keert behouden weêr
het ander heeft er geen voerman meer
waar mag hij zijn gebleven?
'k Wed dat je 'em op den zandweg vindt
of moog'lijk wel daarneven.
He came not home safe, that friend, that friend,
he didn't do well, that friend!
Hij komt niet weer thuis, die vrind, die vrind,
hij komt niet weer thuis, die vrind!
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Lyrics: Jan Pieter Heije.
Music: J.J. Viotta.
19th century song.
Content: Contemplative song. Not the driver on the dangerous road, but the driver on the broad, easy road falls (sleeping) of his wagon en doesn't come home. The songwriter says that sometimes a difficult road (that keeps you alert) is better than an easy ride.
Commentary: The song book Can you still sing, then sing along, collected by teachers J. Veldkamp and K. de Boer (1906), was very popular during the whole 20th century. It was in print the whole century. Therefore the songs collected in it, became well-known and widespread.
Sources (Dutch Song Database):
• J.P. Heije, Nederlandsche liederen (1865)
• Lange, Riemsdijk en Kalff, Nederlandsch volksliederenboek (1913)
• M. Coune, De Vlaamsche Zanger (1928)
• Veldkamp en De Boer, Kun je nog zingen (1911, 1938, 1972)
Lyrics 'Een karretje op een zandweg reed' on Dutch website: Nederlandse volksliedjes K.
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Small tiny bird on your green branch
how cheerful is your song!
In all our songbook we don't have
a song so glad and bright.
Oh, tell us, friendly animal
who was your teacher for this song?
Oh, tell us, friendly animal
who was your teacher for this song?
Klein vogelijn op groenen tak
wat zingt g' een lustig lied!
Wij hebben in ons heele boek
zoo'n vroolijk wijsje niet.
O, zeg ons, zeg ons, aardig beest
wie toch uw meester is geweest,
o, zeg ons, zeg ons, aardig beest
wie toch uw meester is geweest.
You sing so clear, so high, in tune
you keep the time so well.
Our hearts feel joy and happiness
when you begin to sing.
Oh, tell us, friendly animal
who was your teacher for this song?
Oh, tell us, friendly animal
who was your teacher for this song?
Zoo zuiver zingt gij en zoo hoog
zoo keurig in de maat
en 't hart, dat popelt ons van vreugd
wanneer uw keeltje gaat.
O, zeg ons, zeg ons, aardig beest
wie toch uw meester is geweest,
o, zeg ons, zeg ons, aardig beest
wie toch uw meester is geweest.
I know for sure that our dear God
did trust you with this song
so you could pass on to each ear
God's goodness and grandeur.
Oh yes, we know, dear animal
God was the teacher of your song,
oh yes, we know, dear animal
God was the teacher of your song.
Voorzeker 't is de goede God!
Die 't u heeft toebetrouwd
opdat gij aan der blinden oor
zijn goedheid melden zoudt.
O ja, we weten 't, aardig beest
dat God uw meester is geweest,
o ja, we weten 't, aardig beest
dat God uw meester is geweest.
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Lyrics: Jan Pieter Heije.
Music: W. Smits.
19th century song.
Content: Contemplative, religious song. God is the source of beauty in nature.
Background: J.P. Heije was deeply influenced by the ideals of the Enlightment (with education children can become virtuous and respectable citizens; also with literature and song texts) and he wrote more idealistic songs.
Commentary: The song book Can you still sing, then sing along, collected by teachers J. Veldkamp and K. de Boer (1906), was very popular during the whole 20th century. It was in print the whole century. Therefore the songs collected in it, became well-known and widespread.
Sources (Dutch Song Database):
• J.P. Heije, Volksdichten (1876)
• Lange, Riemsdijk en Kalff, Nederlandsch volksliederenboek (1913)
• Veldkamp en De Boer, Kun je nog zingen (1911, 1938, 1972)
Lyrics 'Klein vogelijn op groene tak' on Dutch website: Nederlandse volksliedjes K.
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