De Kleine Man

"De Kleine Man" (translation: The Little Man) is a 1923 Dutch-language protest song, written by Jacques van Tol and first recorded by Louis Davids. It's a socially conscious song, sympathizing with civilians who are often victims of the government. [1] During Davids' lifetime it was considered his signature song. [2]

History

Van Tol wrote the song for the revue Lach en Vergeet (1929) by Dutch comedian and singer Louis Davids. The song describes how odd and unfair it is that some people are so rich, while others are poor. It also criticizes funding for unemployed people and how politicians yell at each other and spent millions on military defense, while the average little man has to pay for all this. The original lyrics make reference to U.S. boxer Jack Dempsey who is criticized for earning millions by just having himself pound to pulp, not to mention his opponent. [3]

Cover versions

In 1930 the song was parodied by Kees Pruis as De Kleine Vrouw (The Little Woman). Davids spoofed his own song later as De Kleine Hond (The Little Dog). [4]The original songwriter, Jacques Van Tol, also rewrote the lyrics during World War II to promote the NSB party. His version had antisemitic lyrics and was performed during Zondagmiddagcabaret van Paulus de Ruiter (1940-1944). Interestingly enough Louis Davids was Jewish. [5]

Other artists who've covered "De Kleine Man" include Fien de la Mar (1930), Willy Derby (1930), Jetty Pearl (1941), Wim Sonneveld (1959), Henk Elsink (1969), André van Duin (1970), Wim De Craene (1973) and Harry Slinger. All modern covers have updated the lyrics. [6]

Sources
  1. https://archief.amsterdam/stukken/amsterdammers/de_kleine_man/index.nl.html
  2. http://www.eenlevenlangtheater.nl/louis%20davids/audio/2776.html
  3. https://www.dbnl.org/tekst/davi013mooi01_01/davi013mooi01_01_0027.php
  4. http://www.originals.be/nl/originals/7811
  5. http://www.originals.be/nl/originals/7811
  6. http://www.originals.be/nl/originals/7811
gollark: ++magic py```pythonimport timewhile True: await ctx.send("BEES") time.sleep(1.05)```
gollark: Ah yes.
gollark: Hmm. Maybe not.
gollark: ++magic py```pythonimport timewhile True: ctx.send("BEES") time.sleep(1.05)```
gollark: ++remind 06/12/2020 bee.
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