Local songs will tell you a lot about a place. Not just the lyrics but also the melody and the emotions they elicit when hearing them. Even though you might not be able to understand the words of the songs I have listed below, I am pretty sure that you will understand the feeling behind them. When these songs are played in Amsterdam, most locals will happily sing along and for some reason most of us seem to need another drink afterwards.
Although I am by no means a fan of Dutch music, I can' t help being moved by these golden oldies about Amsterdam. Maybe it is because my grandfather came from the Jordaan, maybe because they are so typical of Amsterdam or maybe it is because my Dutch roots run deeper than I think. There are more songs to list, but here are a few to get you started.
Bij ons in de Jordaan by Johnny Jordaan
Tulpen uit Amsterdam by Herman Emmink
Aan de Amsterdamse grachten by Wim Sonneveld
Geef mij maar Amsterdam by Johnny Jordaan
