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.
Leise Rieselt Der Schnee
Jan Smit Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Leise rieselt der Schnee still und starr ruht der See
Weihnachtlich glanzet der wald Freue dich Christkind
kommt bald! In den Herzen ist's warm
still schweigt Kummer und Harm Sorge des lebens verhallt
Freue dich Christkind komt bald!
Bald ist die Heilige Nacht Chor der Engel erwacht hort
nur, wie lieblich es schallt Freue dich Christkind kommt bald!
"Leise Rieselt Der Schnee" is a traditional German Christmas carol that has been covered by various artists, including Dutch singer Jan Smit. The lyrics describe a peaceful winter scene where snow falls softly and the lake is frozen. The forest is aglow with Christmas lights, and the anticipation of the arrival of the Christ child brings warmth to people's hearts. In this moment, all worries and troubles disappear, and the focus is on the joyous celebration of the upcoming holiday.
The carol captures the essence of the Christmas season, where the message of hope, peace, and love is shared with family and friends. The oncoming arrival of the Christ child is a reminder of the importance of faith and spirituality during this time of the year. Jan Smit's version of the song is a beautiful rendition that highlights the simplicity and purity of the original composition.
The lyrics of "Leise Rieselt Der Schnee" have been translated into multiple languages and adapted by various artists. Despite its popularity, the song's origin is unknown, and it is believed to have been composed in the early 19th century. The song has become a staple of German Christmas celebrations and is often sung alongside other traditional carols.
Line by Line Meaning
Leise rieselt der Schnee
Snow falls silently
Still und starr ruht der See
The lake is frozen and motionless
Weihnachtlich glanzet der Wald
The forest shines with Christmas spirit
Freue dich Christkind kommt bald!
Rejoice, the Christ child is coming soon!
In den Herzen ist's warm
It's warm in our hearts
Still schweigt Kummer und Harm
Sorrow and troubles are quiet
Sorge des Lebens verhallt
Worries of life fade away
Bald ist die Heilige Nacht
Soon it will be Holy Night
Chor der Engel erwacht hort
The choir of angels awakens and is heard
Nur, wie lieblich es schallt
How lovely it sounds
Freue dich Christkind kommt bald!
Rejoice, the Christ child is coming soon!
Contributed by Gabriella N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.