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.
Wiegeliedjie
Coenie De Villiers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
vou die handjies same
potjie rys, potjie vleis,
Katpoot
Ame
Die wyse man sal jou kan wys
die liefde is soos vuur en ys
en ys kan sny
hoe sal 'n mens
ooit lief kan kry?
Biesie, biesie, bame
vou die handjies same
potjie rys, potjie vleis,
Katpoot
Ame
Coenie De Villiers's song "Wiegeliedjie" is a beautiful lullaby that talks about the power of love and how it can be both beautiful and painful. The lyrics are simple and poetic, and they paint a vivid picture of a scene in which people are gathered around a fire, enjoying a meal and singing a song. The opening lines, "Biesie, biesie, bame / vou die handjies same / potjie rys, potjie vleis, / Katpoot / Ame," describe the atmosphere of comfort and care that surrounds the listener.
The second verse, "Die wyse man sal jou kan wys / die liefde is soos vuur en ys / as vuur dan brand / en ys kan sny / hoe sal 'n mens / ooit lief kan kry?" explores the theme of love in greater depth. The lyrics suggest that love is a complex emotion that can be both warm and cold, comforting and painful. The singer asks how one can ever hope to find love amidst all these contradictions.
Overall, the song is a powerful tribute to the human experience of love and longing. The singer's clear and emotive voice, combined with the gentle strumming of the guitar, creates a peaceful and soothing atmosphere that is perfect for reflection and relaxation.
Line by Line Meaning
Biesie, biesie, bame
Little hands, little hands, children
vou die handjies same
Fold your hands together
potjie rys, potjie vleis,
Pot of rice, pot of meat,
Katpoot
Cat's paw
Ame
Amen
Die wyse man sal jou kan wys
The wise man can teach you
die liefde is soos vuur en ys
Love is like fire and ice
as vuur dan brand
If fire burns
en ys kan sny
And ice can cut
hoe sal 'n mens ooit lief kan kry?
How can a person ever find love?
Contributed by Olivia G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.