Cramer made his television debut in 1966 with his backing group the Spaklings, and was spotted by singer Annie de Reuver, who helped him obtain a record deal. In 1967, his first single, "Zai zai zai", became a hit, reaching #7 on the Dutch chart. The follow-up "Dans met mij" also peaked at #7, and he would have a string of successful records in the late 1960s and early 1970s. His most fondly-remembered record is "De Clown" from 1971.
In 1970, Cramer took part in the Dutch Eurovision selection with the song "Julia", which came fourth. He returned in 1973, this time singing all four songs, from which "De oude muzikant" ("The Old Musician") was chosen as the Dutch entry for the 18th Eurovision Song Contest, held on 7 April in Luxembourg City. "De oude muzikant" was seen as a rather old-fashioned song, and finished the evening in 14th place of 17 entries.
Cramer returned to Eurovision in 1981 with two songs, "Marianne" and "Retour", in the Dutch selection, but both finished well down the field.
Cramer continued to enjoy periodic chart success through the 1970s; his last charting single was "Alles is anders" in 1980. The 1980s were relatively quiet , then in 1989 he starred as Juan Perón in the musical Evita, and went on to appear in many stage productions such as Chicago and The Phantom of the Opera. He has since appeared in TV programmes such as the drama series Westenwind and the Dutch Celebrity Big Brother, and continues his stage career.
In 2009, along with a number of other Dutch Eurovision veterans, Cramer was a special guest at that year's televised Eurovision selection.
Dans met mij
Ben Cramer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
't Leven vaak alleen een spel
En daar hoort ook wat vreugde bij
Dans met mij, zing met mij
Dans met mij, zing met mij
Wat is er mooier deze nacht
Dan dat je zingen kan en lacht?
Dans met mij, zing met mij
Dans met mij, zing met mij
Zing lalala, lalala, lalala
En dans met mij de hele nacht
Zing lalala, lalala, lalala
Grijp het geluk terwijl het lacht
Zing lalala, lalala, lalala
En dans met mij de hele nacht
Zing lalala, lalala, lalala
Grijp het geluk terwijl het lacht
Hoi!
Hoor die muziek vol vrolijkheid
Zit dus niet stil, gebruik je tijd
Want deze nacht is zo voorbij
Dans met mij, zing met mij
Dans met mij, zing met mij
Zing lalala, lalala, lalala
En dans met mij de hele nacht
Zing lalala, lalala, lalala
Grijp het geluk terwijl het lacht
Zing lalala, lalala, lalala
En dans met mij de hele nacht
Zing lalala, lalala, lalala
Grijp het geluk terwijl het lacht
Lalala...
The song "Dans met mij" (Dance with me) by Ben Cramer is a celebration of life and happiness. The song starts by comparing the world to a carousel and life to a game that is sometimes played alone. However, the artist suggests that joy is also a part of life and invites the listener to dance and sing with him. The lyrics highlight the beauty of being able to sing and laugh without any worries, encouraging people to let go of their troubles and enjoy the moment. The chorus repeats the invitation to dance and sing with the artist while seizing the happiness that life offers.
Overall, the message of the song is simple yet powerful. It reminds us that life can be challenging and unpredictable, but we shouldn't forget to enjoy the good moments and be grateful for them. Dancing and singing can be a way to release the stress and embrace our emotions. The song's upbeat rhythm and optimistic lyrics make it a perfect choice for parties, dancing, and karaoke nights.
Line by Line Meaning
De wereld is een carrousel
Life is like a never-ending cycle of ups and downs
't Leven vaak alleen een spel
Life is often just a game
En daar hoort ook wat vreugde bij
But joy is also a part of it
Wat is er mooier deze nacht
What could be more beautiful tonight
Dan dat je zingen kan en lacht?
Than singing and laughing out loud?
Maak je van alle zorgen vrij
Leave all your worries behind
Hoor die muziek vol vrolijkheid
Listen to the cheerful music
Zit dus niet stil, gebruik je tijd
Don't just sit there, make the most of your time
Want deze nacht is zo voorbij
Because this night will be over so soon
Zing lalala, lalala, lalala
Sing lahlahlah, lahlahlah, lahlahlah
En dans met mij de hele nacht
And dance with me all night long
Grijp het geluk terwijl het lacht
Seize happiness while it's smiling at you
Hoi!
Hey!
Contributed by Hunter B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@etienneverberckmoes7275
De topjaren van BEN ! Zeer mooi
@inazuman7945
Ben Cramer zit wat mij betreft altijd in zijn topjaren.
Soms even wennen aan een iets andere stijl maar zoals de cd "klein portret" was even wennen maar nu zing ik alle nummers mee!
@evelienklein9351
Jaren 70 80 geweldig hoor ben klasse🎵🎵🎵🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶
@i.r.8008
Tanz mit mir die ganze Nacht :-)