Boer, daar ligt een kip in 't water...
Brammetje
The Unwanted Symphony Next Door
Brammetje's song, 'Boer, daar ligt een kip in 't water...', humorously captures the frustrations of living next to a relentless piano player. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a neighbor whose incessant piano practice disrupts the tranquility of the protagonist's home. The song's title, which translates to 'Farmer, there's a chicken in the water...', is a whimsical metaphor for the chaos and absurdity brought into the protagonist's life by the neighbor's music.
The song opens with the protagonist lamenting the invasion of sound into their peaceful abode. The neighbor's piano playing is described as something that should be strictly forbidden, highlighting the extent of the disturbance. The recurring image of a chicken falling into the water every quarter-hour symbolizes the repetitive and unavoidable nature of the noise. This metaphor underscores the protagonist's helplessness and the absurdity of the situation.
As the song progresses, the protagonist details the various ways the piano playing affects their daily life. From the early morning to late at night, the neighbor's music permeates every corner of the house, affecting everyone from the maid to the baby. The protagonist's frustration is palpable, as even closing the windows cannot keep the sound at bay. The song humorously notes that even the neighborhood dogs join in, adding to the cacophony. The final verse poignantly captures the protagonist's despair, as they wait in vain for silence, only to find that the neighbor's relentless practice continues unabated.
Brammetje's clever use of humor and metaphor in 'Boer, daar ligt een kip in 't water...' offers a relatable and entertaining commentary on the challenges of living in close quarters with others. The song's playful tone and vivid imagery make it a memorable and engaging piece that resonates with anyone who has ever dealt with a noisy neighbor.