Cul de Sac
Anneli Van Rooyen Lyrics

The lyrics to Anneli Van Rooyen's song Cul De Sac are emotive and introspective, describing the singer's feelings of being trapped and lost in the impersonal neon arms of the city. The first verse describes the singer's sense of disorientation, as they search for a specific house among the identikit "winkelpop gesigte" (shopping mall faces). They long for the warmth of a smile that was present "gister nog", but has now vanished.

The second verse develops the theme of entrapment, as the singer feels like they are banging against "growwe mure" (rough walls) like a prisoner offset in concrete. They wish they had read the signs that indicated a "cul de sac" (dead-end street) was ahead, where they might find some resolution. The idea of aging is used in the third line, as the singer hopes that time will soften the pain of their isolation, just as wine improves with age. The final line of the verse suggests that love may once again shine through the oak barrel of their heart, perhaps indicating that they are still hopeful for a brighter tomorrow.

In the final verse, the melody changes, creating a sense of release and relief. The singer continues to reflect on their situation, acknowledging that their dreams lie "onaangeraak" (untouched) behind them. However, they are still hopeful, feeling that love waits for them down the road, promising wholeness and completion. The repeated phrase "Wag liefde wat heel sal maak" (Waiting for love that will make whole) reinforces this sense of positivity, and gives the song a sense of hope despite the earlier pessimism.