Brabant
Living in Noord-Brabant it’s hard to avoid songs from Guus Meeuwis, especially “Brabant”. And I like the song. To practice my Dutch, I tried to translate “Brabant” to English. While I first made this translation a couple years ago, the lyrics seem more poignant in the middle of the pandemic and lockdowns.
Translation to English
A warm hat on my head
My collar stands up
It is ice cold here
But fortunately dry
The days here are short
The nights begin early
The people are stiff
And there is only one pub
As I walk to my hotel
After a dark day
I feel my house key
Deep in my pocket
[Chorus]
I walk here alone
In a city too still
I have never really suffered
From homesickness
But the people are sleeping
The world is closing
Then I think of Brabant
Because there the lights are still on
I miss the warmth
Of a neighborhood pub
The conversation of people
With a soft g
I even miss the complaining
About everything and nothing
If only those in Brabant
Were as proud as a Frisian
In the South full of sun
I live together with you
That is why I so
Love Brabanders
[Chorus]
The Peel and The Kempen
And The Meierij
But the best part of Brabant
Is you, that is you
[Chorus]
[Chorus]