Learning of Emma's illness really makes me love her even more, but wow, she has a rough life, so glad her talent in music helps her and everyone that listens to it. This is older as you know, but cannot wait to continue to hear new music and covers by her, she is amazing!
Hi Dounia, Emma (then 12 years old) wrote this song together with Tjeerd Oosterhuis, the same man who wrote "Dancing on the stars". A year later she also released the song "Strijder" together with Tjeerd Oosterhuis. here the translation: [Lyrics to "Let Me Be a Butterfly"] [Verse 1] If I could change for a day Then it seems like a lot of fun to me Just like so many others For once, don't be afraid, but be free [Pre-chorus] If I could do everything for a while Then I quickly crawled out of my cocoon Flew through the clouds towards the sun [Choir] Being able to move freely for a while Live without fear and worry Let me be a butterfly Let me be a butterfly Never had to wear a mask With my wings spread Let me be a butterfly Let me be a butterfly [Verse 2] I thought I was losing But I rose and conquered And only discovered because of the fighting How much I could actually do
The meaning of this song is very personal to Emma and her physical condition because she is only ‘free’ 2 hours each day when she is unplugged of the feeding tube. These 2 hours she feels free as a butterfly to fly where ever she wants.
Thanks for your reaction. This is a lovely singly and yes completely about Emma, by Emma. This was Emma's first single recorded when she was 13 and released on her 14th birthday, so yes, after winning The Voice. Emma actually co-wrote this with Tjeerd Oosterhuis (writer producer, who also wrote 'Dancing On The Stars that Emma sang at the Vrijthof concerts in July 2024 as well as Emma's second single Strijder [Warrior]). Since a very young age Emma has related her condition and her feelings about it with that of a butterfly. There is a very sweet photograph of a very tiny Emma (maybe 3 or 4 years old) with her face painted with a giant butterfly. The butterfly metaphor 'escaping its cocoon and flying to the sun', is as you assumed; meaning the ability to break free from the constraints of her feeding pumps and fly. A little behind the scenes info. In November 2021, just before this video was shot, Emma sang at a corporate event called 'Flow of Change'. The TV personality Humberto Tan interviewed the then 12 year old Emma on stage after she sang and asked her about her dream. She said her dream was to sing at Amsterdam's 15000 seat Ziggo Dome and receive a standing ovation and cheers from the audience. Humberto pointed out that "The Boss of the Ziggo Dome is sitting there" in the audience (this is all on a YT video). Is it a coincidence or not then that in the video you reacted to, the shots of Emma on stage in an empty arena were shot at the Ziggo Dome! The corporate audience, in a nice way, laughed at this discussion and dream. However, in the 3 years and 4 months since then, Emma has sung at a full Ziggo Dome 5 times, and will be there again for a 6th time in March 2025. Each time she got her standing ovation. 3 of these concerts were with Andre Rieu, 2 with Disney In Concert, and in March will be on behalf of Alzheimers NL.
Nice reaction to Emma. This song was written and produced by famous Dutch musician and music producer Tjeerd Oosterhuis. This song was specially written for Emma. The songs means Let Me Be A Butterfly. It is about Emma's disease / condition of a paralyzed stomach and wanting to be free like other people. Emma said she sometimes feels like a dog on a leash because she has to be on feeding tubes 22 hours a day. Emma has been performing all over the world with Andre Rieu and his orchestra. She did 90 concets in one year when she was 15 years old. Now Emma is 16 she is on tour with Andre Rieu and his orchestra again, again for around 90 concerts in a year.
The now 16-year-old singer Emma Kok will give her very first solo concert in the Main Hall. Accompanied by a large symphonic orchestra, it will be an unforgettable evening, in which everyone can admire her unique voice and passion for music. 'It has always been one of my biggest dreams to be able to walk down the famous stairs of the magical Concertgebouw (Amsterdam) during my own concert. I can't wait to perform in one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world," says Emma. The concert will be a mix of Emma's favorite music styles. She will perform her own songs, in addition to songs that have a lot of meaning to her personally. Accompanied by a large symphonic orchestra and band, she will present orchestral pop music with guest appearances to be announced at a later date. (P.S the concert sold out within a few hours)
If you have not reacted to Dancing On The Stars yet, that is a true original just released like Viola this past fall. It is live on stage with Andre again.
This is after Emma did win the voice kids here in the Netherlands so here she about 14 years . This song is written by Tjeerd Oosterhuis ( the same composer ) who write dancing on a stars for Emma
Thank you for your wonderful reaction. I am Dutch, so I do understand every word from this song.This song is written and composed by Tjeerd Oosterhuis (the same person who composed "Dancing on the stars") specially for Emma, shortly after she had won "Voice Kids Holland" in 2022, Emma was 13-14 years at the time: this is her very first original song. In fact it is a very sad song but it fits Emma perfectly: due to her condition Emma is often frigtened, has worries, is sometimes in pain and insecure. Emma has a fantasy: when you are free as a butterfly you don't have to deal with all those things and you are not different to other people. Due to her condition Emma has been the victim of bullying at school. Why? Just because she is a lot smaller than others her age and that she has to carry her feeding pumps all the time. And Tjeerd Oosterhuis has made this song for her with lyrics which are attending all those things. By the way: there is a UA-cam channel called "RogerC" on which you can find video's about Emma, all with excellent translations in English.
I like your comments. The song is indeed written especially for Emma, because she wanted to express how wonderful it would be to be free as a Butterfly. Imagine, she is hooked up on 2 tubes for almost 23 hours a day! Each time she is on stage or like here recording in a studio, she can only be free for about an hour. I am a big fan of her from the moment I first saw her in the voice Kids here in the Netherlands and I witnessed her triumph afterwards. She is not only a good singer but also a very lovely person from a wonderful family, all musicians! Her brother Enzo f.i. is a very good violonist who plays on big stages as well. Thanks again for your reaction. Good luck with your channel 🥰
Emma had to grow up faster than other children due to her serious illness and her difficult times as a child. All of this has shaped her a lot and she has always sung songs that reflect her situation and how she feels about it. Here, too, you can already hear her incredibly beautiful voice and talent.
Hi Dounia, This song is written and composed by Tjeerd Oosterhout specially for Emma and recorded in his studio. Another song he wrote for Emma is called "Strijder" (=Warrior) Btw Tjeerd als wrote and composed "Dancing on the Stars". Of "Laat mij een vlinder zijn" is a live performance with English subtitles: ua-cam.com/video/Vq__3YiPemM/v-deo.html Emma is 13 and a halve years old here. Nice reaction, Greetings from the Netherlands, Jacques Dupain
Very nice reaction, Dounia. You’re correct, this was her first original. I think it was released in March 2022 on her 14th birthday, but don’t quote me on that 😊. And, yes, it’s about her desire to be free from her heavy food pumps which she must be connected to for 22 hours a day - then she can be a butterfly! Here is a version with English subtitles: ua-cam.com/video/Vq__3YiPemM/v-deo.htmlsi=IhohOliK2VcMd3C_
Thanks Dounia! The song was written by songwriter and producer Tjeerd Oosterhuis, who you may recall from your DANCING ON THE STARS reaction. Emma introduced him before her performance, he wrote both songs. *Laat Mij Een Vlinder Zijn* was released on her fourteenth birthday in 2022, the year after she won Voice Kids. The song is about her daily struggle and her wish to be just like everyone else; free of her condition, the mental and physical pain it brings, and her tubes and pumps, if only for a few minutes. Here's Emma performing the song live at a music festival, it's got English subtitles embedded and she even has backup dancers! ua-cam.com/video/Vq__3YiPemM/v-deo.html (Emma is fourteen years old in the live video as well as the music video, she appears younger because her condition also affects her growth rate.)
Hey Dounia. Great that you are doing a reaction of Emma singing in Dutch. Yes a original song from Emma and written for Emma. But "Dancing on the stars" was also an original song. Let me be a butterfly. It is about Emma who wants to be free. Free from her disease. I also love Emma singing Hallelujah live with orchestra. An amazing arrangement ua-cam.com/video/9qVHQuPQud0/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared. And another original song in Dutch by Emma is "Strijder". Its translate to "Warrior". Because thats what she has to be, with her disease. ua-cam.com/video/9qVHQuPQud0/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared Thank you and keep on the good work.
This is an original between Tjeerd Oosterhuis and Emma. It expresses Emma's experience and there is a copy with English lyrics. Let Me Be a Butterfly also has a music festival version with English lyrics. Dancing on the Stars is also from her friend Tjeerd, although written years before Emma was born but never published. He gave it to Emma who took it to Andre and they adapted it to her voice and the orchestra. There are many songs on YT sung by Emma. Strijder (Warrior) also has an English lyrics version. Thanks, Dounia.
This was Emma's first original release. It was written for her by her friend and producer Tjeerd Oosterhuis. She was 14 years old when she made this video. Laat Mij Een Vlinder Zijn (Let Me Be a Butterfly), as you surmised, is an expression of Emma's deepest longing to be free of the fetters imposed upon her by the terrible condition Gastroparesis, that requires her to be attached to feeding pumps 22 hours a day. Though her condition evokes feelings of sadness, the upbeat nature of the song, I think, is a reflection of Emma's indomitable spirit to overcome and thrive despite the tragedy of her circumstances. Knowing Emma's backstory as I do, I am always moved to tears when I hear this song. She is a fighter and an inspiration to anyone struggling with adversity. Great reaction and analysis. I like your method of listening, and then again with comments. Thanks so much.
I am a 49y old fan of Bruce Springsteen. But somehow I bought this song on iTunes and play this everyday in my car when I go to work. I think you've seen her patern now: 'Laat mij een vlinder zijn', 'Warrior' (her blind audition for The Voice), 'Voilá', 'Dancing On The Stars'. These are all songs that can relate to Emma's own life and her own feelings. She sings about herself. She wants her story, her struggles and fears to be heard. She 's no girl to keep quiet. She has to sing. Singing is her lifeline. She tells about this in a lovely interview she gave last October. One of her fans provided this interview with excellent subtitles (so no cc's needed). You might want to watch it yourself (it may not fit your lovely reaction channel). I don't know if you've seen her rendition of Hallelujah', but I think you will love it: Interview: ua-cam.com/video/QUOzSj4_wFw/v-deo.htmlsi=NPamn4-YFCtpWrZd Hallelujah: ua-cam.com/video/9qVHQuPQud0/v-deo.htmlsi=qfot6HhAz8OyE9Av
Learning of Emma's illness really makes me love her even more, but wow, she has a rough life, so glad her talent in music helps her and everyone that listens to it. This is older as you know, but cannot wait to continue to hear new music and covers by her, she is amazing!
Hi Dounia, Emma (then 12 years old) wrote this song together with Tjeerd Oosterhuis, the same man who wrote "Dancing on the stars". A year later she also released the song "Strijder" together with Tjeerd Oosterhuis.
here the translation:
[Lyrics to "Let Me Be a Butterfly"]
[Verse 1]
If I could change for a day
Then it seems like a lot of fun to me
Just like so many others
For once, don't be afraid, but be free
[Pre-chorus]
If I could do everything for a while
Then I quickly crawled out of my cocoon
Flew through the clouds towards the sun
[Choir]
Being able to move freely for a while
Live without fear and worry
Let me be a butterfly
Let me be a butterfly
Never had to wear a mask
With my wings spread
Let me be a butterfly
Let me be a butterfly
[Verse 2]
I thought I was losing
But I rose and conquered
And only discovered because of the fighting
How much I could actually do
The meaning of this song is very personal to Emma and her physical condition because she is only ‘free’ 2 hours each day when she is unplugged of the feeding tube. These 2 hours she feels free as a butterfly to fly where ever she wants.
Thanks for your reaction. This is a lovely singly and yes completely about Emma, by Emma. This was Emma's first single recorded when she was 13 and released on her 14th birthday, so yes, after winning The Voice. Emma actually co-wrote this with Tjeerd Oosterhuis (writer producer, who also wrote 'Dancing On The Stars that Emma sang at the Vrijthof concerts in July 2024 as well as Emma's second single Strijder [Warrior]). Since a very young age Emma has related her condition and her feelings about it with that of a butterfly. There is a very sweet photograph of a very tiny Emma (maybe 3 or 4 years old) with her face painted with a giant butterfly. The butterfly metaphor 'escaping its cocoon and flying to the sun', is as you assumed; meaning the ability to break free from the constraints of her feeding pumps and fly.
A little behind the scenes info. In November 2021, just before this video was shot, Emma sang at a corporate event called 'Flow of Change'. The TV personality Humberto Tan interviewed the then 12 year old Emma on stage after she sang and asked her about her dream. She said her dream was to sing at Amsterdam's 15000 seat Ziggo Dome and receive a standing ovation and cheers from the audience. Humberto pointed out that "The Boss of the Ziggo Dome is sitting there" in the audience (this is all on a YT video). Is it a coincidence or not then that in the video you reacted to, the shots of Emma on stage in an empty arena were shot at the Ziggo Dome! The corporate audience, in a nice way, laughed at this discussion and dream. However, in the 3 years and 4 months since then, Emma has sung at a full Ziggo Dome 5 times, and will be there again for a 6th time in March 2025. Each time she got her standing ovation. 3 of these concerts were with Andre Rieu, 2 with Disney In Concert, and in March will be on behalf of Alzheimers NL.
Nice reaction to Emma. This song was written and produced by famous Dutch musician and music producer Tjeerd Oosterhuis. This song was specially written for Emma. The songs means Let Me Be A Butterfly. It is about Emma's disease / condition of a paralyzed stomach and wanting to be free like other people. Emma said she sometimes feels like a dog on a leash because she has to be on feeding tubes 22 hours a day. Emma has been performing all over the world with Andre Rieu and his orchestra. She did 90 concets in one year when she was 15 years old. Now Emma is 16 she is on tour with Andre Rieu and his orchestra again, again for around 90 concerts in a year.
The now 16-year-old singer Emma Kok will give her very first solo concert in the Main Hall. Accompanied by a large symphonic orchestra, it will be an unforgettable evening, in which everyone can admire her unique voice and passion for music. 'It has always been one of my biggest dreams to be able to walk down the famous stairs of the magical Concertgebouw (Amsterdam) during my own concert. I can't wait to perform in one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world," says Emma.
The concert will be a mix of Emma's favorite music styles. She will perform her own songs, in addition to songs that have a lot of meaning to her personally. Accompanied by a large symphonic orchestra and band, she will present orchestral pop music with guest appearances to be announced at a later date. (P.S the concert sold out within a few hours)
If you have not reacted to Dancing On The Stars yet, that is a true original just released like Viola this past fall. It is live on stage with Andre again.
This is after Emma did win the voice kids here in the Netherlands so here she about 14 years . This song is written by Tjeerd Oosterhuis ( the same composer ) who write dancing on a stars for Emma
Thank you for your wonderful reaction. I am Dutch, so I do understand every word from this song.This song is written and composed by Tjeerd Oosterhuis (the same person who composed "Dancing on the stars") specially for Emma, shortly after she had won "Voice Kids Holland" in 2022, Emma was 13-14 years at the time: this is her very first original song. In fact it is a very sad song but it fits Emma perfectly: due to her condition Emma is often frigtened, has worries, is sometimes in pain and insecure. Emma has a fantasy: when you are free as a butterfly you don't have to deal with all those things and you are not different to other people. Due to her condition Emma has been the victim of bullying at school. Why? Just because she is a lot smaller than others her age and that she has to carry her feeding pumps all the time. And Tjeerd Oosterhuis has made this song for her with lyrics which are attending all those things.
By the way: there is a UA-cam channel called "RogerC" on which you can find video's about Emma, all with excellent translations in English.
I like your comments. The song is indeed written especially for Emma, because she wanted to express how wonderful it would be to be free as a Butterfly. Imagine, she is hooked up on 2 tubes for almost 23 hours a day! Each time she is on stage or like here recording in a studio, she can only be free for about an hour. I am a big fan of her from the moment I first saw her in the voice Kids here in the Netherlands and I witnessed her triumph afterwards. She is not only a good singer but also a very lovely person from a wonderful family, all musicians! Her brother Enzo f.i. is a very good violonist who plays on big stages as well. Thanks again for your reaction. Good luck with your channel 🥰
Thanks for your nice and professional reaction. Yes, thats Emma, so pure...
Emma had to grow up faster than other children due to her serious illness and her difficult times as a child.
All of this has shaped her a lot and she has always sung songs that reflect her situation and how she feels about it.
Here, too, you can already hear her incredibly beautiful voice and talent.
Hi Dounia, This song is written and composed by Tjeerd Oosterhout specially for Emma and recorded in his studio. Another song he wrote for Emma is called "Strijder" (=Warrior)
Btw Tjeerd als wrote and composed "Dancing on the Stars". Of "Laat mij een vlinder zijn" is a live performance with English subtitles: ua-cam.com/video/Vq__3YiPemM/v-deo.html
Emma is 13 and a halve years old here.
Nice reaction, Greetings from the Netherlands, Jacques Dupain
This song is indeed recorded after she won the Dutch Voice Kids.
Te recomiendo que veas la versión de " Hallelujah " que hace en un programa navideño el año pasado.
Very nice reaction, Dounia. You’re correct, this was her first original. I think it was released in March 2022 on her 14th birthday, but don’t quote me on that 😊. And, yes, it’s about her desire to be free from her heavy food pumps which she must be connected to for 22 hours a day - then she can be a butterfly!
Here is a version with English subtitles:
ua-cam.com/video/Vq__3YiPemM/v-deo.htmlsi=IhohOliK2VcMd3C_
Let me be free, like a butterfly ….. in reference to her being chained, 22hrs a day, to her feeding pumps.
She looks young here, like maybe 13.
What a voice!
Please react to her version of halleluia de léonard Cohen... her transition between her breathy head and chest voici is surprisingly good
Great reaction as always. There are versions with english sub-titles out there. It is an original song.
Translation is " Let me be a butterfly "
Thaks for your reaction. Dancing on the stars in new original song for Emma Kok
Thanks Dounia! The song was written by songwriter and producer Tjeerd Oosterhuis, who you may recall from your DANCING ON THE STARS reaction. Emma introduced him before her performance, he wrote both songs.
*Laat Mij Een Vlinder Zijn* was released on her fourteenth birthday in 2022, the year after she won Voice Kids. The song is about her daily struggle and her wish to be just like everyone else; free of her condition, the mental and physical pain it brings, and her tubes and pumps, if only for a few minutes.
Here's Emma performing the song live at a music festival, it's got English subtitles embedded and she even has backup dancers! ua-cam.com/video/Vq__3YiPemM/v-deo.html (Emma is fourteen years old in the live video as well as the music video, she appears younger because her condition also affects her growth rate.)
Mooi nummer, Emma en geschreven door Tjeerd. Geweldig ❤
Hey Dounia. Great that you are doing a reaction of Emma singing in Dutch. Yes a original song from Emma and written for Emma. But "Dancing on the stars" was also an original song. Let me be a butterfly. It is about Emma who wants to be free. Free from her disease. I also love Emma singing Hallelujah live with orchestra. An amazing arrangement ua-cam.com/video/9qVHQuPQud0/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared. And another original song in Dutch by Emma is "Strijder". Its translate to "Warrior". Because thats what she has to be, with her disease. ua-cam.com/video/9qVHQuPQud0/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared Thank you and keep on the good work.
This is an original between Tjeerd Oosterhuis and Emma. It expresses Emma's experience and there is a copy with English lyrics. Let Me Be a Butterfly also has a music festival version with English lyrics. Dancing on the Stars is also from her friend Tjeerd, although written years before Emma was born but never published. He gave it to Emma who took it to Andre and they adapted it to her voice and the orchestra. There are many songs on YT sung by Emma. Strijder (Warrior) also has an English lyrics version. Thanks, Dounia.
This was Emma's first original release. It was written for her by her friend and producer Tjeerd Oosterhuis. She was 14 years old when she made this video. Laat Mij Een Vlinder Zijn (Let Me Be a Butterfly), as you surmised, is an expression of Emma's deepest longing to be free of the fetters imposed upon her by the terrible condition Gastroparesis, that requires her to be attached to feeding pumps 22 hours a day.
Though her condition evokes feelings of sadness, the upbeat nature of the song, I think, is a reflection of Emma's indomitable spirit to overcome and thrive despite the tragedy of her circumstances.
Knowing Emma's backstory as I do, I am always moved to tears when I hear this song. She is a fighter and an inspiration to anyone struggling with adversity.
Great reaction and analysis. I like your method of listening, and then again with comments. Thanks so much.
Here is a other original Emma Kok song: "Strijder" translate "Warrior". ua-cam.com/video/rL0GLdnWEKk/v-deo.html
I am a 49y old fan of Bruce Springsteen. But somehow I bought this song on iTunes and play this everyday in my car when I go to work. I think you've seen her patern now: 'Laat mij een vlinder zijn', 'Warrior' (her blind audition for The Voice), 'Voilá', 'Dancing On The Stars'. These are all songs that can relate to Emma's own life and her own feelings. She sings about herself. She wants her story, her struggles and fears to be heard. She 's no girl to keep quiet. She has to sing. Singing is her lifeline. She tells about this in a lovely interview she gave last October. One of her fans provided this interview with excellent subtitles (so no cc's needed). You might want to watch it yourself (it may not fit your lovely reaction channel). I don't know if you've seen her rendition of Hallelujah', but I think you will love it:
Interview: ua-cam.com/video/QUOzSj4_wFw/v-deo.htmlsi=NPamn4-YFCtpWrZd
Hallelujah: ua-cam.com/video/9qVHQuPQud0/v-deo.htmlsi=qfot6HhAz8OyE9Av
Here is another song from Emma written by Tjeerd Oosterhuis ua-cam.com/video/rL0GLdnWEKk/v-deo.html
Why dont you view the live version
There are indeed video’s of Emma behind the scene
ua-cam.com/video/cYXqAFG6G9Q/v-deo.htmlsi=wpnN3TanGO5gKsXK
You should react to ERE-juan karlos labajo (live performance)
Can you have a search for "Queen on street" and give your opinion about her?