THE HAGUE: Thousands of Dutch citizens rose up yesterday in protest against an “imbecilic” official song produced to mark the enthronement of King Willem-Alexander later this month. “I say ‘no’ to the King’s Song,” read a petition that appeared online within hours of the much-hyped tune first being played yesterday morning ahead of the April 30 enthronement.
“In protest at this imbecilic ‘King’s Song’, I herby resign as a citizen of the Netherlands,” read the petition that had at 1500 GMT already been signed by more than 7,000 people in the country of 17 million. The catchy song, written by Dutch-British com- poser John Ewbank, is an unlikely combination of traditional, rap and choir music.
“This song spontaneously turns you into a republican, if you weren’t already,” said one petition signatory. “I have never heard such a bad song,” wrote another. Twitter users were equally scathing of the song, which aims to raise money for charity. “Willem-Alexander’s first act as king should be to invite all those involved with the song to a manhunt on royal grounds,” read one tweet. “Please can we have better musical education,” read another.
Dutch reject ‘imbecilic’ song for new king
