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.
Mooier dan ik dacht
Jan Smit Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
De avond loopt op z'n einde
Want wie had dat nou ooit gedacht dat jij hier staat en op me wacht
De wereld op z'n kop
Ik had nooit kunnen bedenken dat je mij beminnen zou
Dat ik uberhaupt bij jou terecht kon komen
En had nooit durven beseffen dat je iets beginnen wou
Jij bent mooier dan ik dacht
Anders dan anders jij bent een kanjer
Lief van binnen en zacht aan de buitenkant en zo veel leuker
Dan ik altijd heb gedacht
Beter dan beter heter dan heter
Voel aan alles dat jij deze waanzin tovert in dat hart van mij
Ik ben volledig overstuur maar dat verandert op den duur
De avond heeft z'n geheimen
Want wie dacht dat ik hier zou staan de vonken zouden overslaan
M'n wereld op z'n kop
Ik had nooit kunnen bedenken dat je mij beminnen zou
Dat ik uberhaupt bij jou terecht kon komen
En had nooit durven beseffen dat je iets beginnen wou
Omdat jij alleen bereikbaar was in dromen stoute dromen
Jij bent mooier dan ik dacht
Anders dan anders jij bent een kanjer
Lief van binnen en zacht aan de buitenkant en zo veel leuker
Dan ik altijd heb gedacht
Beter dan beter heter dan heter
Voel aan alles dat jij deze waanzin tovert in dat hart van mij
The lyrics of Jan Smit's song "Mooier dan ik dacht" express a sense of disbelief and astonishment at unexpected love and connection. In the first verse, the singer is overwhelmed by the idea that the best is saved for last, indicating a sense of surprise and gratitude. The evening is coming to an end, symbolizing closure or completion, yet the presence of the person waiting for the singer defies all expectations and turns their world upside down. This person's unexpected presence and willingness to wait for the singer challenge their preconceived notions and assumptions, leading to a feeling of disorientation and awe.
The second verse delves deeper into the singer's incredulity and apprehension about being loved by this person. The singer never imagined that this person would have feelings for them or that they could ever end up together. The idea of this person being out of reach, only existing in dreams or fantasies, adds a layer of forbidden desire and longing to the narrative. The singer's hesitance and disbelief in the possibility of a relationship with this person emphasize the transformative power of unexpected love and connection.
The chorus beautifully captures the singer's revelation and admiration for this person who surpasses their initial expectations. The person is described as "mooier dan ik dacht" (more beautiful than I thought), highlighting their inner beauty and outer kindness that make them so appealing and special. The singer acknowledges that this person is different from what they had imagined, exuding warmth and charm that surpasses anything the singer had previously believed. The realization that this person brings out the best in the singer and ignites a sense of passion and excitement signifies a profound shift in the singer's perspective and emotions.
In the final verse, the singer reflects on the journey of emotional upheaval and eventual acceptance of this unexpected love. Despite feeling overwhelmed and disoriented at first, the singer recognizes that things will eventually change for the better with time. The mysteries of the night symbolize the hidden depths and revelations that come with unexpected love, leading the singer to stand in awe of the sparks of connection between them. The singer's growth and evolution in realizing the depth of their feelings for this person culminate in a newfound sense of clarity and empowerment, illustrating the transformative nature of unexpected love and its ability to turn one's world upside down in the most beautiful way.
Line by Line Meaning
Ik ben volledig van de kaart het beste voor het laatste waard
I am completely overwhelmed, saving the best for last
De avond loopt op z'n einde
The evening is coming to an end
Want wie had dat nou ooit gedacht dat jij hier staat en op me wacht
Who would have ever thought that you would be here waiting for me
De wereld op z'n kop
The world turned upside down
Ik had nooit kunnen bedenken dat je mij beminnen zou
I could never have imagined that you would love me
Dat ik uberhaupt bij jou terecht kon komen
That I could even end up with you
En had nooit durven beseffen dat je iets beginnen wou
And never dared to realize that you wanted to start something
Omdat jij alleen bereikbaar was in dromen stoute dromen
Because you were only reachable in dreams, naughty dreams
Jij bent mooier dan ik dacht
You are more beautiful than I thought
Anders dan anders jij bent een kanjer
Different than others, you are amazing
Lief van binnen en zacht aan de buitenkant en zo veel leuker
Kind on the inside and gentle on the outside, and so much nicer
Dan ik altijd heb gedacht
Than I have always thought
Beter dan beter heter dan heter
Better than better, hotter than hot
Voel aan alles dat jij deze waanzin tovert in dat hart van mij
Feel everything that you conjure up this madness in my heart
Lyrics © CTM Publishing, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JAN SMIT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lenny Lindhout
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