Als ze er niet is

De Dijk's song "Als ze er niet is" delves into the emotional landscape of a man who struggles to express his feelings and only realizes the depth of his longing when his partner is absent. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who is not naturally communicative, often keeping his thoughts and emotions to himself. This is evident in lines like "Tien tegen 1 dat ik m'n mond hou / Als ik je weer zie" (Ten to one that I'll keep my mouth shut / When I see you again). The man acknowledges his own reticence, admitting that he is not a talker and often fails to convey what he truly feels.

The chorus, "Een man weet niet wat 'ie mist / Maar als ze d'r niet is" (A man doesn't know what he's missing / But when she's not there), serves as the emotional crux of the song. It highlights the universal theme of taking things for granted until they are gone. The man only comes to understand the void left by his partner's absence, realizing the significance of her presence in his life. This realization is a poignant moment of self-awareness, where he feels the weight of his unspoken words and unexpressed emotions.

As the song progresses, the man's internal struggle becomes more apparent. He listens to his partner talk about her experiences, but when asked about his own, he can only muster a simple "stil" (quiet). This contrast between his partner's openness and his own silence underscores his emotional turmoil. The final verses reveal that it is only in her absence that he can fully grasp the depth of his feelings, as he feels each word he never said "woord voor woord voor woord" (word for word for word). This repetition emphasizes the magnitude of his regret and longing, making the song a powerful exploration of love, loss, and the human condition.