Links, Rechts

Harrie Jekkers' song 'Links, Rechts' is a satirical commentary on the polarized nature of society. The lyrics reflect a time when the world seemed more straightforward, divided into clear-cut categories of 'left' and 'right.' Jekkers uses humor and irony to highlight the absurdity of such binary thinking, where everything from clothing to political ideologies is classified into one of two camps. This dichotomy extends to various aspects of life, including social norms, consumer goods, and even personal identities.

The song's structure is a series of juxtapositions, each line presenting a pair of opposites. For instance, 'a suit is right, but a denim suit is left,' and 'suicide is right, euthanasia is left.' These examples illustrate how arbitrary and simplistic such divisions can be. Jekkers also touches on more profound societal issues, such as the political affiliations of different groups and the cultural significance of certain actions or objects. By doing so, he invites listeners to question the validity of these binary classifications and consider the complexities that lie between the extremes.

Jekkers' use of humor and everyday examples makes the song relatable and engaging. His references to well-known figures and cultural phenomena, like Johan Cruyff and The Telegraaf, ground the song in a specific cultural context, making it particularly resonant for Dutch audiences. However, the underlying message about the dangers of binary thinking is universal. The song encourages listeners to move beyond simplistic labels and embrace the nuances of life, recognizing that not everything can be neatly categorized as 'left' or 'right.'