De koningin van Lombardije

Wim Sonneveld's song "De koningin van Lombardije" is a whimsical and satirical narrative that delves into the absurdity of royal life and the lengths to which one might go to escape its monotony. The song tells the story of the Queen of Lombardy, who is constantly waving to her subjects from her carriage. This repetitive action becomes so tiresome that she decides to have a mechanical hand made by a doll manufacturer to do the waving for her.

The queen's decision to replace her own hand with a mechanical one is a metaphor for the detachment and artificiality often associated with royalty. The mechanical hand symbolizes the superficial gestures that are expected of those in power, devoid of genuine emotion or connection. The narrative takes a darkly humorous turn when the carriage, now carrying only the mechanical hand, crashes into a tram, causing public outrage. The absurdity reaches its peak when the ministers decide to murder the queen, only to place the mechanical hand on her grave as a bizarre monument.

Sonneveld's song is rich in satire, poking fun at the pomp and circumstance of royal life and the often ridiculous measures taken to maintain appearances. The use of a mechanical hand as a stand-in for the queen's own hand serves as a critique of the performative nature of power and the lengths to which people will go to avoid genuine interaction. The song's ending, with the hand standing upright on the queen's grave, leaves listeners with a lasting image of the absurdity and futility of such gestures.

The song's playful yet critical tone is characteristic of Sonneveld's style, blending humor with social commentary. His ability to weave a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking makes "De koningin van Lombardije" a memorable piece that continues to resonate with audiences.