He became one of the most popular dutch singers with songs like "Oh Amsterdam, wat ben je mooi", "Er is een Amsterdammer Doodgegaan" and "Diep in mijn Hart", some of them with the accordeonist Johnny Meijer.
His biggest hit was 'Kleine Jodeljongen' in 1987.
He also gets very popular singing Ajax soccer team songs, like a version of "Que sera" originally of Doris Day.
He died of cancer in 1993.
Als klokken in de nacht luiden
Manke Nelis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Met bronzen stemmen, diep en zwaar
Gaan de kaarsjes branden in alle landen
Een licht brengt ons tot elkaar
Als klokken in de nacht luiden
Zie'k in 't flauwe schemerlicht
Een tevreden kindergezicht
Dat zich dankbaar tot de kerstman richt
Als klokken in de nacht luiden
Zie'k in 't flauwe schemerlicht
Een tevreden kindergezicht
Dat zich dankbaar tot de kerstman richt
Dat zich dankbaar tot de kerstman richt
The lyrics of Manke Nelis's song "Als klokken in de nacht luiden" describe the power of the ringing of the church bells at night. The deep, heavy sound of the bells causes the candles to ignite in all lands, and this light brings people together. In the dim light of this scene, the singer sees a child's face, content and grateful as they look towards Santa Claus.
The song captures the sense of community and togetherness that the holiday season brings. The ringing of the bells is a shared experience that links people together, regardless of where they come from. The candles that are lit in response to the sound of the bells create a sense of warmth and light that is also shared by all, and this light draws people closer to one another.
The child's face that the singer sees represents the joy and innocence of the holiday season. In their gratitude towards Santa Claus, the child embodies the spirit of giving and generosity that is at the heart of the holiday season. Overall, the song captures the sense of wonder and magic that surrounds Christmas, celebrating the connections that people share and the feeling of oneness that this holiday brings.
Line by Line Meaning
Als klokken in de nacht luiden
When the bells ring in the night
Met bronzen stemmen, diep en zwaar
Their deep and heavy bronze voices
Gaan de kaarsjes branden in alle landen
Candles are lit in every country
Een licht brengt ons tot elkaar
A light brings us together
Als klokken in de nacht luiden
When the bells ring in the night
Zie'k in 't flauwe schemerlicht
I see in the faint twilight
Een tevreden kindergezicht
A content child's face
Dat zich dankbaar tot de kerstman richt
Gratefully turning to Santa Claus
Contributed by Connor P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.