Mertens studied social and political science at the University of Leuven (graduating in 1975) and musicology at Ghent University; he also studied music theory and piano at the Royal Conservatories of Ghent and Brussels.
In 1978, he became a producer at the then BRT (Belgian Radio and Television). For Radio 2 (Radio Brabant) he produced concerts by Philip Glass, Steve Reich, Terry Riley, Meredith Monk, Urban Sax, and others, and hosted a program called Funky Town together with Gust De Meyer (with whom he recorded the experimental CD For Amusement Only).
Known primarily as a composer since the late 1970s, Mertens is best known for his opus "Struggle for Pleasure", which was chosen as an anthem in advertisements for the Belgian mobile phone operator Proximus. He is also well known for his piece "Maximizing the Audience", which was composed for Jan Fabre's play The Power of Theatrical Madness, which premiered in 1984 in Venice, Italy.
Mertens' style, while continually evolving during the course his prolific output, touches veins of minimalist, ambient and avant-garde, usually however preserving a melodic fundament to the forays that he makes into the worlds that he is exploring.
Mertens' music was used in the 1987 Peter Greenaway film The Belly of an Architect, along with that of Glenn Branca. It was also the soundtrack to "Nós Que Aqui Estamos por Vós Esperamos" (Here We Are Waiting for You) directed by Marcelo Masagão, winning the Best Music category at the 2000 Miami Brazilian Film Festival.
Mertens also recorded under the name "Soft Verdict", and is the author of American Minimal Music, which looks at the school of American repetitive music.
In March 1998 Mertens became the Cultural Ambassador of Flanders.
For him language is a very important influence on musicians or artists in general. Born in Belgium only a few people would have understood his songs, so they do not contain any language spoken, he invented his own. So people who listen to his music feel his intentions and not his language
4 mains
Wim Mertens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wake up
You've just now entered into the next level
The new world of funk
As we do it one time
Creeping through the fog, who dat y'all
(A A L I Y A H)
Creeping through the fog, who dat y'all
I've got the beats for da streets
(A A L I Y A H)
Everything I make is so unique, hey
(A A L I Y A H)
Say hey, if you down with me
(Hey, L I Y A H)
If you step to me there's no need
(A A L I Y A H)
Creeping through the fog, who dat y'all
Damn, she be the bomb, damn
(Say what?)
Creeping through the fog, who dat y'all
Dang, damn, she be da bomb
Wake up
Goodnight
The lyrics to Wim Mertens' song "4 Mains" are actually quite different from the ones provided. Therefore, I cannot provide an analysis of the lyrics in question. However, I can provide interesting facts about the song "4 Mains."
Line by Line Meaning
Aaliyah, Aaliyah
Acknowledging and addressing the late singer Aaliyah by calling her name twice.
Wake up
An imperative statement ordering someone to awaken from their sleep or become aware of something.
You've just now entered into the next level
Indicating that one has progressed to a new stage or a higher level of something.
The new world of funk
Describing a musical genre that is characterized by its rhythmic and percussive qualities.
As we do it one time
Referring to a singular instance of engaging in an action or activity.
Creeping through the fog, who dat y'all
Moving quietly through a mist or haze while inquiring about the identity of others.
(A A L I Y A H)
Repeating the name of Aaliyah as a refrain or an identifying marker.
I've got the beats for da streets
Claiming to possess the ability to create rhythmic music that appeals to the urban environment.
Everything I make is so unique, hey
Asserting that all created works are original and distinct from others with an added exclamation of 'hey' for emphasis.
(A A L I Y A H)
Repeating the name of Aaliyah again as a continued refrain or an identifying marker.
Say hey, if you down with me
Asking others to express support or agreement by using the phrase 'say hey' followed by an invitation to indicate their solidarity.
(Hey, L I Y A H)
Repeating the name of Aaliyah as a variation of the previous refrain.
If you step to me there's no need
Asserting that one is not intimidated by the approach of others and that conflict is unnecessary.
(A A L I Y A H)
Repeating the name of Aaliyah a final time as the refrain.
Damn, she be the bomb, damn
Expressing approval of someone's attractiveness and skill while using repetitive interjections for emphasis.
(Say what?)
A phrase indicating surprise, disbelief, or seeking clarification.
Creeping through the fog, who dat y'all
Repeating a previous line to continue the theme of moving cautiously while inquiring about the identity of others.
Dang, damn, she be da bomb
Expressing admiration and approval of someone's appearance or talent.
Wake up
Repeating the previous imperative statement as a closing refrain.
Goodnight
A salutation wishing someone farewell as they prepare to go to sleep or end their day.
Writer(s): WIM MERTENS
Contributed by Jordyn S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Min-kv9bd
Dios que hermoso 🥺✨, la inspiración me llegó cuando apareció está canción en mi Spotify 🙊😭, quien dice que los jóvenes de ahora no escuchamos música de la buena, pues no todos somos de esos hay personas que les encanta este tipo de música como a mí 🥺🎭✨✨✨
@sword6570
Wim Mertens è un dono alla Terra concesso da una divinità generosa.
@dagie4a
Its so difficult to describe my feelings when i am closing my eyes and listening to Win Mertens
@ZohrehSAL
Just Beautiful.
@eduardorivero3650
Indiscutiblemente genial. Rompe lo clásico si bien se alimenta de él
@mustaphabouguerra
Bravo 👋C'est magnifique🙏J'adore 😍😇
@medardomiramontesaguilar5079
May be several yars after.
In my opinion a Great Band.
Thats beatifull Band and music.
Hi, Hi.
From Cananea, Sonora , Mex.
@gegefrenchguyana8098
It's wonderful !! thank Wim and Co
@conchimartin8621
Si ya lo admiraba después de haberle visto e dos veces en directo es aún más impresionante. Bravo 😍
@jesussanz101
Sharing extends our life.
Tks Mr Mertens