Echte Mannen
Guus Meeuwis Lyrics

The song "Echte Mannen" by Guus Meeuwis explores the idea of traditional masculinity and the struggles that come with it in expressing emotions and connecting with others. The lyrics depict the singer returning home after a night out and being asked about his evening. He describes how the night went on later than expected, with excessive drinking and eating. The mention of one drink on the bar and another under the table suggests a fun and wild time.

When asked about the conversations he had during the night, the singer admits to not remembering the specifics. This highlights the typical behavior of "real men" who tend to avoid deep conversations and simply live in the moment. Instead of engaging in meaningful discussions, they invite others to have another drink with them and make plans to change the world. However, in the end, they always return home without fulfilling those aspirations.

The lyrics imply that the singer's frustration stems from his inability to express his love for someone. It is challenging for him to be honest and vulnerable, as he wants to appear tough and unaffected. He acknowledges that he may come across as indifferent or emotionless, but he attributes it to how he has been taught to behave. Despite his efforts in preventing emotions from surfacing, he realizes that he may have suppressed them for too long.

The song emphasizes the struggle of "real men" in dealing with emotions and connecting with others on a deeper level. It points out how they often resort to superficial conversations and escapism through excessive drinking. Despite their intentions to change the world, they ultimately end up going back to their homes without fulfilling those dreams. Overall, the song reflects on the challenges and limitations that traditional masculinity can impose on individuals in expressing their true selves and forming meaningful connections.