In the early Seventies, the band switched to hard rock and had its first successes, including a brace of Top 40 hits. After original singer Veerman left and drummer Keizer took his place behind the microphone, the band made a musical U-turn and opted for commercial radio pop, adding female co-vocalist Annie Schilder and laying the foundation for their status as the most popular Dutch band ever (in terms of hit singles and albums). BZN has had over 50 hits in the Dutch hit parade to date.
BZN's claim to fame started with the song "Mon Amour" (1976), which held the #1 hit parade ranking for over 5 weeks. Outside of the Netherlands the band has had some success as well, amongst which several hits in South Africa (such as "Yeppa" in 1990) and minor successes with their French-language songs in Canada.
Through the years there have been many lineup changes, the most important of which have been the departure of Schilder in 1984 (replaced by Carola Smit) and in 1988 of the brothers Cees and Thomas Tol (keyboards), who until then had been responsible for most of the music and lyrics. The band remained nevertheless successful, making their last major change in strategy when they decided to write in Dutch instead of English as of 2003.
BZN are also responsible for the initial success of singer Jan Smit (singer), who was discovered by BZN at the age of 10 and went on to have pop and schlager successes in The Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.
On February 15 2006, BZN announced they would do one final tour and then call it quits. This goodbye tour is scheduled to last until June 2007.
Christmas
BZN Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Snowflakes falling down, in the silence of the dawn
In loneliness I dream away
I'm looking forward to Christmas day
To the highlight of the year
refrain:
Christmas when the sleighbells sounds so bright
Love and understanding, peace in every way
Oh Christmas could you be here every day
Living it ain't worth while when you're lonely
All those wintry nights, grow longer day by day
The only comfort the light I see
It's coming from the Christmas tree
The highlight of the year
refrain
The world goes 'round again and again
And seems to stop on these precious nights
refrain
The lyrics of BZN's song "Christmas" paint a vivid picture of a cold December morning as snowflakes fall quietly from the sky. The melancholy tone of the song suggests that the singer is alone and dreaming of Christmas day, which is described as the highlight of the year. Despite the quietness of the dawn, the sound of sleighbells can be heard ringing in the background, generating a feeling of joy and nostalgia. The verse suggests that Christmas is not just a day, but a state of mind and a time when people come together to show love, understanding, and peace. The singer longs for Christmas to be an everyday celebration, suggesting that it has the power to bring out the best in people.
Interestingly, the first and second verses have a similar structure, which creates a sense of repetition and longing. The repetition of the verse also highlights the importance of Christmas in the singer's life. Additionally, the song's use of imagery and symbolism, such as the light on the Christmas tree and the sound of sleighbells, add to the emotional impact of the song.
Overall, BZN's "Christmas" is a beautiful and melancholic song that captures the magic and nostalgia of the holiday season. It reminds us that Christmas is not just about gifts and food, but it is a time to come together to share love, joy, and peace.
Line by Line Meaning
Walking on a cold December morning
Starting off a chilly December morning and moving forward.
Snowflakes falling down, in the silence of the dawn
Snowflakes dropping and signaling the beginning of a new day.
In loneliness I dream away
Daydreaming alone in solitude.
I'm looking forward to Christmas day
Excitedly anticipating Christmas day.
To the highlight of the year
The much-awaited highlight of the year - Christmas day.
refrain:
Chorus begins.
Christmas when the sleighbells sound so bright
Experience the merry jingle of sleigh bells during Christmas.
Christmas oh so wonderful and white
Christmas is incredibly wonderful and white with snow all around.
Love and understanding, peace in every way
Christmas brings people closer and spreads love, imparting peace in every way.
Oh Christmas could you be here every day
Expressing the desire for the positive aspects of Christmas to continue throughout the year.
Living it ain't worth while when you're lonely
It's difficult to feel fulfilled when you're lonely.
All those wintry nights, grow longer day by day
During long wintry nights, as the darkness increases, they seem to stretch on endlessly.
The only comfort the light I see
The only source of comfort is the light shining from the Christmas tree.
It's coming from the Christmas tree
The source of light is the beautifully lit up Christmas tree.
The highlight of the year
The most important event of the year, Christmas, is highlighted.
refrain
Chorus repeats.
The world goes 'round again and again
The world keeps going round in a never-ending cycle.
And seems to stop on these precious nights
But it seems to standstill on these especially valuable nights like Christmas.
refrain
Chorus repeats.
Contributed by Adam N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.