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).
Martha
Stan Vreeken Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The zookeeper shook his head and said
‘that is what you get when you try to have the cake’.
So they put her on ice and put her on a train to Washington D.C.
In a big glass cage they put her on display
so everyone could see it’s a big mistake to eat the cake.
Roo coo coo coo coo, Sweet Little Martha.
There is nothing left to do but sing a song for ya.
We’re sorry. We don’t know what we’re doing.
With so many birds, no one thought it would hurt to shoot a couple down.
In all American towns there were millions around.
A blind kid with a handgun couldn’t miss if he tried.
Cooked, baked, pickled or fried with some ketchup on the side and a milkshake.
All the meat we could we could eat was up in the sky.
And we always ate just a little bit more than we could take.
Roo coo coo coo coo, sweet little Martha.
There is nothing left to do but sing a song for ya.
Roo coo coo coo coo, sweet little Martha.
We’re so sorry. We don’t know what we’re doing.
There’s a man in a coat in a lab somewhere in Californ-i-a.
And with Martha’s DNA the man has found a way
to bring Martha back. It’s not too late save the cake.
Roo coo coo coo coo, Sweet Little Martha.
There is nothing left to do but sing a song for ya.
Roo coo coo coo coo, Sweet Little Martha.
We’re sorry. We don’t know what we’re doing.
The song "Martha" by Stan Vreeken tells a poignant story of Martha, a bird who dies in the Cincinnati Zoo, symbolizing the consequences of human actions and greed. The lyrics convey a sense of regret and remorse over the mistreatment and eventual demise of Martha, reflecting on how our choices and behaviors can lead to irreversible damage. The zookeeper's statement, "that is what you get when you try to have the cake," highlights the theme of consequences and the idea that indulgence and excess can have destructive outcomes.
The imagery of Martha being put on ice and displayed in a glass cage in Washington D.C. serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of human encroachment on nature and the exploitation of animals for entertainment and consumption. The repeated refrain of "Roo coo coo coo coo, Sweet Little Martha" conveys a sense of mourning and helplessness, as well as a feeling of powerlessness in the face of irreversible damage that has been done.
The second part of the song delves into the broader issue of human impact on the environment, particularly through the hunting and consumption of birds. The lyrics paint a grim picture of the rampant hunting of birds across America, emphasizing the senseless destruction and wastefulness of human actions. The mention of a blind kid with a handgun further underscores the careless and reckless behaviors that contribute to the depletion of wildlife populations.
The song concludes with a glimmer of hope, as it introduces a scientist in California who has discovered a way to potentially bring Martha back through her DNA. This narrative element presents a nuanced perspective on human responsibility and the possibility of redemption through scientific advancements and efforts to right the wrongs of the past. Ultimately, "Martha" serves as a reflection on human fallibility, the consequences of our actions, and the importance of recognizing and rectifying our mistakes before it's too late.
Line by Line Meaning
Martha died on a Tuesday night in the Cincinnati Zoo.
Martha, a bird, passed away on a specific day at a zoo location.
The zookeeper shook his head and said 'that is what you get when you try to have the cake'.
The zookeeper expressed regret and blamed the situation on attempting to have it all.
So they put her on ice and put her on a train to Washington D.C.
Martha's body was preserved and transported to another city for display.
In a big glass cage they put her on display so everyone could see it’s a big mistake to eat the cake.
Martha's body was exhibited to highlight the consequences of indulgence.
Roo coo coo coo coo, Sweet Little Martha.
Affectionate reference to Martha as a sweet bird.
There is nothing left to do but sing a song for ya.
Expressing helplessness and resorting to sharing a song in memory.
With so many birds, no one thought it would hurt to shoot a couple down.
Taking birds for granted resulted in careless hunting actions.
Cooked, baked, pickled or fried with some ketchup on the side and a milkshake.
Bird consumption in various culinary styles described with condiment preferences.
All the meat we could we could eat was up in the sky.
Acknowledgment of birds as a source of sustenance high above.
And we always ate just a little bit more than we could take.
Excess consumption of bird meat beyond necessary sustenance.
There's a man in a coat in a lab somewhere in Californ-i-a.
Reference to a scientist conducting experiments in a California laboratory.
And with Martha’s DNA the man has found a way to bring Martha back. It’s not too late save the cake.
Scientific process utilizing Martha's genetic material to potentially revive her and emphasize preserving nature.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Stan Vreeken, Mats Voshol, Peter Kriek
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind