Muis in de supermarkt
Leen Jongewaard
A Whimsical Tale of a Supermarket Mouse
Leen Jongewaard's song "Muis in de supermarkt" is a charming and whimsical narrative about a mouse that has made a supermarket its home. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the mouse's daily life, as it rides along in shopping carts and finds cozy spots among the groceries. The mouse's presence is a source of amusement and mild annoyance for the customers, who react with a mix of surprise and dismay. The song humorously captures the mouse's adventures and the reactions of the people around it.
The song's narrative is rich with imagery and humor. The mouse is described as being at ease among the jam, coffee, and macaroni, creating a sense of a small creature finding comfort in an unlikely place. The customers' reactions, especially the lady who screams and hides in the freezer, add a comedic element to the story. The mouse's antics, such as leaving droppings in the hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles), further emphasize the humorous clash between the mouse's carefree existence and the customers' expectations of cleanliness and order.
The supermarket manager's response to the customers' complaints is particularly telling. Instead of setting traps or bringing in a cat, he decides to let the mouse stay, suggesting a sense of acceptance and perhaps even affection for the little creature. This decision leads to the mouse being pampered and well-fed, becoming a beloved part of the supermarket's ecosystem. The recurring line "Katten alleen aan de lijn" (Cats only on a leash) reinforces the idea that the mouse is a protected and cherished resident of the supermarket. The song concludes with a tender image of the mouse dreaming of its mother, adding a touch of sentimentality to the otherwise lighthearted tale.
Overall, "Muis in de supermarkt" is a delightful and humorous song that uses the story of a mouse in a supermarket to explore themes of acceptance, the clash between order and chaos, and the unexpected ways in which creatures can find a home. The playful lyrics and vivid imagery make it a memorable and endearing piece of music.