Where in the Bronze Green Oak Wood the Nightingale Sings
Who doesn’t know the first line of the Limburg folk song?
Unfortunately, the nightingale no longer sings as much, and oaks are sadly also in decline.
Fortunately, we can still sing the song, and Limburg remains enchanting and beautiful!
“Limburg, My Fatherland,” also known as “Where in the Bronze Green Oak Wood,” is the official Limburg folk song, written by teacher Gerard Krekelberg in 1909.
The melody, composed by Hendrik (Henri) Tijssen from Roermond, was originally titled “Limburg, My Fatherland.”
The song is now regarded as the anthem of both Dutch and Belgian Limburg.
You may find the translation to English below:
Where in the bronze green oak wood
The nightingale sings
Over the lush wheat field
The song of the larks sounds
Where the shepherd’s horn resounds
Along the stream’s edge
There is my Fatherland, Limburg’s cherished place
There is my Fatherland, Limburg’s cherished place
Where the broad stream of the Maas
Flows majestically towards the sea
Luxuriant and juicy field crops
Grow and bloom splendidly
Flower gardens, meadows, and forests
Shine with delight
There is my Fatherland, Limburg’s cherished place
There is my Fatherland, Limburg’s cherished place
Where at the old Orange house
The people remain loyal and true
With our glorious Netherlands
United in joy and sorrow
Loyal to duty and loyal to God
Reigning from South to North
There is my Fatherland, Limburg’s cherished place
There is my Fatherland, Limburg’s cherished place
Listen to ‘Limburg, My Fatherland’ on Spotify >
Enjoy Limburg!
Family B.