Aan de Oever Van de Rotte
Het Grote Muziekpakhuiskoor
A Frog's Tale of Revenge and Reunion
The song "Aan de Oever Van de Rotte" by Het Grote Muziekpakhuiskoor is a whimsical yet poignant narrative set along the banks of the Rotte River, between Delft and Overschie. The lyrics tell the story of a frog mother mourning the loss of her partner, who was devoured by a stork. This sets the stage for a tale of vengeance and unexpected reunion, wrapped in a metaphorical and somewhat surreal package.
The mother frog, with her infant on her knee, explains to her child that the stork is responsible for the father's death. This revelation ignites a sense of righteous anger in the young frog, who vows to avenge his father once he grows strong. The narrative takes a sudden turn when the stork reappears and captures the young frog, only to reunite him with his father inside the stork's belly. This twist adds a layer of dark humor and irony to the story, as the father and son find themselves together again, albeit in a rather unconventional setting.
The song concludes with a somewhat absurd observation that the frogs remain unharmed despite being inside the stork, suggesting that the stork's digestive acids are ineffective. This ending can be seen as a metaphor for resilience and the enduring bond of family, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The playful yet dark tone of the song, combined with its vivid imagery and unexpected twists, makes it a memorable and thought-provoking piece.