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.
now
Nits Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It’s all right as they say
Your intention is clear
Now no one will stand in your way
You got your soul
As a trustful companion
It’ll never leave you here
You’ve been in, you’ve been out
She was a constant factor of doubt
Now you’re breaking the spell
Sharpening plans I can tell
Such a useful confirmation
When you confessed
You were lost in the dark
Each doorin the dark
The same doorin the dark
Each housein the dark
The same housein the dark
Each streetin the dark
The same streetin the dark
Each day in the dark
The same dayin the dark
Again
Now you choose
For the heat of the fire
And not for soaking away in the rain
So don’t turn back now
Now you started all over again
Now jump into the fire and your
Phoenix will rise from the flame
The second half of your new life story
Feels only half a second away
A new roomnow see the light
A new roofnow in the light
A new townnow see the light
A new waynow in the light
New friends andnow see the light
New facesnow in the light
You start yournow see the light
Own systemnow in the light
Now
, Nits's song Now is all about moving on from the past and embracing new beginnings. The lyrics begin with a message of encouragement to let go of the past and move forward without any hesitation or second thoughts. The singer is reassured that their intentions are clear, and nothing will stand in their way. The second stanza talks about how the singer has their soul as a trustful companion that will never leave them alone, even when they are out in the rain. The soul metaphorically represents one's inner guiding force, which guides them towards their goals and helps them overcome obstacles, even during tough times.
The subsequent lyrics elaborately describe how the singer has overcome various obstacles, including constant doubt, and is now breaking the spell and sharpening their plans. The song then delves into a confession where the singer admits to being lost in the dark and praises the usefulness of receiving confirmation. The chorus reinforces the message of moving on and committing to new beginnings. The final lines of the song imply that new opportunities are just around the corner.
Line by Line Meaning
Now don’t think twice
Don't hesitate or overthink. Act now.
It’s all right as they say
Everything will work out fine in the end.
Your intention is clear
You know exactly what you want.
Now no one will stand in your way
No obstacle will stop you from achieving your goal.
You got your soul
You possess a steadfast, dependable ally.
As a trustful companion
Your soul is someone you can rely on.
It’ll never leave you here
Your soul will always be with you, come what may.
Out in the in the rain
Even in difficult times, your soul will stick by your side.
You’ve been in, you’ve been out
You've experienced highs and lows.
She was a constant factor of doubt
Someone or something caused you to question yourself and your decisions.
Now you’re breaking the spell
You're freeing yourself from negative thoughts and doubts.
Sharpening plans I can tell
You're becoming more focused and determined.
Such a useful confirmation
Having someone validate your experiences and feelings is helpful.
When you confessed
When you shared your struggles and fears with someone.
You were lost in the dark
You couldn't find your way forward.
Each doorin the dark
Each potential opportunity seemed the same.
The same doorin the dark
You were stuck in a cycle of uncertainty and indecision.
Each housein the dark
Every path forward appeared equally daunting.
The same housein the dark
You felt trapped and unable to move forward.
Each streetin the dark
Each potential direction looked uninviting.
The same streetin the dark
You were stuck in a rut and couldn't find a way out.
Each day in the dark
Every day felt like a struggle and a burden.
The same dayin the dark
You felt trapped in a monotonous routine.
Again
This is your chance to start fresh.
Now you choose
You have the power to decide your own fate.
For the heat of the fire
You're opting for passion and excitement over safety and security.
And not for soaking away in the rain
You're avoiding a mundane, unfulfilling existence.
So don’t turn back now
Keep moving forward and don't look back.
Now you started all over again
This is a fresh beginning for you.
Now jump into the fire and your
Embrace the exciting, uncertain future ahead of you.
Phoenix will rise from the flame
You'll emerge from your struggles as a stronger, more resilient person.
The second half of your new life story
This is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life.
Feels only half a second away
Your future is closer than you might think.
A new roomnow see the light
You're discovering new possibilities and opportunities.
A new roofnow in the light
You're making progress and rising above your past struggles.
A new townnow see the light
You're exploring new places and experiences.
A new waynow in the light
You're forging a new path forward.
New friends andnow see the light
You're connecting with new people who inspire and support you.
New facesnow in the light
You're encountering fresh, new perspectives.
You start yournow see the light
You're embarking on a new journey filled with hope and potential.
Own systemnow in the light
You're defining your own values and beliefs to guide your future.
Contributed by Christopher G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Cristina Bianca
omg thank you so much for making this video! Really helpful in identifying nits vs dandruff
My Lice Advice
You're so welcome! I find that even school nurses confuse lice and dandruff! Especially DEC Plugs, they look so similar. I'm glad you found this video, I hope you're dealing with dandruff and not lice 😀. But either way, at least you know for sure now. All the best! -Theresa, My Lice Advice
Sihame Almechatt
Thank you great channel
My Lice Advice
Hi Aman. Having lice is horrible, but you're right; the nits, the more tedious part. On my website, I have a step-by-step video system that'll walk you through EXACTLY how to get rid of every lice bug AND lice nit in one treatment to be done with lice for good. If you're interested in that, here's a link to it. https://myliceadvice.com/how-to-get-rid-of-lice-like-a-pro/. That's the fastest way to get rid of it.
If you decide that you want to take the longer route, plan on spending at least a week or two combing and nit-picking. Having a good lice comb makes a big difference. So, if that's the route you choose, then is the lice comb that I'd recommend https://www.amazon.com/Nit-Free-Terminator-Lice-Comb/dp/B000HIBPV8/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=nit+free+terminator+lice+comb&qid=1643399946&sprefix=nit+fr%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-5. -Theresa, My Lice Advice
My Lice Advice
Sihame! So nice of you to say that. It means a lot to me. -Theresa
Aman Shahrukh
Kindly telle treatment my 5 year's daughter had many nits on her head I am using anti lice shampoo but it's works only for lice bug not nits .... What I do...I am in tension
Aman Shahrukh
How to get rid of lice nits??
adore.
Ngl this js weird but i had 5 lice stuff in my hair but my scalp is still itchy- And i only get dandruff because i was doing gymnastics in the grass so-
Leslie Taylor
911 EMERGANCY!!!
PANIC END OF THE WORLD!!!
My daughter is scheduled to go to summer camp in 2 weeks.
She has hundreds of nits. I cannot possibly pull them out by hand.. any tips for this situation?
Becky McDonald
Apple cider vinegar to loosen them, wash, put leave in conditioner to help a metal nit comb slide through the hair