Their musical style has varied considerably over the years, as has their line-up with the core of Henk Hofstede (vocals, guitar, also the band's lyricist), Rob Kloet (drums, percussion) and Robert Jan Stips (keyboards; also had stints in Supersister, Gruppo Sportivo and Golden Earring).
Although most of the band's songs are sung in English, Nits have been praised as a group that is 'European' more than anything else, staying relatively far away from American and British influences. They are an 'album band', not a 'singles band', although they had a number of considerable hits in The Netherlands and beyond. The biggest hit in their native Netherlands was "Nescio" (1983), a tribute to the Dutch author Jan Hendrik Frederik Grönloh a.k.a. Nescio. The hit that brought the band to the attention of an international audience was "In the Dutch Mountains" (1987), which has become their signature song.
The band released dozens of studio albums, from The Nits (1978) to the triptych Angst, Knot and Neon in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. Three of their studio albums reached the top 10 of the Dutch album charts, but their highest charting album was the 1989 double live album, Urk, which hit #2 in The Netherlands and still stands as a near-perfect introduction to the group's work.
On 16 May 2022 the band's own studio and 'headquarters', De Werf in Amsterdam, burned down. The group's archives, as well as many instruments and master tapes, went up in flames. Hofstede sings about the tragedy on 2024's mini album, Tree House Fire. Its release marked the start of Nits' anniversary year: the band celebrated its 50th anniversary with an international tour and two special performances in Amsterdam's Carré Theatre in April.
Ping Pong
Nits Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Will fight the waves on yellow river
There to face a force
Ten typhoon tiger mountain
Are we playing ping pong
I'm on your side
You're on my side
You're on my side
We play or fight
On this table
I am able
On this table
You are able
To win tonight
Are we playing ping pong
Golden bamboos grow
On our Chuang mountain
Ah the red stars on our caps
The guns in our hands
Are we playing ping pong
I'm on your side
You're on my side
I'm on your side
You're on my side
We play or fight
The lyrics to Nits's song "Ping Pong" are highly symbolic and metaphorical, drawing from the cultural and political context of China and the Cold War. The first stanza refers to the Red Guards, a youthful paramilitary movement that emerged during the Chinese Cultural Revolution in the 1960s, as they face the power of nature and the forces of the establishment. The Yellow River and Ten Typhoon Tiger Mountain symbolize these opposing and overwhelming forces. However, the song's focus quickly shifts to the game of ping pong, seemingly trivializing the seriousness of the situation. The contrast between the high-stakes reality and the casual sport highlights the absurdity and irony of the situation.
The second stanza further juxtaposes the game of ping pong with the mountain of Chuang and the revolutionary symbols of red stars and guns. The bamboo, a traditional symbol of peace and resilience, suggests hope amid the turmoil. The repetition of "I'm on your side, you're on my side" reinforces the idea of alliances and teamwork, while the phrase "We play or fight" implies that this could be either a friendly game or a deadly conflict. Thus, the song captures the confusion, tension, and uncertainty of a time when politics and ideology overshadowed human connections and simple pleasures.
Line by Line Meaning
Young red guards
A group of young soldiers who are passionate about their cause
Will fight the waves on yellow river
They are ready to face any obstacle or challenge that comes their way
There to face a force
Their mission is to confront and overcome a powerful enemy
Ten typhoon tiger mountain
The enemy they are facing is daunting and formidable
Are we playing ping pong
Are we going to engage in a battle or competition?
I'm on your side
I am your ally and supporter
You're on my side
You also stand by me and will fight against our common enemy
On this table
Referring to the metaphorical playing field where their conflict will take place
I am able
They have the capability and skill to compete and win
You are able
Their adversary is also strong and skillful
To win tonight
The outcome of their conflict will be determined soon
Golden bamboos grow
Describing the natural beauty of the place they come from
On our Chuang mountain
The location of their hometown, which is full of natural resources
Ah the red stars on our caps
The symbol of their collective identity and communist ideals
The guns in our hands
The ultimate weapon they possess to defend themselves and their cause
Contributed by Ruby P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.