Normaal plays blues rock, sometimes interrupted by cheesy ballads based on folk music (like "Ik mos pissen" and "Deurdonderen"). Their trademark however is their lyrics, in the dialect of the Achterhoek, about rural life and dislike of any music but true rock 'n' roll. When Normaal first performed, singing in Dutch was highly unusual for a rock band, and singing in dialect just flabbergasted the crowds. Many rural youths were struck by the attitude the band propagated: work like a man during the day, drink like a man at night, and do this all on the countryside.
Their music became known as 'boerenrock' ("farmers' rock"). Their concerts are famous for their wild 'traditions'. Traditions like throwing beer and wild mosh-pits at the front. This wild behavior has been referred to as 'brekken', 'høken', 'angaon' and 'daldeejen' by the band, words of the Achterhoek dialect used with a new meaning. Fans of Normaal are called 'høkers' or 'anhangers' - the latter just being Achterhoek dialect for 'fan'.
The song "Oerend hard" (1977) is considered a nederpop classic/anthem.
Over the last years, Bennie Jolink has been plagued by asthma, forcing the band to take on a more quiet way of touring. They frequently play in theatres now.
Doe Effen Normaal
Normaal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of uw ogen blauw bunt, bruun zelfs of gruun
Of i-j bunt stinkend riek, of zo arm as 'n pier
Of i-j drinkt alleen spaatjes, of i-j zoept altied bier
Of i-j blontd bunt of donker
Of i-j bunt helemaal kaal
Wi-j bunt allemaal 't zelfde, doe effen normaal
Of Paramaribo i-j bent allemaal geliek
Beoordeel een ander of wat hie wil en kan
't Is wat en zien kop zit en niet de kleur d'r van
Wi-j vertelt al jaaren 't zelfde verhaal
Denk ok es an 'n ander, doe effen normaal
Doe effen normaal, doe effen normaal
Vertel ow eigen verhaal
Niet links of rechts radikaal
Doe effen normaal, veur een keer gewoon
Of i-j hier geboren bunt of allochtoon
Of i-j bunt putjesschepper of een boerenlul
Of i-j bunt burgemeester of i-j hebt een doktersbul
I-j gapt een dure auto of berooft een bank
Dan heur i-j in de bajes of i-j zwart bunt of blank
Ultra rechtse lafbekken met een slechte moraal
Zit niet te ouwehoeren, doe effen normaal
Ieder volk ter wereld hef zien eigen cultuur
Nem now es die moeite en kiek oaver die muur
Gedrag ow es sociaal, niet as 'n kannibaal
Weas es amicaal en doe effen normaal
The song "Doe effen normaal" by Normaal talks about the importance of treating everyone equally and with respect, regardless of their appearance, background, or social status. The lyrics mention that people come in different colors, have different eyes, and are rich or poor, but ultimately, they are all the same. The song expresses that dividing people based on their differences (race, origin, social class) only creates unnecessary friction and hostility. The lyrics encourage people to think of others, to show empathy, and to behave in a civilized and polite manner, irrespective of their differences.
Normaal's "Doe effen normaal" is a song that has become very popular in the Netherlands, both for its catchy melody and its socially conscious lyrics. The song has become a sort of anthem for those who believe in treating everyone with respect and kindness, irrespective of their background. Normaal was founded in the 1970s as a rock band singing in the Dutch language. The band originally had a strong following in the rural areas of the Netherlands, but their appeal grew, and they became a national phenomenon. They were known for their unique sound and their songs that celebrated rural life and rural traditions.
Line by Line Meaning
Of ow vel now wit is, zwart, geel of bruun
Regardless of whether your skin is white, black, yellow or brown
Of uw ogen blauw bunt, bruun zelfs of gruun
Whether your eyes are blue, brown or green
Of i-j bunt stinkend riek, of zo arm as 'n pier
Whether you are very rich or poor as a church mouse
Of i-j drinkt alleen spaatjes, of i-j zoept altied bier
Whether you drink only soft drinks or always beer
Of i-j blontd bunt of donker
Whether you are blonde or dark-haired
Of i-j bunt helemaal kaal
Whether you are completely bald
Wi-j bunt allemaal 't zelfde, doe effen normaal
We all are the same, just be normal
Of i-j komt uut Hummel of uut Mozambique
Whether you come from Hummel or Mozambique
Of Paramaribo i-j bent allemaal geliek
Or if you are from Paramaribo, we are all the same
Beoordeel een ander of wat hie wil en kan
Don't judge others by what they want or can do
't Is wat en zien kop zit en niet de kleur d'r van
It's who a person is on the inside, not the color of their skin
Wi-j vertelt al jaaren 't zelfde verhaal
We've been telling the same story for years
Denk ok es an 'n ander, doe effen normaal
Think of others, just be normal
Doe effen normaal, doe effen normaal
Just be normal, just be normal
Vertel ow eigen verhaal
Tell your own story
Niet links of rechts radikaal
Not left or right radical
Doe effen normaal, veur een keer gewoon
Just be normal, for once
Of i-j hier geboren bunt of allochtoon
Whether you were born here or are an immigrant
Of i-j bunt putjesschepper of een boerenlul
Whether you are a laborer or a farmer
Of i-j bunt burgemeester of i-j hebt een doktersbul
Whether you are a mayor or a doctor
I-j gapt een dure auto of berooft een bank
Whether you steal an expensive car or rob a bank
Dan heur i-j in de bajes of i-j zwart bunt of blank
You'll end up in jail whether you are black or white
Ultra rechtse lafbekken met een slechte moraal
Ultra right-wing cowards with bad morals
Zit niet te ouwehoeren, doe effen normaal
Stop blathering, just be normal
Ieder volk ter wereld hef zien eigen cultuur
Every nation in the world has its own culture
Nem now es die moeite en kiek oaver die muur
Take the time to look over that wall
Gedrag ow es sociaal, niet as 'n kannibaal
Behave socially, not like a cannibal
Weas es amicaal en doe effen normaal
Be friendly and just be normal
Contributed by Jayden I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Anja Heesen
Vond dit in de jaren 90 al een goed nummer. Het blijft actueel en niet alleen in de achterhoek. Als iedereen elkaar nu eens in z'n waarde zou laten zou de wereld een stuk mooier worden
D Doeser
Ben ik volledig mit ains dao mor normoal ..dao je gek genog
broerkonijn
6 jaar later....geen bal verder...
melk zuiper
+Anja Heesen sws
Hennie Boeijink
De koebel en de dames van het koortje in het refrein geven de sjuu aan dit geweldige nummer.
33GoldenEye
doe effe normaal !!! zooo super muziek dit !!! ik kom nie uit de achterhoek maar tog !!
JumpingTomato
Dat Achterhoeks is wel een raar taaltje, ik moest wel een paar keer luisteren voordat ik alles verstond.
Maar wel een lekker nummer, en gewoon actueler dan ooit!
Janneke Radstake
Dit liedje is de beste van de wereld
Tina Manta
magtiggg!!!
roepi
Alsof je luistert naar de algemene beschouwingen in de we kamer :)