Robert Zimmerman
Frank Boeijen Groep Lyrics

The lyrics of "Robert Zimmerman" by Frank Boeijen Groep capture a reflective and contemplative mood, illustrating the passage of time and the impact of historical events on the singer. The song starts with the singer shutting themselves off on dark evenings to listen to the voice of Robert Zimmerman, who is commonly known as Bob Dylan. The reference to a child unable to sleep but comforted by Dylan's voice suggests a sense of solace and familiarity in times of turmoil.

As the song progresses, the singer reflects on the significant events of the past, such as the assassinations of the Kennedys and Martin Luther King, the Vietnam War, and the controversies surrounding political figures like Johnson and Nixon. The mention of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, as well as symbols of the counterculture like "love, peace, and LSD," evoke the tumultuous spirit of the era. The reference to being twenty years older underscores the weight of experience and hindsight gained over time.

The lyrics convey a sense of disillusionment and questioning about the trajectory of the world compared to the idealism of youth. The singer acknowledges that things did not unfold as expected, despite the persistence of life's everyday routines. There is a palpable sense of confusion and longing for understanding, encapsulated in the repeated questioning of "what is happening" and the direct address to Zimmerman, as if seeking guidance or insight from the iconic figure.

The repetition of the phrase "At the end of the century" emphasizes a symbolic closing of a chapter or era, possibly signaling the end of a particular period of history or personal journey. The repeated invocation of Zimmerman's name at the end of each verse suggests a search for connection or meaning in a world that seems increasingly complex and uncertain. Overall, the song serves as a meditation on the passage of time, the impact of history on individuals, and the search for meaning in the midst of change and upheaval.