Accompanying himself on guitar and baritone ukulele, Vreeken creates a space for his audience to be immersed in. His well-crafted songs, fortified by compelling vocal rendition, have been described as "precious little gems in these fleeting times". Vreeken has been compared to songsmiths of earlier days such as Paul Simon, Elvis Costello or James Taylor.
Ever since he graduated as a singer from the Conservatory of Amsterdam (in 2011) Stan has been active in the music and theatre scene of the Netherlands. In 2017 he toured througout the country with theatre piece 'Find Me A Boring Stone', which he performed together with actor Gijs Naber. In 2015 he peformed 'The Big Easy' – with his own theatre company Tijdelijke Samenscholing – which was a big hit on Oerol and Operedagen Rotterdam. In 2014 he appeared in television show De Wereld Draait Door with his former band (The Big Hunger). Furthermore, Stan has been the main lyricist for Ruben Hein, who has won an Edison for his album Hopscotch. Among the songs Stan co-wrote where the singles Elephants, That's Not Life, Hopscotch and Fool By Morning.
Vreeken released two albums under his own name: Slumberland (2019) and Just Like That (2021).
Like That
Stan Vreeken Lyrics
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Pretty girls and pretty dudes too.
I don’t want to see ‘em anymore. Quick, get to the Delorean!
I miss the summer of ’96.
We were just kids then,
playing hits from a Diskman. Man, those pants were big.
If I could push the button I would do it like that!
Like that! Just like that!
If we could get back back,
I’d like that!
The same shit with a new beat.
Soon there’ll be no people on the street.
Everybody’s sitting at home with their news feed. Refresh. Refresh. Refresh. Refresh.
I wanna fall back in love with Jenny from the Block
while Sonic the Hedgehog was tearing up my Sega.
Come on! Kamehameha! Ready player one! Come on! Wasn’t it Double Fun?
If I could push the button I would do it like that!
Like that! Just like that!
If we could get back back,
I’d like that!
Why’d I wanna follow what I know is just as hollow as a ping pong ball?
Money talks a lot and I don’t want to listen anymore.
If I could push the button I would do it like this...
Like that! Just like that!
If we could get back back,
I’d like that!
Like that! Just like that!
If we could get back back,
I’d like that!
I’d like it like that!
The lyrics of Stan Vreeken's song "Like That" portray a longing for the past, specifically reminiscing about the simplicity and nostalgia of the summer of 1996. The opening lines which mention "fake news and hot nudes" reflect the overwhelming information overload and superficiality of modern media, prompting a desire to escape from it all by referencing the iconic time-travel vehicle, the Delorean. The mention of pretty girls and pretty dudes hints at the superficiality and emphasis on appearance in today's society, juxtaposed with the innocence and carefree nature of childhood in the summer of '96.
The reference to playing hits from a Diskman and wearing big pants harkens back to the technology and fashion trends of the 90s, suggesting a longing for a simpler time when life seemed easier and more straightforward. The repetition of the phrase "I'd like that" emphasizes the singer's desire to go back to that time, where music was enjoyed in a more tangible and nostalgic way. The lack of irony in those times suggests a genuine fondness for the past, contrasting with the current state of constant information consumption and societal detachment.
The lyrics further critique the current state of society, with the mention of people being glued to their news feeds and the absence of human interaction on the streets. The repetitive nature of the phrase "refresh" highlights the incessant need for updates and validation in today's digital age. The nostalgic references to Jenny from the Block and Sonic the Hedgehog evoke a sense of comfort and familiarity from the past, contrasting with the overwhelming influx of information and distractions in the present.
The final verse delves into a deeper reflection on the hollowness of materialism and the influence of money in shaping perceptions and desires. The desire to push a button and go back to a simpler time reflects a yearning for authenticity and genuine connections, free from the distractions and superficiality of the modern world. The repeated chorus of "I'd like that" underscores the longing for a return to a time when life was simpler and relationships were more meaningful, ultimately encapsulating a nostalgic yearning for the past amidst the chaos of the present.
Line by Line Meaning
Fake news and hot nudes.
Sensationalized stories and inappropriate photos are everywhere.
Pretty girls and pretty dudes too.
Attractive people are abundant in our society.
I don’t want to see ‘em anymore. Quick, get to the Delorean!
I'm tired of the shallow content, let's go back to the past.
I miss the summer of ’96.
I long for the carefree days of my youth in 1996.
We were just kids then, playing hits from a Diskman. Man, those pants were big.
We were young, listening to music on portable CD players. Baggy pants were the style.
It’s funny. It never was ironic.
It's amusing how things from the past are not seen as ironic now.
If I could push the button I would do it like that!
If I had the chance, I would change things in an instant.
Like that! Just like that!
In that manner, without hesitation.
If we could get back back, I’d like that!
If we could return to the past, I would enjoy it.
The same shit with a new beat.
The same problems with a new twist.
Soon there’ll be no people on the street.
People are becoming more isolated, staying indoors.
Everybody’s sitting at home with their news feed. Refresh. Refresh. Refresh. Refresh.
Everyone is constantly refreshing their social media feeds for updates.
I wanna fall back in love with Jenny from the Block while Sonic the Hedgehog was tearing up my Sega.
I want to reminisce about the past, playing video games and enjoying pop culture.
Come on! Kamehameha! Ready player one! Come on! Wasn’t it Double Fun?
Referencing popular culture and video games, reminiscing about past entertainment.
Why’d I wanna follow what I know is just as hollow as a ping pong ball?
Questioning why I am drawn to superficial things that lack depth.
Money talks a lot and I don’t want to listen anymore.
I'm tired of the influence of money and materialism.
If I could push the button I would do it like this...
I would make changes if I had the power to.
I’d like it like that!
I would prefer things to be that way.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Stan Vreeken, Mark van Bruggen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MARLE THOMSON
♥️ heerlijk Stan! Erg leuke video ook!
Akim Moiseenkov
Jaa heel tof!