Andreas Gerardus Hazes (June 30, 1951 - September 23, 2004) was a Dutch sin… Read Full Bio ↴Andreas Gerardus Hazes (June 30, 1951 - September 23, 2004) was a Dutch singer. He was born in 1951 in the Pijp, a neigbourhood in Amsterdam. At the age of eight, he was discovered at the famous Albert Cuyp day market by Johnny Kraaykamp, a Dutch TV personality.

His first big hit was Eenzame Kerst ("Lonely Christmas"). In 1979 he signed a contract with EMI, and soon after that his career started to take off. Een Vriend ("A Friend") and Een Beetje Verliefd ("A Little Bit In Love)" were both top ten hits of his.

On september 23, 2004 André Hazes was struck by a cardiac arrest which resulted in his death. Four days later a ceremony was held in the Amsterdam Arena where ten thousands of fans paid respect to one of the most popular Dutch singers of the late 20th century. The next day his last single Zij gelooft in mij ("She believes in me") became number one in the Dutch charts.

Wees blij dat je nog leven mag
André Hazes Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Als de mens eens gaat beseffen
Hoeveel dagen je maar leeft
'k zou me dan niet meer maken
Meer gaan houden, waar je om geeft
Maar we zijn te egoïstisch
Om te leven, met begrip
Daarom is er zoveel rotzooi
't leven is toch net 'n strip

Wees blij dat je nog leven mag
Zie de dingen, met 'n brede lach
Wees blij, dat je nog leven kan
't is zo voorbij
De wereld kan zo anders zijn
Zo lief, zo goed, zo fijn
De zon schijnt voor iedereen
Samen zijn wij één

Ja ik kan toch zo genieten
Van 'n ster die zomaar valt

Of de zee, die dan weer wild is
Of het jou, wel of niet bevalt

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song "Wees blij dat je nog leven mag" by André Hazes ask listeners to appreciate the time they have and to look at life with a wider perspective. The first verse talks about the limited time humans have on earth and how we should love things that matter to us rather than being selfish. The second verse focuses on how people often lack understanding, leading to problems and chaos. The chorus reinforces the message of being grateful for one's life and seeing the good in everything. The final verse of the song emphasizes the joy that small things like seeing a shooting star, watching the waves of the sea, or even disliking something can bring.

André Hazes wrote this song about life, its uncertainties and how one should look at it positively. The song has become a classic track in the Netherlands and has been covered by several acclaimed artists, including Ilse DeLange.

Line by Line Meaning

Als de mens eens gaat beseffen
If humanity finally realizes

Hoeveel dagen je maar leeft
How few days you actually live,

'k zou me dan niet meer maken
I wouldn't bother obsessing over

Meer gaan houden, waar je om geeft
Caring more about the things that matter,

Maar we zijn te egoïstisch
But we're too selfish

Om te leven, met begrip
To live with empathy,

Daarom is er zoveel rotzooi
That's why there's so much chaos

't leven is toch net 'n strip
Life is like a comic book.

Wees blij dat je nog leven mag
Be happy that you're still alive,

Zie de dingen, met 'n brede lach
See things with a broad smile,

Wees blij, dat je nog leven kan
Be thankful that you can still live,