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.

opening
Normaal Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

1, 2, 3, 4, 5
6, 7, 8, 9, 10
11, 12, 13, 14, 15
16, 17, 18, 19, 20
21, 22, 23, 24, 25
26, 27, 28, 29, 30
31, 32, 33, 34, 35
36, 37, 38, 39, 40

(Høken Høken Høken Høken Høken, Høken Høken Høken Høken Høken)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Normaal's song Opening are a simple count from 1 to 40, with the addition of the repeated phrase "Høken Høken Høken Høken Høken" after every fifth number. The song serves as the opening track for Normaal's 1980 album "Oerend Hard", and is largely seen as an anthem for the Dutch subculture of "høken".

Høken is a term used in the Netherlands to describe the culture surrounding the music of bands such as Normaal, which blend traditional Dutch folk music with rock and roll elements. The term loosely translates to "partying" or "letting loose", and is often associated with drinking and rowdy behavior. The repeated refrain of "Høken Høken Høken Høken Høken" in the song's lyrics serves as a call to action for those in the høken subculture to embrace their wild side.

Despite its simplicity, the song has become a favorite among Normaal fans and is often played at the beginning of the band's concerts. It has also been covered by other Dutch artists, including Dikke Dennis and Bökkers. The song's catchy rhythm and simple lyrics have made it an enduring part of Dutch music culture.

Line by Line Meaning

1, 2, 3, 4, 5
A simple counting exercise to get started

6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Continuing the counting exercise

11, 12, 13, 14, 15
The counting begins to feel monotonous

16, 17, 18, 19, 20
The repetition becomes almost unbearable

21, 22, 23, 24, 25
The monotony is broken by a sudden burst of energy

26, 27, 28, 29, 30
The burst of energy continues, almost frenzied

31, 32, 33, 34, 35
As the burst of energy fades, the monotony returns

36, 37, 38, 39, 40
The counting exercise comes to an end, having served its purpose

(Høken Høken Høken Høken Høken, Høken Høken Høken Høken Høken)
The repeated chant of 'Høken', possibly indicating the group's name or a call to action

Writer(s): B. Jolink

Contributed by Bailey V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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