Smit was discovered by Dutch middle of the road band BZN, who used his vocals in a duet called Mama. He has released several albums in Dutch and German since.
Jan dedicated the song Ik zing dit lied voor jou alleen (means: I Sing this song just for you) to his grandmother. In 1997, Smit toured South Africa with popular Afrikaans singer Nádine. In 2000, Smit won the Grand Prix der Volksmusik singing Ich zeig dir die Berge with Oswald Sattler for South Tyrol. In 2001 Smit won the Exportprijs for his success in Germany, France and Italy. In Germany he became one of the best selling Dutch artists ever, with German-language albums specifically aimed at the German market.
After three big hits in the late 90's, Jan's popularity began to wane gradually. His albums Jan Smit 2000 #32 (2000), Zing en Lach (Sing and Laugh) #33 (2001), Zonder Jou (Without You) #40 and Op Eigen Benen (On My Own Feet) #45 sold fewer copies than his first two albums from his child star era.
However, Jan was still very popular in Germany, where he spent most of his time touring. 2005 marked his comeback in his home country, when regional television host Willie Oosterhuis picked up a Jan Smit song recorded in 2003, 'Als de nacht verdwijnt' ('When the night is over'). Willie heavily plugged the song on his show, resulting in a medium sized hit.
During the same period Dutch broadcaster TROS wanted to produce a real life soap about Jan, with the focus on his life as a teenage star in Germany and The Netherlands, and on his private life in the picturesque seaside village of Volendam. The reality soap became a TV hit and an accompanying album, 'Vrienden voor het leven' ('Homies for life') brought Jan back at the top of the charts for the first time in a few years. It was written for his cousin Niek Smit(s), who lives in Maastricht.
In 2006 Smit had several big selling hit singles, such as 'Laura' (about a friend who died of cancer), 'Als de morgen is gekomen' ('When the morning has come') and 'Cupido' (Cupid). Jan usually includes special tracks on his CD singles, such as live recordings, previously unreleased tracks and CD-ROM-content, which makes his singles more interesting for his hardcore fanbase. In 2007 he topped the single charts again with "Op Weg Naar Geluk" (On The Road To Happiness) and with "Dan Volg Je Haar Benen" ('And then you check out her legs'), and the album charts also with the album "Op Weg Naar Geluk" (the album sold 160.000 copies in its first four days after being released, more than double platinum).
In 2006 he also recorded "Kerst voor Iedereen" (Christmas for Everyone) which was a Christmas-duet with Dutch tv-host Bridget Maasland as a part of Dutch tv-show Katja vs Bridget. He later on recorded this song with his younger sister Monique Smit, who recently also started a singing career
In 2007 he planned to tour the Netherlands again with the "Jan Smit Komt Naar Je Toe"-tour (Jan Smit Comes To You) but due to problems with his vocal cords this tour had to be postponed. For at least 6 months Jan Smit has to rest his voice.
'Dan volg je haar benen' was Jan's fifth Number One single in The Netherlands, making him one of the most successful soloists in Dutch chart history. Only George Michael and Dutch singer Marco Borsato had more Number Ones.
Santa Madonna
Jan Smit Lyrics
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The lyrics of Jan Smit's song Santa Madonna describe a young child who seeks solace and refuge in a church by the sea, where a Madonna statue stands proudly. The child is moved by the beauty of the statue, especially at sunset when the rays of the sun accentuate her features. The song carries a strong emotional weight, as the child prays for peace on earth and for the happiness of all humankind. The child is sensitive to the suffering of the world, and the images on television make them cry. Nevertheless, they are optimistic that good can be done and that even small acts of kindness can have a positive impact. They look up to Santa Madonna and ask for guidance and assistance in their quest for peace and happiness.
Overall, the song Santa Madonna is a poignant and touching tribute to the power of faith, hope, and love. The child's heartfelt plea for peace and the end of suffering is a powerful message that resonates with people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. The song serves as a reminder that we can all make a difference, no matter how small, and that our actions can ripple out and positively impact the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Bei uns zu Haus, da steht eine Kirche am Meer.
There is a church by the sea near my home.
Ich geh gern hin, ich mag dieses Plätzchen sehr, und wenn die Sonnenstrahlen dann untergehen, leuchtet eine Madonna, besonders schön.
I love to visit this place, especially during sunset when a beautiful Madonna shines brightly.
Und ich steh da und bin meinen Tränen nah.
I stand there and am close to bursting into tears.
Santa Madonna, hör mein Gebet.
Santa Madonna, hear my prayer.
Gutes zu tun, ich glaub daran, ist nie zu spät.
I believe that it's never too late to do good.
Santa Madonna, ich bin noch so klein.
Santa Madonna, I am still so young.
Doch wünsche ich mir nur, auf dieser Welt soll Frieden sein.
All I wish for is peace in this world.
Schon früh am Tag, dass Fernseh ist schon dabei und zeigt der Welt so vieles, so manches Leid.
From early in the day, the television shows the world so much pain and suffering.
Oft kann ich garnicht hinschaun, oft muss ich weinen.
I often can't even watch and end up crying.
Oft seh ich Deinem Lachen wiklich nicht einen.
I cannot see your smile amidst all the sadness.
Ich kann nicht ruhn`, ich muss was dagegen tun.
I cannot rest, I must do something to make a difference.
Santa Madonna, hör mein Gebet.
Santa Madonna, hear my prayer.
Gutes zu tun, ich glaub daran, ist nie zu spät.
I believe that it's never too late to do good.
Santa Madonna, ich bin noch so klein.
Santa Madonna, I am still so young.
Doch wünsche ich mir nur, auf dieser Welt soll Frieden sein.
All I wish for is peace in this world.
Santa Madonna, ich bin nur ein Kind.
Santa Madonna, I am just a child.
Erfüll meinen Wunsch, dass alle Menschen glücklich sind.
Grant my wish that all people may be happy.
Contributed by Jordan F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.