Herman
Steven van Betten Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
August 10th, 1931
The sixth child to his mother
The fourteenth to his father after World War I
His father owned a coffee and cigar store
Downtown in the Hague schoolstraat number 34
Despite the depression which made the money tight
His Mom and Dad worked hard
Herman would stay up reading
Head under the sheets while his siblings were all sleeping
And in the winter time when the canals would freeze over
He'd watch the ice skaters from atop his father's shoulders
On May 10th, 1940
Herman woke up to sound of his father's voice shouting
Wake up, wake up, look out the window
Cover your ears and keep your heads low
And Herman and his brothers were scared of what they saw
A thousand green soldiers with swastikas on their arms
All marching towards the dutch parliament
Breaking down the doors and forcing Holland to surrender
Under the orders of the German government
Herman, tell me of the war
And how your brothers had to hide
How you went on without eating
Grandpa tell me of the day
The Canadians arrived
And the Nazis were retreating
The lyrics of Steven van Betten's song "Herman" paint a vivid picture of the life and experiences of a young boy named Herman, who was born in Holland in 1931. Herman came from a large family, being the sixth child of his mother and the fourteenth child of his father, who owned a coffee and cigar store in downtown Hague. The setting is during a time of economic hardship, the effects of the Great Depression making money tight for the family. Despite the challenges, Herman's parents worked tirelessly to ensure that all sixteen bellies were full before the long cold nights ahead.
Herman's character is further depicted through his love for reading, often staying up late with a book while his siblings slept. During the winter months when the canals froze over, he would watch the ice skaters from atop his father's shoulders, showcasing a sense of wonder and curiosity. However, the tranquility of his childhood is shattered when on May 10th, 1940, Herman is abruptly awoken by his father's urgent shouts. The sight of a thousand green soldiers with swastikas marching towards the Dutch parliament marks the beginning of the German occupation of Holland, as the Nazis break down doors and force the country to surrender.
The song delves into the personal impact of war on Herman and his family, highlighting the fear and uncertainty they faced as they were forced to navigate a dangerous and oppressive reality. Herman is called upon to share his memories of the war with the lyrics asking him to recount how his brothers had to hide, the struggles of going without food, and the sheer resilience required to persevere. The arrival of the Canadians, signaling the retreat of the Nazis, is a moment of hope and liberation amidst the chaos and suffering, marking a turning point in the narrative.
Through the poignant storytelling in the lyrics, we witness the intimate human experience of Herman and his family during wartime, capturing both the individual hardships and collective resilience in the face of adversity. The song beautifully weaves together moments of innocence, familial love, and the harsh realities of conflict, offering a poignant reflection on the enduring impact of war on individuals and communities. Herman's journey from a curious and contemplative boy to a survivor of conflict is a testament to the strength and endurance of the human spirit in the face of profound challenges, resonating with themes of resilience, memory, and the enduring quest for peace in the aftermath of war.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Steven van Betten
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind