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.

Net as gisteren
Normaal Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Toen ik vanmorgen uit bedde kwam
Net as gisteren
Kolde vuute en de hande klam
Net as gisteren
Ik had een kater en een dreuge bek
Net as gisteren
Ik had de blues, ja vi-j 't gek
Net as gisteren

Ik zit geregeld an de grond
Net as gisteren
Zie nuumt dat ok wl in de
Net as gisteren

Mien schoonmoeder mag mien ok zo graag
Net as gisteren
Splitst mien eur dochter in de maag
Net as gisteren
As zie 's avonds op mien wacht
Net as gisteren
No ja 's avonds 't is meer nacht
Net as gisteren
Umdat zie mien smoesje niet geleuft
Net as gisteren
Krieg ik een deegrol op mien heugt
Net as gisteren

refrain:
Ik wet niet wat ze wilt van miet, alles wetten, alles zien
Wa'j niet wilt dat ou geschiedt, doe dat ook een ander niet

Maar ondanks trubbels an de kop
Net as gisteren
Geven wi-j de moed niet op
Net as gisteren
I-j gaat an 't werk, verdient wat geld
Net as gisteren
Maar dat hi-j zo weer uitgeteld
Net as gisteren
Ons hemeur li-jt der hoast niet van
Net as gisteren
Wi-j goat der zo weer tegen an
Net as gisteren

refrain

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Normaal's song "Net as gisteren" describe the singer's experiences and feelings from the moment they wake up in the morning. The first stanza reveals that the singer is faced with physical discomfort, as they have cold feet and clammy hands, and emotional pain, as they have a hangover and feel downhearted. The second stanza explains that the singer's relationship with their mother-in-law is still strained, as she disapproves of their relationship with her daughter. The third stanza conveys that despite these difficulties, the singer and their partner persevere and continue to work hard, even though they may feel exhausted.

The refrain of the song provides an important moral lesson: treat others as you would like to be treated. This refrain is particularly meaningful given the struggles the singer faces in their personal and professional life. Although the lyrics are in Dutch, the message of the song is universal and relatable.

Overall, "Net as gisteren" is a poignant and honest song that captures the realities of life's ups and downs. The lyrics remind listeners that even when things are difficult, it's important to keep going and treat others with kindness and respect.

Line by Line Meaning

Toen ik vanmorgen uit bedde kwam
When I got out of bed this morning