Trouw

Joop Visser's song "Trouw" is a biting satire aimed at the Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant. The lyrics are a relentless critique of the publication, accusing it of being a subpar and unreliable source of news. Visser uses strong language and repetition to emphasize his disdain, calling the newspaper a "kutkrant," which translates to a derogatory term in English. This repetition serves to drive home his point that De Volkskrant has lost its credibility and value over time.

The song delves into the history of De Volkskrant, noting its origins as a Catholic newspaper and how it has strayed from its roots. Visser criticizes the paper for its perceived lack of substance, stating that it has become thicker in size but offers less meaningful content. He also accuses the editorial staff of self-censorship and being driven by alcohol, suggesting that the quality of journalism has significantly declined. The line about the newspaper having "ten opinions" instead of one highlights the inconsistency and lack of a clear editorial stance, further undermining its reliability.

In the final lines, Visser contrasts De Volkskrant with Trouw, another Dutch newspaper, implying that Trouw is a more trustworthy and respectable publication. This comparison serves to elevate Trouw while simultaneously diminishing De Volkskrant. The song is not just a critique of one newspaper but a broader commentary on the state of modern journalism, questioning the integrity and quality of contemporary news sources. Through his sharp and humorous lyrics, Visser invites listeners to be more critical of the media they consume and to seek out more reliable sources of information.