Biography
Willeke Alberti started her career at the early age of eleven in the musical Duel om Barbara and she recorded her first single in 1958 together with her father. During the 1960s, she was a well-known singer in the Netherlands and had at least one #1 hit with "De Winter Was Lang" ("The Winter Was Long"), however there was no official Dutch chart at the time. Willeke and her father had a television show between 1965 and 1969. Her singing career from 1970 onwards is less active, however Alberti still releases singles and albums at an irregular interval and plays minor roles in television programs and movies.
Alberti married John de Mol on July 24, 1976. Together they have one son Johnny de Mol, who is currently an actor and television personality. The couple divorced in 1980. She had a second marriage with Danish football player Søren Lerby and a second son was born from that marriage. Søren Lerby and Willeke Alberti separated in 1990.
In 1994, she represented the Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Waar is de Zon" ("Where is the Sun"), which claimed a meagre four points from the international juries, all coming from Austria. The Netherlands beat only Estonia and Lithuania that evening.
Sla Tomaat En Radijsjes
Willeke Alberti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jonge erwten, jonge meisjes
Jonge veulens, jonge lammetjes in de wei
En de zon op alle daken
Op de Amstel met zijn aken
Op Jordaan en Pijp en Vondelpark en IJ
Sla, tomaten en radijsjes
Westertoren speel je wijsjes
Munt en Dampaleis en Montelbaan kom erbij
Vier ons biefstuk, mals en mager
Bij de grinnikende slager
Iedereen is aardig, iedereen is blij
Sla, tomaten en radijsjes
Overal zijn paradijsjes
Alle dagen komt een stukje geluk voorbij
Maar omdat je 't deelt met velen
Moet je 'r krijgertje mee spelen
Of 't zegt 'iene-miene-mutte, af ben jij'
The song "Sla, Tomaat En Radijsjes" by Willeke Alberti is a cheerful ode to the simple pleasures of life. The lyrics celebrate the beauty of nature, with mentions of young peas, girls, foals, and lambs frolicking in meadows under the warm sun. The city of Amsterdam is also part of this idyllic picture, with references to the Amstel river, the Jordaan and Pijp neighborhoods, the Vondelpark, and the IJ waterway. The Westertoren bell tower sings its merry tunes, while landmarks like the Munt and Dampaleis buildings and the Montelbaan tower join in the party.
The second verse adds a culinary dimension to the song, as the singer urges us to enjoy a tender and lean steak from the grinning butcher. The lyrics suggest that everyone is kind and happy, making everyday life feels like a paradise where small moments of joy are encountered for those lucky enough to embrace them. However, since these moments are meant to be shared, the singer advises that we all play the game of "tag-playing" like kids do, where everyone gets a chance to experience the happiness.
Overall, "Sla, Tomaat En Radijsjes" is a charming and uplifting tune that celebrates the beauty of everyday life and the importance of enjoying it to the fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
Sla, tomaten en radijsjes
Referring to fresh produce, symbolizing the beauty of nature and the simple pleasures in life.
Jonge erwten, jonge meisjes
Young and innocent entities that add to the joy and liveliness of the world.
Jonge veulens, jonge lammetjes in de wei
More examples of newborn animals that signify new beginnings and the beauty of youth.
En de zon op alle daken
The sun shining brightly, spreading warmth and positivity everywhere it reaches.
Op de Amstel met zijn aken
A reference to the beautiful Amstel river in Amsterdam, representing the beauty of nature and the peacefulness of flowing water.
Op Jordaan en Pijp en Vondelpark en IJ
A list of beautiful and iconic places in Amsterdam, representing the beauty of the city and its culture.
Westertoren speel je wijsjes
The Westertoren, a tower in Amsterdam, playing music that adds to the lively atmosphere of the city.
Munt en Dampaleis en Montelbaan kom erbij
A list of iconic landmarks in Amsterdam that add to its charm and beauty.
Vier ons biefstuk, mals en mager
Celebrating the deliciousness of a good meal, that brings people together.
Bij de grinnikende slager
A reference to the friendly and happy nature of a local neighborhood butcher.
Iedereen is aardig, iedereen is blij
Emphasizing the positivity and friendliness of the people and the community.
Overal zijn paradijsjes
Everywhere has beauty and happiness, if we are willing to appreciate it.
Alle dagen komt een stukje geluk voorbij
Reminding us that happiness and good things come in small moments that we should cherish.
Maar omdat je 't deelt met velen
When we share happiness and good experiences with others, it multiplies and becomes even more enjoyable.
Moet je 'r krijgertje mee spelen
To fully embrace these moments, we should share them generously and without hesitation.
Of 't zegt 'iene-miene-mutte, af ben jij'
A playful reminder that sometimes our time with happiness and luck can be short-lived, but we should enjoy it while we can.
Contributed by Taylor V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
René van Wijk
Die televisie-serie die in 1970/1971 is uitgezonden door de NCRV werd vorig jaar in Juli herhaald. Met afstand is De Kleine Waarheid de beste nederlandse televisie-serie ooit. Met Willeke Alberti in de hoofdrol als Marleen Spaargaren.
Han Messie
Opbeurend lied voor in de keuken werkende mensen.
Gerda Krosman
Ben op zoek naar rode rebarber