Liedje van verlangen

Wieteke Van Dort's song "Liedje van verlangen" is a poignant expression of longing and nostalgia, particularly for a homeland that seems distant both in time and space. The lyrics invite the listener to sing softly a song of longing, especially during the winter months when the cold and melancholy are most palpable. This act of singing becomes a way to cope with the enduring sense of yearning that never quite fades away.

The song vividly evokes the imagery of Indonesia, a place often celebrated in song for its sun, myriad shades of green, and the fragrant scents of fruits and flowers. Van Dort's lyrics reflect a deep-seated desire to return to a time when these sensory experiences were a part of daily life. This longing is not just for a place but also for a period in history, suggesting a personal or collective memory that holds significant emotional weight.

The repeated refrain underscores the inescapable nature of this longing. The mention of sawah's (rice fields), gamelan (traditional Indonesian music), and palm trees paints a picture of a serene and idyllic landscape that contrasts sharply with the cold, wintry setting in which the singer currently finds herself. This juxtaposition highlights the emotional distance between the present and the cherished past, making the song a powerful ode to a lost paradise that continues to haunt the heart and mind.