Born in Bloemfontein, South Africa, Coenie was educated at University of the Free State in Bloemfontein majoring in media studies where he later on lectured in the Communications faculty. He has always viewed his musical career as his second vocation. He is also a classically trained pianist. Coenie is the anchor presenter in popular South African kykNET journal program "Kwela".
During the late 1980s, Coenie spent a few years in self-imposed exile in Cyprus. Coenie has also performed in New Zealand, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.
Coenie signed with Mountain Records in 1983, and recorded his debut album, Skoppensboer, working with producer, Patrick Lee-Thorp and engineer, Kevin Shirley, in the same year. He subsequently recorded 4 albums for the label many of which won industry awards. In addition he contributed to label compilations of his work. Since leaving Mountain Records he has recorded a number of one off projects for different labels.
Coenie lived on the island of Cyprus during the eighties and nineties. He wrote, recorded and produced the album Amper Alleen in Cyprus and in Athens, Greece. Amper Alleen was the second SA album to be released on CD. Coenie and his family returned to South Africa after the release of Nelson Mandela and the unbanning of the ANC. He released Hartland, an album which included a vocal performance by Lesley Rae Dowling.
Arende
Coenie De Villiers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
span jou seile teen die son
en neem my terug na waar die lug
rooi lê teen die veld se rug
onder son en sekelmaan
soos 'n banneling betaam
O arend waar is jy
en laat my weer die vryheid sien
wat sluimer hier in my
om vry te wees soos jy
om vry te wees soos jy
St. Helena, Ceylon
waar doringdraad sy strikke om my draai
om vry te wees as ek net kon
maar hoe sal net die arende kan raai
onder ster en sekelmaan
soos 'n banneling betaam
O arend waar is jy
sirkel hier bo my
en laat my weer die vryheid sien
wat sluimer hier in my
om vry te wees soos jy
om vry te wees soos jy
The lyrics of Coenie De Villiers's song "Arende" convey feelings of restlessness and a longing for freedom, using the metaphor of an eagle soaring through the sky. The lines "St. Helena, Ceylon, span jou seile teen die son" create a sense of distance and exoticism, suggesting that the singer is far from home and perhaps feeling isolated. The repetition of "soos 'n banneling betaam" emphasizes this sense of being trapped or imprisoned, making it clear that the singer's lack of freedom is a central theme of the song.
The chorus of "O arend waar is jy, sirkel hier bo my, en laat my weer die vryheid sien" shifts focus to the eagle, using it as a symbol of the singer's desire for freedom. The word "arend" (eagle) is repeated multiple times, creating a sense of urgency and desperation. The question "waar is jy" (where are you) suggests that the singer is searching for this symbol of freedom, hoping that it will help them break free from their sense of confinement.
As the song progresses, the lyrics "St. Helena, Ceylon, waar doringdraad sy strikke om my draai" make it clear that the singer is writing from personal experience, feeling trapped by the physical boundaries of barbed wire surrounding a prison or internment camp. The lines "om vry te wees as ek net kon, maar hoe sal net die arende kan raai" reveal a deep sense of despair, suggesting that the singer feels powerless to escape their situation.
Overall, "Arende" is a powerful and emotional song that uses the metaphor of an eagle to convey a sense of longing for freedom and the frustration of feeling trapped. The repetition of the word "arend" and the urgent tone of the chorus make it clear that this theme is central to the song, providing a sense of unity and purpose to the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
St. Helena, Ceylon
These locations represent a feeling of being lost and longing for home.
span jou seile teen die son
Set sail towards the sun, towards hope and freedom.
en neem my terug na waar die lug rooi lê teen die veld se rug
Take me back to where the sky turns red against the horizon, where nature is free and unencumbered.
onder son en sekelmaan
Living life outdoors, exposed to both the sun and moon.
soos 'n banneling betaam
Feeling like an outcast or an exile, out of place in the world as it is.
O arend waar is jy
Addressing the eagle, seen as a symbol of freedom and power.
sirkel hier bo my
Fly above me, free and with purpose.
en laat my weer die vryheid sien
Inspire me to feel and experience freedom once again.
wat sluimer hier in my
The freedom that lies dormant within, waiting to be awakened.
om vry te wees soos jy
To be as free as the eagle, with strength and grace.
waar doringdraad sy strikke om my draai
Feeling trapped by the barbed wire that surrounds us, preventing us from being truly free.
om vry te wees as ek net kon
Longing to break free from the constraints that hold us back.
maar hoe sal net die arende kan raai
Questioning whether even eagles could truly understand the struggle for freedom.
Contributed by Parker S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.