Normaal is a very popular and long running Dutch rockband from the rural Ac… Read Full Bio ↴Normaal is a very popular and long running Dutch rockband from the rural Achterhoek region in the east of the Netherlands. The group was formed in 1975 by lead singer Bennie Jolink and drummer Jan Manschot; Jolink has stated in an interview that this happend during a ride in Manschot's 2CV, when they were too stoned to drive and thus sat down at a bar.

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.

Marie
Normaal Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

(refrein)
Marie, Marie, a'k ow zie oh Marie
kri-k de bibbers in mien knie Marie
Marie, Marie, dreaj ow es umme en kiek mien es an
doar word ik zo vrolijk van Marie

Marietjen lekker dier
kom es effe hier

ik fluuster ow in 't oor
stap es in mien Commodore
ik wil met ow proaten
moar niet hier op strate

refrein

wi-j bunt toch gin blagen
kom es bi-j mien in de wagen
krieg nou moar gin kleur
en striek mien deur 't heur
en as ik een kusken wil
slaak i-j dan een zachte gil

refrein

ik pak mien regenjas
en dan goaw waterpas
come an let's make some love
normaal of soixant-neuf
moar gebeuren zal 't neet
umdat Marietjen niet besteet

refrein

Marie, Marie, dreaj ow es umme en kiek mien es an
doar word ik zo vrolijk van Marie

Marie, Marie

Overall Meaning

Normaal's "Marie" is a song that revolves around the infatuation and desire of the singer for a woman named Marie. Throughout the song, the singer attempts to convince Marie to get into his car, and engage in flirtatious activity with him. The song begins with the singer expressing the nervousness that Marie induces in him, as he gets "kri-k de bibbers in mien knie" (the shivers in his knee) just by seeing her. However, he implores Marie to "dreaj ow es umme en kiek mien es an" (turn around and look at me), as her gaze brings him immense happiness.

The song progresses with the singer attempting to persuade Marie to join him in his car for private conversation, as he doesn't want to talk out in the street. He plays on Marie's affection by calling her a "lekker dier" (delicious animal), and asks her to sit in his Commodore. The lyrics turn more explicit as he asks her to not become embarrassed, and make physical contact with him by holding his hair while he kisses her. Later, he attempts to convince her to have sex with him in his car or even perform oral sex, but expresses disappointment as Marie shows no interest in his advances.

Overall, the song portrays a man trying to pick up a woman by convincing her to engage in flirtatious behavior with him. It's a snapshot of a culture that's rampant with toxic masculinity, objectifying women and perpetuating the idea that women don't have autonomy over their bodies.

Line by Line Meaning

Marie, Marie, a'k ow zie oh Marie
Calling out to Marie with joy in my heart

kri-k de bibbers in mien knie Marie
Your presence causes me to tremble with excitement

Marie, Marie, dreaj ow es umme en kiek mien es an
Turn around and look at me, your beauty makes me so happy Marie

doar word ik zo vrolijk van Marie
Your presence brings me so much joy Marie

Marietjen lekker dier
Marietjen, beautiful creature

kom es effe hier
Come closer to me

ik fluuster ow in 't oor
I whisper in your ear

stap es in mien Commodore
Come aboard my car

ik wil met ow proaten
I want to talk with you

moar niet hier op strate
But not here on the street

wi-j bunt toch gin blagen
We are not kids anymore