Born in a Japanese concentration camp in the former Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) during World War II, Grönloh and her family moved to the Eindhoven area in The Netherlands after the war. Anneke's career soon started to take off. She sang jazz material, American standards, Indonesian folk songs and rock 'n roll with Peter Koelewijn & Zijn Rockets. Koelewijn attended the same Eindhoven high school as Grönloh.
Her début solo single, 'Asmara', failed to chart in The Netherlands, but was a hit in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, where Grönloh toured succesfully as early as 1960. Her Dutch big break followed in the summer of 1962 with the Dutch smash hit, 'Brandend Zand' ('Burning Sand'), which hit #1 in the Dutch Top 40. It was the first of four consecutive #1 hit singles for Grönloh in some eleven months' time. 'Paradiso', 'Soerabaja' and 'Cimeroni' also hit the top spot. Versions of these hit singles in other languages charted in no less than 48 countries. In total, Anneke Grönloh has 'claimed sales' of over 30 million records, primarily singles.
Anneke Grönloh never had a Dutch chart hit again after 1964, but she continued to perform succesfully until 2017, in The Netherlands and the Far East. Her anniversary concert in Singapore in 1994, celebrating her career of 35 years, was attended by 30,000 people. Some of her albums are hardly known in The Netherlands, but sold over 100,000 copies in Indonesia and Malaysia, notably 2002's Nina Bobo.
Having suffered severe pulmonary embolism in 2016, Grönloh's health deteriorated. She stopped performing in the summer of 2017, aged 75, and passed away on 14 September 2018 at her home in France, where she spent the final years of her life. She was 76 years old.
Trui Trui Slobbertrui
Anneke Grönloh Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Je bent zo lekker wijd
Trui trui slobbertrui
Zonder knoop en zelf gebreid
Trui trui slobbertrui
De beste klederdracht
Voor elke teen teen ager
Voor elke teen teen ager
Die om stijve kleren lacht
Een wollen trui
Een slobbertrui
Die zit mij het best
Veel prettiger dan welke blouse
Jumpertje of vest
'T is niks voor een examen
Geen stijl voor een diner
Maar verder is die slob
Slob slob slob
Slobbertrui o.k.
Anneke Grönloh's "Trui Trui Slobbertrui" celebrates the comfort and freedom associated with wearing a loose-fitting sweater, known in Dutch as a "slobbertrui." The opening lines emphasize the relaxed nature of this garment, highlighting its wide fit and the fact that it can be homemade, devoid of the constraints of buttons or tightness. This reflects a sentiment of personal expression and coziness, suggesting that the slobbertrui embodies more than just a piece of clothing; it symbolizes a carefree attitude toward fashion. The refrain underscores its universal appeal, noting that it is particularly favored by teenagers who prefer to laugh at the rigidity of more formal attire. Here, Grönloh contrasts traditional clothing norms with the informal and laid-back style represented by the slobbertrui, which aligns with the youthful spirit of rebellion against societal expectations.
As the song progresses, the lyrics delve deeper into the singer's personal preference for the slobbertrui over other types of clothing such as blouses, cardigans, or jumpers. This comparison highlights the singer’s desire for comfort over conformity, underscoring the notion that personal comfort often outweighs societal expectations of fashionability. The repetition of the word “slob” serves to reinforce not only the coziness associated with the garment but also a sense of familiarity and endearment. The singer expresses an unmistakable fondness for the slobbertrui, stating that it suits her best and encapsulates a sense of ease that more formal wear does not provide. The underlying message here seems to advocate for the idea that one's choice of clothing should prioritize comfort and happiness rather than mere appearance or adherence to fashion trends.
Additionally, the song addresses the cultural context of dressing appropriately for certain occasions. The lyrics mention that a slobbertrui is not suitable for exams or formal dinners, indicating an awareness of social norms regarding clothing etiquette. In this sense, Grönloh acknowledges the existence of various expectations in different contexts, but she simultaneously emphasizes the intrinsic value of comfort in casual settings. This duality suggests that while societal standards regarding dress codes cannot be entirely dismissed, there is a space for the individual's preferences, particularly in informal situations. The carefree abandon that comes with wearing the slobbertrui serves as an anthem for those who yearn for expression and comfort over formality during their teenage years.
In essence, "Trui Trui Slobbertrui" transcends the simple description of a clothing item to become an exploration of identity, self-expression, and the comfort found in casual, relatable fashion choices. The celebratory tone and rhythmic repetition create an infectious joy that resonates deeply with listeners, especially those who can relate to the struggles of fitting in and the desire for personal comfort over societal pressures. Through the fun and lighthearted lyrics, Grönloh crafts a narrative that champions individuality, offering a refreshing reminder that fashion should ultimately serve the wearer’s needs, allowing them to embrace their true selves without the constraints of conventionality.
Line by Line Meaning
Trui trui slobbertrui
The cozy oversized sweater brings a warm sense of comfort and relaxation.
Je bent zo lekker wijd
Your spacious fit offers a delightful feeling of freedom and ease.
Trui trui slobbertrui
This beloved comfy sweater embodies a relaxed lifestyle.
Zonder knoop en zelf gebreid
It’s handmade and adorned simply, lacking fasteners that bind or restrict.
Trui trui slobbertrui
The essence of the cozy sweater serves as a perfect expression of comfort.
De beste klederdracht
It represents the ultimate attire for laid-back gatherings.
Voor elke teen teen ager
Ideal for every young individual navigating the carefree moments of adolescence.
Voor elke teen teen ager
Suitable for all teenagers seeking comfort over formality.
Voor elke teen teen ager
Embracing this garment is a shared sentiment among the youth.
Die om stijve kleren lacht
It brings a smile to those who scoff at rigid and uncomfortable clothing.
Een wollen trui
A knitted sweater, warm and inviting, serves as a casual choice.
Een slobbertrui
An even more relaxed version, emphasizing comfort above all else.
Die zit mij het best
This is what feels most suitable and enjoyable to wear.
Veel prettiger dan welke blouse
Far more pleasant than any formal shirt that constrains.
Jumpertje of vest
Much preferred over any pullover or jacket that lacks the same ease.
'T is niks voor een examen
This attire isn’t suitable for academic evaluations or serious occasions.
Geen stijl voor een diner
It fails to meet the standards of elegance for formal dining.
Maar verder is die slob
However, beyond these contexts, the sweater is undeniably a favorite.
Slob slob slob
A reiteration of its laid-back nature and snugness.
Slobbertrui o.k.
The oversized sweater remains perfectly acceptable in casual settings.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN DALMANS, LODEWIJK POST
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind