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.
Gebed Van 'n Reisiger
Coenie De Villiers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'n Wandelstok of twee
Uit die woud by Tsitsikamma
En loop dan met my mee
Oor die vlaktes van die Groot Karoo
Oor die berge van Natal
Langs die kus af tot by Vleesbaai
Brand die hemel van die Vrystaat
In my hart se dagboek in
Laat my nooit die lug vergeet nie
Wat aan die horison begin
En Heer is dit dieselfde son wat by my reis se einde skyn
Behou mens steeds die reuk van reën as jou geheue dalk sou kwyn
Want ek vrees mos nie die vreemde nie
Selfs die afstand laat my koud
By U is daar geen leemte nie
U bly steeds my behoud
Al reis ek oor die sewe see's
Skuif kontinente stil verby
Sal ek my voetval op U rig
My in die reis verbly
Maar ek vrees tog wel die eensaamheid
Ek skrik die groot alleen
Dis dan wanneer U my moet dra
Want U weet ek gaan daarheen
Laat die sterre dus my kompas wees en U steeds my ware noord
Lei elke voetstap van my reis o, Heer, want dit is soos dit hoort
Laat die sterre dus my kompas wees en U steeds my ware noord
Lei elke voetstap van my reis o, Heer, want dit is soos dit hoort
Coenie De Villiers's song Gebed Van 'n Reisiger is a call for guidance and comfort from God during the journey of life. The song begins with the singer asking God for two walking sticks, symbolizing the support and guidance needed for a safe journey. The singer then describes the different landscapes and places he will travel to, from Tsitsikamma's forests to the mountains of Natal and Vleesbaai's coast. The singer mentions the beauty of the Free State's sky and the importance of keeping the memory of the sky's colors and patterns close to his heart.
The following stanza mentions the fear of loneliness during the journey and the comfort that comes from knowing God is always with him, even in the most remote places. The singer recognizes that every step is guided by God and that the stars will be his compass through the journey's ups and downs. The final stanza reiterates the need for God's guidance and asks him to lead every step of the way.
The song's message is one of faith and trust in God during difficult times. The singer recognizes that the journey may be challenging, but with God's guidance and support, he can find a sense of peace and comfort.
Line by Line Meaning
Sny vir my o, Heer
I ask you, Lord, to provide me with a walking stick or two from the Tsitsikamma forest and walk with me
'n Wandelstok of twee
A walking stick or two
Uit die woud by Tsitsikamma
From the forest at Tsitsikamma
En loop dan met my mee
And walk with me
Oor die vlaktes van die Groot Karoo
Over the plains of the Great Karoo
Oor die berge van Natal
Over the mountains of Natal
Langs die kus af tot by Vleesbaai
Along the coast all the way to Vleesbaai
Tot by die groen van Riversdal
Until we reach the green of Riversdal
Brand die hemel van die Vrystaat
The sky over the Free State burns
In my hart se dagboek in
Inscribed in the diary of my heart
Laat my nooit die lug vergeet nie
Never let me forget the sky
Wat aan die horison begin
That starts at the horizon
En Heer is dit dieselfde son wat by my reis se einde skyn
Lord, is it the same sun that shines at the end of my journey?
Behou mens steeds die reuk van reën as jou geheue dalk sou kwyn
Do we still retain the smell of rain if our memories fade away?
Want ek vrees mos nie die vreemde nie
Because I do not fear strangers
Selfs die afstand laat my koud
Even the distance does not bother me
By U is daar geen leemte nie
With You, there is no emptiness
U bly steeds my behoud
You remain my salvation
Al reis ek oor die sewe see's
Even if I travel across seven seas
Skuif kontinente stil verby
As continents slide silently past
Sal ek my voetval op U rig
I will direct my footsteps towards You
My in die reis verbly
And rejoice in my journey
Maar ek vrees tog wel die eensaamheid
But I still fear loneliness
Ek skrik die groot alleen
I'm scared of being alone
Dis dan wanneer U my moet dra
That's when You must carry me
Want U weet ek gaan daarheen
Because You know where I'm going
Laat die sterre dus my kompas wees en U steeds my ware noord
Let the stars be my compass and You always be my true north
Lei elke voetstap van my reis o, Heer, want dit is soos dit hoort
Guide every step of my journey, Lord, for this is how it should be
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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