Polka
Bram Vermeulen Lyrics

Bram Vermeulen's song "Polka" is a commentary on the complexity and diversity of human emotions and experiences. The lyrics describe a polka dance, in which everyone is dancing to their own rhythm and interpretation of the music. The first verse highlights the variety of feelings and attitudes that exist in the world, from love to hate, and emphasizes that even the most unusual emotions can be real and valid. The second verse emphasizes the importance of individuality and self-expression, suggesting that there are no right or wrong ways to feel and that people should not be judged for their emotions. The repetition of the word "changez" suggests that the dance is symbolic of life itself, with its ever-changing rhythms and moods. In the end, despite the impermanence of the dance and the transience of human experience, people continue to dance and celebrate life.

One interesting fact about "Polka" is that it was written and composed by Bram Vermeulen in collaboration with the Belgian author and playwright Hugo Claus. The song was first performed in the 1970s and quickly gained popularity among young people in the Netherlands and Belgium, largely because of its progressive and experimental style. Another interesting fact is that Bram Vermeulen was not only a musician but also a poet, actor, and visual artist, and many of his songs combine a strong social or political message with complex musical arrangements and innovative instrumentation. "Polka" is a good example of this, with its use of unconventional rhythms and harmonies to mirror the diversity and complexity of human emotion.

Other interesting aspects of "Polka" include the fact that it was initially banned from Dutch radio for its "subversive" message, and that it was later reinterpreted by other artists in a variety of styles and genres, including ska, reggae, and rock. The song has also been covered in different languages, including French and German. As for the chords, the song is primarily based on a simple chord progression featuring G, C, and D, with the rhythm alternating between 2/4 and 3/4 time. This simple yet effective structure allows the lyrics and melody to take center stage, creating a powerful and evocative portrait of human emotion and experience.

Chords (capo on 3rd fret):
Verse: G C G D
Chorus: G D G D G D G D G D

Note: The original key of the song is F#m but the chords provided are transposed with the capo on the 3rd fret to make it easier to play.