De Buren

Herman Finkers' song "De Buren" humorously explores the differences between two neighboring families. The lyrics highlight the contrasting lifestyles and values of the narrator and his neighbors. The neighbors are depicted as health-conscious and modern, feeding their children macrobiotic food, which the narrator humorously criticizes by pointing out that such children might lack knowledge of traditional Dutch food terms like 'gehaktdag' (minced meat day) and 'kuiltje jus' (a well of gravy). This playful critique underscores the cultural gap between the two families, emphasizing the narrator's more traditional and perhaps simpler way of life.

The song continues to highlight these differences through the mention of the neighbors' motorized lawnmower, which the narrator finds excessively luxurious. Instead, he prefers the more old-fashioned method of having a gardener do the job by hand. This contrast serves to further illustrate the narrator's perspective on what he perceives as unnecessary modern conveniences, reinforcing the theme of traditional versus contemporary lifestyles.

Despite these differences, the song also touches on the camaraderie and mutual respect that can exist between neighbors. The annual ritual of trimming the hedge together symbolizes a moment of unity and cooperation. The humorous twist at the end, where the narrator tries to preempt the neighbor's usual offer of coffee, adds a light-hearted and relatable touch to the narrative. This ending emphasizes that, despite their differences, the neighbors share a bond and a sense of community, highlighting the universal theme of neighborly relationships.