Feestlied 1813-1863 1863

This is "Feestlied 1813-1863", printed by De Nederlandsche Drukpers. This song sheet commemorates the 50th anniversary of the end of French rule in the Netherlands. The lyrics express a longing for freedom. They evoke a Netherlands oppressed by French rule. The Dutch are described as robbed of their heritage and language, living in darkness and despair. It's a lament that emphasizes the emotional weight of occupation. Yet, this feeling shifts to a sense of hope and liberation. The song celebrates the return of Willem, as a symbol of deliverance. It expresses a desire for a return to prosperity and national pride under the House of Orange. As the song states: "Orange! Always old Dutch motto... From whom the land expects salvation." "Feestlied" captures the yearning for freedom and the hope for a restored nation. It reflects the complex interplay between national identity, political change, and cultural expression.