Broadside ballads > 5. De wereld is in rep en roer - The world is in a state of uproar

 De wereld in rep en roerListen to this song, performed by Suze van Grootel

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This song, with 'The daily routine' as its title, describes a chaotic, farcical household. All kinds of people ring the doorbell and stop by to do some handiwork or tell the latest news. The master of the house accidentally kicks the clean laundry down the stairs. Is this a 'crime majestatis'? No, a chapbook shows that abusing the laundry doesn't count as lese majesty.

The Dutch lyric, of which the author is unknown, first appears in songbooks from the late eighteenth century. The melody comes from the French song 'On doit soixante mille francs', from the comédie lyrique 'Les Dettes' (1787), with music by S. Champein. Several Dutch songs were written to this tune, including the well-known song 'Den boer zal 't al betalen (The farmer will pay for it)'.

'De wereld is in rep en roer' is performed by Suze van Grootel, accompanied by René Meeuws on hurdy-gurdy and by a chorus (Louis Grijp, Bouke Feleus, Grigori Sarolea, Martine de Bruin).

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