De hoogste tijd

André Hazes' song "De hoogste tijd" captures the bittersweet essence of closing time at a local bar. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the final moments before the bar shuts its doors for the night. The kastelein (bartender) pours the last drinks, signaling that it's time to wrap up. The patrons, who have enjoyed an evening of camaraderie and laughter, are gently reminded that the night is coming to an end. The phrase "de hoogste tijd" (the highest time) is a Dutch idiom meaning it's high time or the right moment, emphasizing the urgency and inevitability of the bar's closure.

The song also delves into the lives of the people who frequent the bar. There's a poignant moment where a man sits alone at a table, lost in thought, and seemingly forgotten by the world. This character represents the loneliness and isolation that can often be masked by the temporary joy of social gatherings. Hazes' lyrics highlight the contrast between the lively atmosphere of the bar and the personal struggles that individuals may face once they leave.

The closing scenes of the song depict the bar staff's routine as they prepare to go home. The kelner (waiter) expresses his own desire to return to his family, underscoring the universal need for connection and belonging. The imagery of empty bottles and scattered peanuts on the floor, along with the sudden silence of the jukebox, evokes a sense of finality and the end of an era, even if just for the night. Hazes' song is a tribute to the fleeting moments of joy and the underlying melancholy that often accompanies the end of a social gathering.