Kartner had his big break as Vader Abraham in 1971 with the hit 'Vader Abraham had zeven zonen'. He scored one Dutch hit after the other throughout the 1970s. His best known tune by far is 'Het Smurfenlied' (1977), a happy sing-song with world famous cartoon figures The Smurfs. The song was recorded in numerous languages and was a smash hit in many countries, the several translations selling some 25 million copies worldwide.
His perhaps most famous song was released in late 1975: 'In 't kleine café aan de haven', about a small old pub by the harbor. The song was covered by international greats such as Mireille Matthieu, Demis Roussos and Engelbert Humperdinck and is known worldwide under the title 'The Red Rose Café'.
In total, Vader Abraham had 41 hits in the Dutch Top 40 and no less than 69 in his home country's second favorite chart, the Nationale Hitparade. The man who was Vader Abraham, Pierre Kartner, also penned two Dutch Eurovision Song Contest entries: 'De oude muzikant' (performed by Ben Cramer in 1973) and 'Ik ben verliefd (Sha-la-lie)' (performed by Sieneke in 2010).
A less known, but somewhat controversial part of his catalogue were his political songs. Kartner was a conservative, prone to expressing populist opinions in song. Most controversial was 'Wat doen we met die Arabieren hier?' ('What do we do with the Arabs here?'), which was released in 1975, but the singles were quickly removed from the shops, leaving Kartner's record label embarrassed.
Pierre Kartner remained active as a songwriter and performer until the age of 85. He died peacefully at home on 8 November 2022, aged 87.
In het kleine café aan de haven
Vader Abraham Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And they all soon forget who they are.
The cares of today are soon washed away
As they sit at a stool by the bar.
The girl with green eyes in the Rolling Stones shirt
Doesn't look like she works on the land.
The man at the end, he's a very good friend
Of a man who sells cars second hand.
Down at the Red Rose Cafe in the Harbour
There by the port just outside Amsterdam.
Everyone shares in the songs and the laughter.
Everyone there is so happy to be there.
The salesmen relax with a few pints of beer
As they try not to speak about trade.
The poet won't write any verses tonight.
He may sing a sweet serenade.
So pull up a chair and forget about life.
It's a good thing to do now and then
And if you like it here I have an idea
Tomorrow let's all meet again.
Down at the Red Rose Cafe in the Harbour
There by the port just outside Amsterdam.
Everyone shares in the songs and the laughter.
Everyone there is so happy to be there.
Down at the Red Rose Cafe in the Harbour
There by the port just outside Amsterdam.
Everyone shares in the songs and the laughter.
Everyone there is so happy to be there.
Down at the Red Rose Cafe in the Harbour
There by the port just outside Amsterdam.
Everyone shares in the songs and the laughter.
Everyone there is so happy to be there.
Lyrics found here
The song "In het kleine café aan de haven" by Vader Abraham is about a group of people from different backgrounds who come together at a small café near the harbor in Amsterdam. The first verse describes how people from farms and factories come to the café to forget their cares and relax. The second verse mentions specific people at the café, such as a girl wearing a Rolling Stones shirt and a man who is friends with a used car salesman. The chorus repeats the name of the café, emphasizing the sense of community and belonging that the patrons feel there.
The song creates a vivid picture of a place where people from disparate backgrounds can come together and be happy. It celebrates the joy of camaraderie, drinking, and singing, and highlights the way that people can find a sense of belonging and escape through shared experiences. The song captures both the simple pleasures of life and the deep connections that can be forged through them.
Line by Line Meaning
They come from the farms and the factories too
People from all walks of life gather here
And they all soon forget who they are.
They come to escape their daily routine
The cares of today are soon washed away
Worries and stress are left behind
As they sit at a stool by the bar.
They relax with a drink and good company
The girl with green eyes in the Rolling Stones shirt
A young woman catches someone's eye
Doesn't look like she works on the land.
She seems out of place in this setting
The man at the end, he's a very good friend
The patrons have formed close connections
Of a man who sells cars second hand.
They share stories about their lives outside the café
Down at the Red Rose Cafe in the Harbour
The setting of this song is a specific café
There by the port just outside Amsterdam.
The café is located near the harbor in Amsterdam
Everyone shares in the songs and the laughter.
The patrons come together to enjoy music and good times
The salesmen relax with a few pints of beer
Even those with busy jobs come to unwind
As they try not to speak about trade.
They come to escape their work conversations
The poet won't write any verses tonight.
Even creatives come here to take a break from their craft
He may sing a sweet serenade.
The patrons may partake in impromptu performances
So pull up a chair and forget about life.
The café provides a temporary escape from reality
It's a good thing to do now and then
Taking a break from daily life is beneficial
And if you like it here I have an idea
The singer invites the listener to return
Tomorrow let's all meet again.
The patrons form a community that gathers regularly
Contributed by Vivian Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@lowket
Rust in vrede Pierre (87), en bedankt voor de fijne muziek.
@jellokasan2435
Top Rene vH lief op recht van uw ✨🕉️🙏
@renconienhuis
@@jellokasan2435aq😅😅
@harzw7126
Mijn Canadese geboren vrouw ( van Nederlandse ouders ) kon dit zo heerlijk mee zingen, met een Brabants accent na een paar glazen wiin. Ik mis haar.
@mediachannel2121
Rust in vrede, vader Abraham. Bedankt voor de mooie liedjes 🌷🇳🇱❤️
@gooost
Rest in Peace Padre Abraham... your legend lives on while your songs keep playing.
@dirkvandijk9918
Rust in vrede Pierre. Je was ook een icoon in Duitsland. Mijn Nederlandse vader hield zoveel van jou en je prachtige muziek. Nu kunnen jullie allebei in de hemel praten. 😞
@guitarsender
Legend! Bedankt voor je bijdrage vader Abraham!
@thegroovegroup51
Wat is dit toch een prachtig lied door een briljante componist en tekstschrijver. Ik zal voor eeuwig deze mooie muziek draaien en koesteren. Vaarwel mijnheer Kartner. ❤️
@LekkerRekkenYT
Rust in vrede… En bedankt, voor een prachtige jeugd. De prachtige, iconische en oerhollandse muziek zal nooit hetzelfde zijn als die van u.