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.
Für jedes Kind auf dieser Welt
Jan Smit Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
und über mir ein Lied
Ich mag's wenn es so still und leis
an mir vorüber zieht
Dan fühle ich mir geht es gut
und geb von meinem Glück
den vielen Kindern auf der Welt
Für jedes Kind auf dieser Welt
möcht ich mein kleines Lied jetzt singen
Ich möcht es tragen in die Herzen
egal wo immer sie auch leben
Für jedes Kind auf dieser Welt
möcht ich ein Haus der Liebe bauen
und über Horizonte schauen
überall mein Glück verteilen
das wär schön
Und wieder mal kommt eine Nacht
ich lieg im warmen Bett
Ick denk daran wie mancher gern
so ein zuhause hätt
Für jedes Kind auf dieser Welt
möcht ich mein kleines Lied jetzt singen
Ich möcht es tragen in die Herzen
egal wo immer sie auch leben
Für jedes Kind auf dieser Welt
möcht ich mein kleines Lied jetzt singen
Ich möcht es tragen in die Herzen
egal wo immer sie auch leben
Für jedes Kind auf dieser Welt
möcht ich ein Haus der Liebe bauen
und über Horizonte schauen
überall mein Glück verteilen
das wär schön
The song "Für jedes Kind auf dieser Welt" by Jan Smit is an emotional ballad that talks about the singer's desire to spread love and happiness to all children in the world. The first verse talks about the beautiful scenery - red sky and blue sea - that inspires the singer to express his feelings through music. He loves it when the music is quiet and peaceful, passing by him with ease. It gives him a sense of tranquillity and happiness which he wants to share with others.
The chorus is where the singer reveals his main intention - to sing a song for every child in the world. He wants to take his little song and bring it to their hearts, regardless of where they live. He also dreams of building a house of love for every child and share his happiness beyond the horizon. The second verse talks about the nights where he lies in a warm bed, often thinking about children who don't have a home. He wants to do what he can to make a difference in their lives and bring them happiness.
The song showcases that the singer is a kind and empathetic person who wants to make a difference in the world. He believes in spreading love and happiness to make the world a better place. The song highlights the importance of taking small steps and making a difference where you can. Jan Smit's beautiful voice and melody make this song an emotional and touching tribute to children everywhere.
Line by Line Meaning
Roter Himmel und blaues Meer
The beauty of the sky and the sea brings peace to my soul.
und über mir ein Lied
As I listen to a song, it transports me to a world of calmness.
Ich mag's wenn es so still und leis
I cherish moments when everything is quiet and peaceful.
an mir vorüber zieht
I enjoy watching life pass by me.
Dan fühle ich mir geht es gut
During those moments, I feel good.
und geb von meinem Glück
I want to share my happiness.
den vielen Kindern auf der Welt
I want to give happiness to all children in the world.
ein bisschen Glück zurück
I aim to bring back some happiness to their lives.
Für jedes Kind auf dieser Welt
Every child in this world deserves happiness.
möcht ich mein kleines Lied jetzt singen
I want to sing my little song for them.
Ich möcht es tragen in die Herzen
My song should touch their hearts.
egal wo immer sie auch leben
No matter where in the world they live.
Für jedes Kind auf dieser Welt
I want to give them something they can hold on to.
möcht ich ein Haus der Liebe bauen
I want to build them a place where they feel loved.
und über Horizonte schauen
I want to see beyond what's right in front of us.
überall mein Glück verteilen
I want to spread my happiness everywhere.
das wär schön
It would be a beautiful thing.
Und wieder mal kommt eine Nacht
The night comes again.
ich lieg im warmen Bett
I am comfortable and warm in bed.
Ick denk daran wie mancher gern
I think about others who would like this too.
so ein zuhause hätt
A warm and comforting home of their own.
Contributed by Lily T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.