De Rivier

Harrie Jekkers' song "De Rivier" tells the story of a river that dreams of reaching the other side of a mountain, a place it believes to be warmer and greener. The river's journey is a metaphor for human aspirations and the often misguided efforts we make to achieve our goals. Initially, the river tries to climb the mountain by asking a goat for advice, who suggests climbing. Despite its efforts, the river cannot climb. Then, it seeks advice from a bird, who suggests flying, but again, the river fails. These attempts symbolize the futile efforts we sometimes make when we try to achieve something in ways that are not suited to our nature.

The turning point in the story comes when the sun advises the river to relax and do nothing. The river, exhausted from its previous attempts, decides to follow this advice. As it slows down, its water evaporates, and it transforms into a cloud. The wind then carries the cloud over the mountain, and the river falls as rain on the other side, achieving its goal effortlessly. This transformation highlights the importance of patience and the idea that sometimes, the best way to achieve our goals is to let go and allow things to happen naturally.

The song concludes with a moral: "Don't wear yourself out, have a good time, do nothing, and you'll achieve the most." This message encourages listeners to find balance in their lives, to not overexert themselves in pursuit of their dreams, and to trust that sometimes, the best results come from patience and letting things unfold in their own time. Harrie Jekkers uses this simple yet profound story to convey a universal truth about the human experience, making it relatable and thought-provoking for his audience.