BZN started out as a pop-rock band in their native Volendam in 1966, playin… Read Full Bio ↴BZN started out as a pop-rock band in their native Volendam in 1966, playing early-Bee Gees-like harmony pop. The initial line-up consisted of Jan Veerman (vocals), Cees Tol (guitar), Evert Woestenburg (guitar) Jan Tuyp (bass guitar) and Gerrit Woestenburg (drums).

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.

Drink The Wine
BZN Lyrics

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Drink the wine
(Th. Tol/J. Tuijp/C. Tol)

Come together everyone, and let's have fun
Be happy and gay
And the butcher and the grocer too
They all join in and have their way

First I'll teach you how to dance
Well take your chance I'm coming your way
Move your feet like this across the floor
And soon you'll ask me for some more

Then we'll drink the wine
In your heart the sun begins to shine
It makes you feel so fine when you do it every day

Cross your legs, put one for the other
Move your hands up above your head
Sing this song, enjoy every hour
Make every day like a carnaval-day

Come together everyone, and let's have fun
Be happy and gay
And the butcher and the grocer too
They all join in and have their way

Then we'll drink the wine
In your heart the sun begins to shine
It makes you feel so fine when you do it every day

Then we'll drink the wine
In your heart the sun begins to shine
It makes you feel so fine when you do it every day

Cross your legs, put one for the other
Move your hands up above your head

Sing this song, enjoy every hour
Make every day like a carnaval-day

Overall Meaning

The song "Drink The Wine" by BZN is a cheerful and uplifting tune that encourages everyone to come together and have fun. The lyrics describe a festive atmosphere where people of all professions, including a butcher and a grocer, can let go and celebrate. The song is upbeat and energetic, with a lively rhythm that encourages dancing and participation.

The opening lines of the song invite everyone to the party, encouraging them to be happy and gay. The lyrics then instruct listeners on how to dance and move their feet to the beat. The song emphasizes the joy of celebration and encourages listeners to enjoy every hour and make every day a carnival day.

Throughout the song, the chorus repeats the line "Then we'll drink the wine," emphasizing the importance of taking a moment to enjoy life and each other's company. The wine represents a symbol of celebration and enjoyment, and drinking it is seen as an essential part of the party atmosphere that the song describes. The song encourages listeners to take a break from the stresses of life and enjoy the simple pleasures of being together and having fun.

Overall, "Drink The Wine" is a feel-good song that celebrates the joy of life and encourages people to come together, dance, and enjoy each other's company.

Line by Line Meaning

Drink the wine
Let's have a good time and indulge in life's pleasures

Come together everyone, and let's have fun
Let's gather and enjoy each other's company

Be happy and gay
Let's be joyful and carefree

And the butcher and the grocer too
All are welcome, regardless of social status

They all join in and have their way
Everyone gets to participate and enjoy themselves

First I'll teach you how to dance
Let's learn a fun new skill

Well take your chance I'm coming your way
Don't be afraid to try something new

Move your feet like this across the floor
Follow my lead and dance along

And soon you'll ask me for some more
You'll enjoy it so much, you'll want to keep going

Then we'll drink the wine
Let's celebrate with some wine

In your heart the sun begins to shine
You'll feel happy and warm inside