Anouk has released twelve studio albums to date, the most recent one being Wen d'r maar aan, released on 12 October 2018. She represented the Netherlands at the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 in Malmö, Sweden, with the song "Birds". Her song made it to the final – the first since 2004 for the Netherlands; and finished 9th with 114 points.
Musical style
Anouk's musical style has been described as a combination of Joan Osborne, Melissa Etheridge and Alanis Morissette. She is known for explosive rock songs like "Nobody's Wife" and "R U Kiddin' Me", but has also made small and fragile songs like "Lost" and "Michel". In addition to her pop/rock sound she also experiments with soul, funk and hip hop.
Personal life
Anouk was married to her manager Edwin Jansen until 1998. She married Remon Stotijn (aka The Anonymous Mis), frontman of the reggae/rap band Postmen, on 16 March 2004. Stotijn is the father of three of her children; son Benjahmin Kingsley (b. 18 April 2002), son Elijah Jeramiah (b. 5 December 2003) and daughter Phoenix Ray (b. 3 June 2005). In May 2008, Anouk and Remon announced a "harmonious" mutual separation. In 2010 Anouk gave birth to her fourth child, a son named Jesiah Dox. Her son Sion Jethro was born in June 2014. In June 2016, she gave birth to her sixth child, a baby girl, Jelizah Rose, with her current partner, mixed martial artist and former basketball player Dominique Schemmekes.
Better Off Alone
Anouk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My heavy heart
Can't find my way around
It's morning when it starts
You and I wanted love, somewhere down the line
(You and I) All of the things that we've been through
(Don't you know) Deep down you know that I love you
I might have to leave
Baby, you're telling me that I'm no good, and I don't even care
You make it so hard for me, to love you back in any way I can
Many times I am failing you, cannot give what I want you
And if you ride my side, my heart is made of stone
Then I'm better of alone
Building up barricades, day by day
Leaving me paralyzed, selfish and afraid
I am not who I was, I got broken deep inside
(Make it feel) I make you feel left out alone
(All alone) You need a place you can call home
(Need a home) What if I'm finding out now
I can't do that anymore
Baby, you're telling me that I'm no good, and I don't even care
You make it so hard for me, to love you back, the only way I can
Many times I am failing you, cannot give what I want you
And if you ride my side, my heart is made of stone
Then I'm better of alone
(I'm trying so hard to be the one that you think I should stay)
But it doesn't work that way
(I'm trying so hard to be the one that you think I should stay)
But I am so afraid, heyy, so afraid, so afraid, baby, oeehh
Baby you're telling me that I'm no good and I don't even care
You make it so hard for me to love you back in any way I can
The song "Better Off Alone" by Anouk talks about a relationship that is struggling and the singer's realization that they are better off alone. The opening lines describe the singer's grieving over the end of the relationship, feeling lost and confused in the morning. The lyrics then delve into the history of the relationship, where the two individuals wanted love, but it seems that the love they shared was not enough to keep them together. The singer acknowledges that deep down, they love their partner, but if they still don't know that by now, they might have to leave.
The chorus of the song repeats that the partner is telling the singer they are no good and how difficult it is for them to love the partner back. The singer also recognizes that they are failing their partner and can't give them what they want. Building up barricades every day and living in fear of being hurt again, the singer realizes that they are not the same person they used to be before the relationship. The singer laments that their heart has turned to stone, and the only solution may be to be alone.
The song portrays the turmoil and complexities of a struggling relationship and the pain of realizing that it may be time to let go. The lyrics are poignant and relatable to anyone that has been through a difficult relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Mourning through thoughts of you
I am grieving due to thoughts of you that persistently haunt me.
My heavy heart
I am experiencing intense emotional pain.
Can't find my way around
I am feeling lost and directionless.
It's morning when it starts
The pain of my thoughts hits me hardest in the morning.
You and I wanted love, somewhere down the line
At some point in time, we both desired a romantic relationship with each other.
(You and I) All of the things that we've been through
We have experienced many things together.
(Don't you know) Deep down you know that I love you
You have an inner awareness that I have feelings of love towards you.
(That by now) If you don't know that by now then
If you haven't realized my love for you by this point in time,
I might have to leave
I may have to end this relationship.
Baby, you're telling me that I'm no good, and I don't even care
You are criticizing and belittling me, but I am indifferent to your opinion.
You make it so hard for me, to love you back in any way I can
Your behavior and attitude towards me make it difficult for me to reciprocate your love.
Many times I am failing you, cannot give what I want you
I have repeatedly disappointed you and I cannot satisfy your needs.
And if you ride my side, my heart is made of stone
If you continue to be with me, my heart will become cold and unfeeling.
Then I'm better off alone
It would be better for me to be alone than to continue in a relationship that is damaging me.
Building up barricades, day by day
I am erecting barriers between us more and more every day.
Leaving me paralyzed, selfish and afraid
You are leaving me feeling powerless, self-focused, and fearful.
I am not who I was, I got broken deep inside
I am not the same person I used to be, as I have been deeply hurt and damaged.
(Make it feel) I make you feel left out alone
My actions and words are causing you to feel isolated and abandoned.
(All alone) You need a place you can call home
You are in need of a sense of security and belonging.
(Need a home) What if I'm finding out now
I am currently realizing that I may not be able to provide you with that home or sense of security.
Baby, you're telling me that I'm no good, and I don't even care
You are still criticizing me and I remain indifferent to it.
And if you ride my side, my heart is made of stone
If you choose to remain with me, my heart will become cold and unfeeling.
Then I'm better of alone
It is in my best interest to be alone rather than continuing to be in this relationship.
(I'm trying so hard to be the one that you think I should stay)
I am putting in a lot of effort to try and be the person you want me to be so that you will stay with me.
But it doesn't work that way
My efforts to change who I am to please you are not effective.
(I'm trying so hard to be the one that you think I should stay)
I am continuing to put in effort to try and change myself for you.
But I am so afraid, heyy, so afraid, so afraid, baby, oeehh
Despite my efforts, I am scared and fearful of the situation and the potential outcomes.
Contributed by Molly V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.