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.
Urban Solitude
Anouk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And a jumping heart
No time to spare
Turn left turn right step on it
Stopped by the traffic light
And all that honking screaming
The cabdriver is dreaming
Leaning back easy as the sun goes down
But I'm already late
No time to spare, couldn't care less about it
If the sky was falling down
No I don't care you can stare while the whole world is crumbling around me
Urban solitude breaking me down
Keeps me dreaming
Urban solitude shaking me down
Keeps me dreaming
So you've got a lot of stuff on your mind
Or a bleeding heart when nobody cares
Step in, step out of the rain
Head for the flickering lights, just head for the flickering lights
There's always somebody dancing, taking a chance
You can find a little romance, someone will give you love
Although it's just enough to get you through the night
Well alright now
No I don't care you can stare
I don't care about it
No I don't care you can stare, while the whole world is crumbling around me
Urban solitude breaking me down
Keeps me dreaming
Urban solitude shaking us down
Keeps me dreaming
The lyrics to Anouk's "Urban Solitude" convey a sense of being trapped in the chaos and isolation of modern city life. The opening lines evoke a frenzied, restless energy, with the singer feeling hemmed in by the demands of urban life, but also unable to escape its dizzying pace. The honking and screaming of the traffic, the distracted cab driver dreaming of beaches and babes, all create a sense of being overwhelmed by noise and distraction. Despite this, the singer remains singularly focused on their own concerns and goals, even as the world seems to be crumbling around them.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Urban Solitude breaking me down/ Keeps me dreaming," suggesting that although the singer feels trapped and alone in the urban landscape, they also find a kind of solace and inspiration in that isolation. The second verse suggests some ways to cope with this sense of loneliness, such as seeking out the company of others, even if only briefly, in the glittering lights of a nightclub. The refrain repeats the idea that, despite the chaos and destruction around them, the singer is able to maintain their sense of self and purpose, and find a way to keep dreaming and hoping, even in the face of overwhelming urban solitude.
Overall, "Urban Solitude" paints a vivid picture of a world in which people are so overwhelmed by the demands of urban living that they feel unable to connect with themselves or one another. However, the song also suggests that there is a resilience and deep sense of inner strength that can emerge from this kind of struggle, and that even in the midst of despair, there is hope and possibility for the future.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got a bug in my head
My mind is constantly preoccupied with something that is bothering me.
And a jumping heart
I am filled with excitement and anticipation despite feeling restless.
No time to spare
I am running late and can't afford to waste any moment.
Turn left turn right step on it
I am frantically trying to navigate through the busy streets to reach my destination as quickly as possible.
Stopped by the traffic light
I am momentarily delayed and forced to wait at a red light, adding to my frustration.
And all that honking screaming
The loud noises of the city, including cars honking and people shouting, are overwhelming me.
The cabdriver is dreaming
The person driving my taxi is lost in thought, daydreaming about being somewhere else.
Of the beach and babes
They are imagining being at a relaxing beach with attractive people around them.
Leaning back easy as the sun goes down
They are envisioning a tranquil setting where they can unwind and enjoy the sunset.
But I'm already late
I am stressed that I am behind schedule and don't have time to waste.
If the sky was falling down
Even if the world was in chaos, I wouldn't be concerned as I have other pressing matters on my mind.
No I don't care you can stare while the whole world is crumbling around me
I am so consumed by my own issues that I am oblivious to what is happening around me, both positive and negative.
So you've got a lot of stuff on your mind
If you are similarly preoccupied, you can relate to my current state of mind.
Or a bleeding heart when nobody cares
If you are feeling emotionally vulnerable and like nobody is there for you, you understand how I am feeling.
Step in, step out of the rain
Take a break from the distress you are feeling to find a moment of peace.
Head for the flickering lights, just head for the flickering lights
Find a place of entertainment or excitement to escape the monotony of reality.
There's always somebody dancing, taking a chance
You can always find someone who is enjoying life and pursuing new experiences.
You can find a little romance, someone will give you love
There are opportunities to find love and be cared for by someone else, even if it's only temporary.
Although it's just enough to get you through the night
The temporary nature of these experiences may not provide a lasting solution to your problems, but can help you cope in the moment.
Well alright now
Accepting the situation and finding the positives in the moment.
Urban solitude breaking me down
The feeling of loneliness and isolation caused by living in a crowded city is causing me emotional distress.
Keeps me dreaming
Despite the difficulties I am facing, I am still holding onto hope and dreaming of a better future.
Urban solitude shaking us down
The loneliness and hardships of city living are affecting everyone around me.
Keeps me dreaming
Despite the challenges we all face, we are all still able to hope and dream for something better.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANOUK TEEUWE, BART VAN VEEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Monika W
Love this song! ❤
TRIDENTEIII
This is every good song from Anouk!.................. ;)))
Johan Teunissen
de oude anouk, goede teksten, sterke vrouw, geloofwaardig, love it!
Robert Indries
Nagyon szépen köszönöm hogy fel töltödted ezt a számot. Puszi <3