De Kleine Man
"De Kleine Man" is a 1929 Dutch-language protest song, written by Jacques van Tol and first recorded by Louis Davids. During Davids' lifetime it was considered his signature song.
History
Van Tol wrote the song for the revue Lach en Vergeet by Dutch comedian and singer Louis Davids. The song describes how odd and unfair it is that some people are so rich, while others are poor. It also criticizes funding for unemployed people and how politicians yell at each other and spent millions on military defense, while the average little man has to pay for all this. The original lyrics make reference to U.S. boxer Jack Dempsey who is criticized for earning millions by just having himself pound to pulp, not to mention his opponent.Cover versions
In 1930 the song was parodied by Kees Pruis as De Kleine Vrouw. Davids spoofed his own song later as De Kleine Hond. During the Second World War, songwriter Jacques Van Tol joined the National [Socialist Movement in the Netherlands|NSB] party and recorded an antisemitic version of the song for the propagandistic radio programme Zondagmiddagcabaret van Paulus de Ruiter.Other artists who have covered De Kleine Man include Fien de la Mar, Willy Derby, Jetty Pearl, Wim Sonneveld, Henk Elsink, André van Duin, Wim De Craene and Harry Slinger.