De Kleine Man

Van Tol wrote the song for the revue Lach en Vergeet (1929) 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. [3]

In 1930 the song was parodied by Kees Pruis as De Kleine Vrouw (The Little Woman). Davids spoofed his own song later as De Kleine Hond (The Little Dog). [4]The original songwriter, Jacques Van Tol, also rewrote the lyrics during World War II to promote the NSB party. His version had antisemitic lyrics and was performed during Zondagmiddagcabaret van Paulus de Ruiter (1940-1944). Interestingly enough Louis Davids was Jewish. [5]

Other artists who've covered "De Kleine Man" include Fien de la Mar (1930), Willy Derby (1930), Jetty Pearl (1941), Wim Sonneveld (1959), Henk Elsink (1969), André van Duin (1970), Wim De Craene (1973) and Harry Slinger. All modern covers have updated the lyrics. [6]