De kleuren van de steden

Wannes Van De Velde's song "De kleuren van de steden" ("The Colors of the Cities") is a poetic celebration of urban life, capturing the essence of cities through vivid imagery and rich metaphors. The lyrics paint a picture of cities as vibrant, colorful places where the world finds its order and beauty. The use of colors as a central theme symbolizes diversity, life, and the dynamic nature of urban environments. Van De Velde suggests that cities, with their myriad hues, offer a polychromatic dream where people can live and thrive.

The song also touches on the emotional and psychological impact of city life. Van De Velde encourages listeners to let the colors of the cities bring joy and prevent them from falling into a state of melancholy or lifelessness. He contrasts the lively, colorful streets with the image of lifeless, stone-like individuals who lack vitality and joy. This contrast serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing the vibrancy and diversity of urban life to avoid becoming stagnant and disconnected.

Van De Velde's lyrics also highlight the artistic and aesthetic aspects of cities. He mentions various painting techniques—acrylic, oil, pastel, and watercolor—suggesting that cities are like canvases, constantly being painted and repainted by their inhabitants. The streets are described as being made up and displayed in the lights of trams, emphasizing the ever-changing and dynamic nature of urban landscapes. The song concludes with a personal reflection, where Van De Velde expresses his deep connection to city life, feeling most at home among the human colors, joys, and sorrows that define urban existence. This connection is so profound that he cannot imagine leaving the city, regardless of where he is—be it Ghent, Madrid, or Rome.

"De kleuren van de steden" is a tribute to the beauty, diversity, and vitality of cities, capturing the essence of urban life through its rich, colorful imagery and heartfelt reflections.