Smit was discovered by Dutch middle of the road band BZN, who used his vocals in a duet called Mama. He has released several albums in Dutch and German since.
Jan dedicated the song Ik zing dit lied voor jou alleen (means: I Sing this song just for you) to his grandmother. In 1997, Smit toured South Africa with popular Afrikaans singer Nádine. In 2000, Smit won the Grand Prix der Volksmusik singing Ich zeig dir die Berge with Oswald Sattler for South Tyrol. In 2001 Smit won the Exportprijs for his success in Germany, France and Italy. In Germany he became one of the best selling Dutch artists ever, with German-language albums specifically aimed at the German market.
After three big hits in the late 90's, Jan's popularity began to wane gradually. His albums Jan Smit 2000 #32 (2000), Zing en Lach (Sing and Laugh) #33 (2001), Zonder Jou (Without You) #40 and Op Eigen Benen (On My Own Feet) #45 sold fewer copies than his first two albums from his child star era.
However, Jan was still very popular in Germany, where he spent most of his time touring. 2005 marked his comeback in his home country, when regional television host Willie Oosterhuis picked up a Jan Smit song recorded in 2003, 'Als de nacht verdwijnt' ('When the night is over'). Willie heavily plugged the song on his show, resulting in a medium sized hit.
During the same period Dutch broadcaster TROS wanted to produce a real life soap about Jan, with the focus on his life as a teenage star in Germany and The Netherlands, and on his private life in the picturesque seaside village of Volendam. The reality soap became a TV hit and an accompanying album, 'Vrienden voor het leven' ('Homies for life') brought Jan back at the top of the charts for the first time in a few years. It was written for his cousin Niek Smit(s), who lives in Maastricht.
In 2006 Smit had several big selling hit singles, such as 'Laura' (about a friend who died of cancer), 'Als de morgen is gekomen' ('When the morning has come') and 'Cupido' (Cupid). Jan usually includes special tracks on his CD singles, such as live recordings, previously unreleased tracks and CD-ROM-content, which makes his singles more interesting for his hardcore fanbase. In 2007 he topped the single charts again with "Op Weg Naar Geluk" (On The Road To Happiness) and with "Dan Volg Je Haar Benen" ('And then you check out her legs'), and the album charts also with the album "Op Weg Naar Geluk" (the album sold 160.000 copies in its first four days after being released, more than double platinum).
In 2006 he also recorded "Kerst voor Iedereen" (Christmas for Everyone) which was a Christmas-duet with Dutch tv-host Bridget Maasland as a part of Dutch tv-show Katja vs Bridget. He later on recorded this song with his younger sister Monique Smit, who recently also started a singing career
In 2007 he planned to tour the Netherlands again with the "Jan Smit Komt Naar Je Toe"-tour (Jan Smit Comes To You) but due to problems with his vocal cords this tour had to be postponed. For at least 6 months Jan Smit has to rest his voice.
'Dan volg je haar benen' was Jan's fifth Number One single in The Netherlands, making him one of the most successful soloists in Dutch chart history. Only George Michael and Dutch singer Marco Borsato had more Number Ones.
Ergens in april
Jan Smit Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Want zelfs m'n ogen waren moe na heel de dag
Ik reed naar huis en was alleen, en zag de maan die helder scheen
Alsof die mij begeleidde met een brede lach
Vol goede moed op weg naar jou, werd er op mij gewacht
Alles wat ik je zeggen wou, vertelde ik die nacht
Al m'n stoute dromen komen uit en wel meteen
Dus vraag ik jou bij mij te komen, en voor altijd met me mee te gaan
Jij biedt mij zo veel meer dan een ander geven kan
Een jaartje later in april, draag ik nog steeds diezelfde bril
En denk nog altijd aan die ene lange dag
Ik rij naar huis niet meer alleen, denk aan de zon die heerlijk scheen
Ik voel me blij en vrolijk, dus ik zing en lach
Vol goede moed op weg naar jou, thuis wordt op mij gewacht
Alles wat ik vertellen wil, doe ik nu elke nacht
Dus ik zeg blijf je voortaan bij me, en laat me niet alleen
Al m'n stoute dromen komen uit en wel meteen
Dus vraag ik jou bij mij te komen, en voor altijd met me mee te gaan
Jij biedt mij zo veel meer dan een ander geven kan
The song "Ergens in april" by Jan Smit talks about two moments in the singer's life that happened a year apart, both in April. In the first one, he is driving back home feeling tired but sees the moon shining brightly, almost guiding him home. He's on his way to see someone special, and he hopes to finally confess his feelings. When he arrives, he tells her that he wants her to stay with him from now on and not leave him alone. He also mentions that she can offer him more than anyone else ever could. It's a heartfelt plea for love and loyalty.
A year later, the singer is driving home again, but this time he's not alone. He's still wearing the same glasses and still remembers that previous day in April. However, now he feels happy and cheerful as he sings and thinks about the sun shining. He's always thinking about that special person and tells her everything every night. The song ends with the same plea for her to stay with him forever and offering her all his love.
The song captures the essence of love and how it can brighten up someone's life. It also shows the importance of memories and how they can stay with us forever. Overall, it's a beautiful love song that speaks to the heart and can make anyone feel emotional.
Line by Line Meaning
Het was ergens in april, ik weet nog goed ik droeg m'n bril
In April, I remember wearing my glasses because even my eyes were tired after a long day.
Want zelfs m'n ogen waren moe na heel de dag
My eyes were tired from the long day I had.
Ik reed naar huis en was alleen, en zag de maan die helder scheen
I drove home alone and saw the bright moon shining, as if it was accompanying me with a wide smile.
Alsof die mij begeleidde met een brede lach
It felt like the moon was guiding me with a large smile.
Vol goede moed op weg naar jou, werd er op mij gewacht
Full of confidence, I was on my way to you and someone was waiting for me.
Alles wat ik je zeggen wou, vertelde ik die nacht
Everything I wanted to tell you, I spoke up that night.
Dus ik zeg blijf je voortaan bij me, en laat me niet alleen
So I ask you, please stay with me from now on and don't leave me alone.
Al m'n stoute dromen komen uit en wel meteen
All my naughty dreams will come true, and immediately at that.
Dus vraag ik jou bij mij te komen, en voor altijd met me mee te gaan
So I ask you to come with me and stay with me forever.
Jij biedt mij zo veel meer dan een ander geven kan
You offer me so much more than anyone else ever could.
Een jaartje later in april, draag ik nog steeds diezelfde bril
A year later, in April, I still wear the same glasses.
En denk nog altijd aan die ene lange dag
And I still remember that one long day.
Ik rij naar huis niet meer alleen, denk aan de zon die heerlijk scheen
I no longer drive home alone, but instead think of the sun that shone beautifully that day.
Ik voel me blij en vrolijk, dus ik zing en lach
I feel happy and cheerful, so I sing and laugh.
Alles wat ik vertellen wil, doe ik nu elke nacht
Everything I want to tell you, I do every night now.
Contributed by Hailey L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jantiina
Leuk liedje dit :)
Kim-87
super nummer!
Herbert Schober
super hit!
Paul Kerkstra
gezellig nummer:D
Anne Schaper
top muziek
Oberon
Het is intussen Zeker 10 Jaar gelesen. Ik lig bijna fast in Bett, maar dit Maakt mij frolijk. Den hele reeks Liedern, in mijn Moedertaal Heerlijjk eerlijk Dankjewel Jan. Van hier in Mainz.
Dora Basaria Hutabarat
i like it
Rusell Frencken
superrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Pascal Snijder
top top top top :D
lisanne.
16mei!!(L)