Jan is a graduate of law studies at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. He worked with Jerzy Grotowski's Theater Laboratory in the late 1970s and created the Orchestra of the Eighth Day in 1977. He recorded his first album "Music For The End," in 1982 for Flying Fish Records (Chicago). In 1989 he moved to Los Angeles. His music was released by Sony Classical, Decca, Varese Sarabande, Milan and Savitor Records. He gives concerts in the USA and in Europe.
In 2005 Jan Kaczmarek received an Oscar for the music (score) in Finding Neverland, directed by Marc Forster. J.A.P.K. also won The National Board of Review award for Best Score of the Year, and was nominated for both a Golden Globe and BAFTA's Anthony Asquith Award for Achievement in Film Music. In addition to his work in films, Jan was commissioned to write two symphonic and choral pieces for two important national occasions in Poland. “Cantata for Freedom” (2005) to celebrate 25th anniversary of Solidarity movement, and "Oratorio 1956” (2006) to commemorate 50th anniversary of bloody uprising against totalitarian government in Poznan, Poland. Both premiers were broadcast live on national television.
Jan A.P. Kaczmarek is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Jan is also setting up an Institute inspired by the Sundance Institute, in his home country of Poland, as a European center for development of new work in the areas of film, theatre, music and new media. The Institute website (currently under construction) is: http://rozbitek.org. It is anticipated that Rozbitek Institute will be officially open in 2008.
The Peter Pan Overture
Jan A.P. Kaczmarek Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As die Melkweg kerse brand
Jy vlieg met my oor fabrieke
Deur die rook tot in drome land
Jy maak my hoog op stardust
Terwyl die Lost Boys vir my wag
Steek 'n vakkel langs die Aandster aan
Peter Pan
Peter Pan
Peter Pan ken al die girls in Disneyland
Peter Pan
Peter Pan
Peter Pan ken al die girls in Disneyland
Sit vir ons weer padkos in
In tinfoil toe gevou
'n Bottel Red Heart vir Captain Hook
En appelkoos lekkers vir jou
En plaas storie neon ligte
Waardeur franchise vensters skyn
Gaan die wêreld se ratte ophou draai
As ons almal net verdwyn?
Peter Pan
Peter Pan
Peter Pan ken al die girls in Disneyland
Peter Pan
Peter Pan
Peter Pan ken al die girls in Disneyland
En as ons eendag terug kom
Op 'n wit geblomde summer's day
Sal ons veilig wees in ons eie land?
Is al die oorloë dalk verby?
Peter Pan
Peter Pan
Peter Pan ken al die girls in Disneyland
Peter Pan
Peter Pan
Peter Pan ken al die girls in Disneyland
The lyrics of Jan A.P. Kaczmarek's song "The Peter Pan Overture" evoke the magical and nostalgic elements of the Peter Pan story. The song opens with the invitation for Peter Pan to come knocking at the window, symbolizing the longing for escapism and adventure. The reference to the Milky Way candles burning suggests a dreamlike atmosphere. Together, they fly over factories and through smoke, transcending reality and entering the land of dreams.
The lyrics continue to describe the enchantment that Peter Pan brings, as he takes the singer to Neverland where the Lost Boys await. Lighting a torch next to the Evening Star serves as a guiding light in the darkness, creating a sense of hope and freedom. The chorus repeats the name "Peter Pan" in a joyful and playful manner, emphasizing his familiarity with all the girls in Disneyland. This implies that Peter Pan is an eternal youth and a symbol of unrestricted imagination.
The second verse presents a scene of preparing provisions, wrapping them in tinfoil, and sharing them with Captain Hook and the singer. The mention of neon lights and franchise windows suggests the artificiality and commercialism of the world, questioning whether its constant motion can be stopped if everyone were to disappear. This can be interpreted as a critique of the modern world, where genuine magic and wonder are overshadowed by materialism and routine.
The final verse introduces the idea of returning one day to a peaceful and idyllic setting on a summer's day. The longing for safety and the possibility of an end to all wars are expressed. The repetition of the chorus brings back the enchantment of Peter Pan and his knowledge of all the girls in Disneyland, reinforcing the theme of escapism and eternal youth.
Overall, "The Peter Pan Overture" captures the spirit of the beloved story while also exploring deeper themes of longing, escapism, and the balance between imagination and the realities of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Kom klop weer aan my venster
Come knock on my window again
As die Melkweg kerse brand
While the Milky Way candles burn
Jy vlieg met my oor fabrieke
You fly with me over factories
Deur die rook tot in drome land
Through the smoke into dreamland
Jy maak my hoog op stardust
You make me high on stardust
Terwyl die Lost Boys vir my wag
While the Lost Boys wait for me
Steek 'n vakkel langs die Aandster aan
Light a matchstick next to the Evening Star
Soos 'n baken op 'n spook swart nag
Like a lighthouse on a ghostly black night
Sit vir ons weer padkos in
Pack picnic food for us again
In tinfoil toe gevou
Wrapped in tin foil
'n Bottel Red Heart vir Captain Hook
A bottle of Red Heart for Captain Hook
En appelkoos lekkers vir jou
And apricot treats for you
En plaas storie neon ligte
And replace story neon lights
Waardeur franchise vensters skyn
Through which franchise windows shine
Gaan die wêreld se ratte ophou draai
Will the world's wheels stop turning
As ons almal net verdwyn?
If we all just disappear?
En as ons eendag terug kom
And if we ever come back one day
Op 'n wit geblomde summer's day
On a white flowered summer's day
Sal ons veilig wees in ons eie land?
Will we be safe in our own land?
Is al die oorloë dalk verby?
Are all the wars maybe over?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind