Lang Zullen Ze Leven

Wim De Bie's song "Lang Zullen Ze Leven" is a satirical and thought-provoking piece that delves into various aspects of human existence, societal structures, and the fleeting nature of life. The repetitive structure of the lyrics, combined with the use of familiar celebratory phrases, creates a stark contrast with the darker themes explored in the song. The phrase "lang zullen ze leven" (long shall they live) is traditionally used in Dutch birthday songs, but here it is repurposed to highlight the ironies and contradictions of life and death.

The song begins with a seemingly joyous proclamation of long life, but quickly shifts to more somber and unsettling themes. The line "bang doet ons beven in God's gloria" (fear makes us tremble in God's glory) suggests a critique of religious or existential fear, juxtaposing the idea of divine glory with human anxiety. This is followed by a commentary on societal hierarchies and militarism with the line "rang is het streven der militia" (rank is the pursuit of the militia), hinting at the pursuit of power and status within structured systems.

Further, the song touches on historical and geopolitical issues with the mention of "slang in de dreven van Zuid-Afrika" (snake in the paths of South Africa), possibly alluding to the complexities and conflicts in that region. The reference to media with "pang, weer een leven in de media" (bang, another life in the media) critiques the sensationalism and transient nature of media coverage. Finally, the song concludes with a reflection on the impermanence of life itself, "lang duurt maar even in de fysica" (long lasts but a moment in physics), emphasizing the fleeting nature of existence. The playful yet poignant ending with "hiep hiep hiep hoera" (hip hip hooray) underscores the satirical tone, blending celebration with a deeper existential commentary.