New album out March 17, 2025.
The time is almost here for Out of the Picture to be finally out!
This one goes to eleven!
Soon to be streaming and available everywhere on CD and limited edition yellow transparent vinyl in a nice gatefold sleeve.
So far, 2 singles from this album have been released: Everyone There and 5000 DAYS. That leaves 9 more songs to go... check out the lyric video for EXODUS in the Video section!
Het is bijna zover en dan is Out of the Picture is eindelijk uit!
This one goes to eleven!
Straks overal te streamen en te krijgen op CD en limited edition yellow transparent vinyl in een mooie gatefold hoes.
Er zijn tot nu toe 2 singles van dit album uitgekomen: Everyone There en 5000 DAYS. Nog 9 nummers te gaan... maar kijk ondertussen in de video sectie alvast naar de lyric video van EXODUS!
 
             
             
            
Bram Strijbos is a Dutch singer-songwriter who has been creating his own unique blend of pop, rock and indie music since 2010. His distinctive sound combines honest lyrics with compelling melodies, which has earned him a devoted listening audience. In the past fifteen years, he has released three well-received albums, and his fourth studio album, “Out of the Picture,” featuring eleven new songs, will be released soon.
Bram takes complete control of his music: in his home studio, he plays and arranges everything himself. For “Out of the Picture,” however, he has hired a professional to finish mixing the record. It will also be available in Dolby Atmos, making for an immersive listening experience.
Although live performances are currently limited, Bram continues to actively promote his music through streaming platforms. In addition, his albums are physically available on LP and CD. With a keen ear for composition and a passion for storytelling, Bram Strijbos continues to grow as an artist and appeal to new listeners with his music.
Bram Strijbos is een Nederlandse singer-songwriter die sinds 2010 zijn eigen unieke blend van pop, rock en indie-muziek creëert. Zijn kenmerkende sound combineert eerlijke teksten met meeslepende melodieën, wat hem een toegewijde luisteraarsgroep heeft opgeleverd. In de afgelopen vijftien jaar heeft hij drie goed ontvangen albums uitgebracht, en zijn vierde studioalbum, "Out of the Picture", met elf nieuwe nummers, verschijnt binnenkort.
Bram neemt zijn muziek volledig in eigen hand: in zijn thuisstudio speelt en arrangeert hij alles zelf. Voor "Out of the Picture" heeft hij echter een professional ingehuurd om de plaat af te mixen. Deze zal ook beschikbaar zijn in Dolby Atmos, wat zorgt voor een meeslepende luisterervaring.
Hoewel live-optredens momenteel beperkt zijn, blijft Bram zijn muziek actief promoten via streamingdiensten zoals Spotify en Apple Music. Daarnaast zijn zijn albums fysiek verkrijgbaar op LP en CD. Met een scherp oor voor compositie en een passie voor storytelling, blijft Bram Strijbos groeien als artiest en nieuwe luisteraars aanspreken met zijn muziek.
 
        
Since 2010, Bram Strijbos has released four albums, each with its own sound and story. From atmospheric indie pop to melodic rock, his music balances between introspection and compelling sounds. Find out more about each album here, browse the lyrics and listen to the songs on your favorite streaming service.
Albums
🎵 Greatest Hits (2010)
The debut album that started it all. A mix of pure, honest songs and experimental melodies.
🎵 Never Wanted to Begin (2013)
A richer sound with deeper layers and different collaborations on some songs.
🎵 RAAS (with Jasmijn Steiner, 2016)
An EP (in Dutch) with a fresh sound, featuring both melancholy and upbeat songs.
🎵 Out of the Picture (2025)
The latest work, where everything comes together. Be surprised by new sounds and stories.
Lyrics
Curious about the words behind the music? Click on the album covers for more information and lyrics.
Sinds 2010 heeft Bram Strijbos vier albums uitgebracht, elk met een eigen geluid en verhaal. Van sfeervolle indiepop tot melodieuze rock, zijn muziek balanceert tussen introspectie en meeslepende klanken. Ontdek hier meer over elk album, blader door de songteksten en beluister de nummers op je favoriete streamingdienst.
Albums
🎵 Greatest Hits (2010)
Het debuutalbum waarmee alles begon. Een mix van pure, eerlijke songs en experimentele melodieën.
🎵 Never Wanted to Begin (2013)
Een rijker geluid met diepere lagen en verschillende samenwerkingen op enkele nummers.
🎵 RAAS (met Jasmijn Steiner, 2016)
Een Nederlandstalige EP met een fris geluid, met zowel melancholische als vrolijke nummers.
🎵 Out of the Picture (2025)
Het nieuwste werk, waarin alles samenkomt. Laat je verrassen door nieuwe sounds en verhalen.
📖 Songteksten
Benieuwd naar de woorden achter de muziek? Klik op de albumcovers voor meer informatie en songteksten (in het Engels).
 
             
             
             
        
🔗 Listen to Bram's music on streaming platforms including:
🔗 Beluister Bram’s muziek op onder anderen:
For sale at Media Store, Plato, Sounds Delft, Sounds Venlo and Kroese and we're working on getting into more online stores!
Vooralsnog alleen online te koop bij Media Store, Plato, Sounds Delft, Sounds Venlo en Kroese maar hopelijk wordt dat snel meer.
Follow Bram Strijbos on social media for exclusive updates on new releases, personal stories, behind-the-scenes looks and other nonsense. Or ask questions, exchange thoughts on music or anything else!
Volg Bram Strijbos op social media voor exclusieve updates over nieuwe releases, persoonlijke verhalen, een kijkje achter de schermen en andere onzin. Of stel vragen, wissel gedachten uit over muziek of wat dan ook!
 
        
    
 
                
                In a playful twist on the traditional concept of a career-spanning compilation, Bram Strijbos chose to name his debut album Greatest Hits. This bold and unconventional choice perfectly reflects the DIY spirit with which he created the album.
Greatest Hits is a raw, unpolished yet sincere document of an artist introducing himself without any frills. The record features twelve songs where influences from indie, rock, and pop come together. The production is straightforward and direct, with Strijbos firmly in control of every aspect. His voice, catchy melodies, and personal lyrics take center stage, occasionally supported by subtle chords and sometimes by energetic arrangements.
Even as a debut, Greatest Hits already displays a distinct signature: introspective storytelling, a blend of melancholy interwoven with hope, and a down-to-earth approach to songwriting. This album laid the foundation for what was to come and firmly established Strijbos as an authentic and unconventional singer-songwriter.
I can hear the colour of spring
                                take it while you may
                                I can see the taste of love in
                                dream within another dream
                                crushing vacuum of silence
                                something's in the air
what is truth today, I wonder
                                can we live in doubt
                                yeah, we all know
                                that we know what we know
I can feel you moving toward me
                                beauty thrashing me
                                I can smell the sound of thunder
                                summer, winter and full moon
                                palpable emotions flying
                                rushing over me
(words & music written by Bram Strijbos
lyrics written May 2, 2008)
the hero's in his jail cell
                                spare time as it should be
                                everything provided for
                                get everything for free
just sits there and he wishes
                                life wouldn't be so long
                                sun is shining brightly
                                there's something going on
I cannot raise my children
                                my rights have been denied
                                but I'm good enough for breeding
                                my little guys will fight
you think you are so brave now
                                I think you must be mad
                                you think you're doing great now
                                but why are you so sad
my future is behind me
                                a life I've lifed before
                                tried giving you the best, love
                                all I got was the rest of
retain my sense of presence
                                not lost but gone before
                                because you gave up giving
                                I will be here no more
(words & music written by Bram Strijbos
lyrics written May 2, 2008)
never thought we were both lying
                                although I must have known somehow
                                knew all along I wasn't buying
                                convinced myself that all was fine
                                
                                time never leaves us just behind
                                it scars along the way
                                and, you know, scars are not so scary
                                when you're inside a dream
                                
                                couldn't help you stop your crying
                                helping out felt so alone
                                guess I should thank you all for trying
                                because you made me come alive
                                but since I since I watched you inside dying
                                life's been coming back again
                                
                                you know dark and scary places
                                where winter overrules
                                got a glimpse of empty coldness
                                and it chilled me to the bone
                                
                                remember when we were both flying
                                lay me down and don't get up
                                now I'm done with all the why-ing
                                answers on a postcard please
                                got so fed up with all the sighing
                                just realised - don't give a fuck
                                
                                didn't know
                                didn't know
                                didn't know
                                didn't know I gave you up
(words & music written by Bram Strijbos
lyrics written Oct 1, 2007)
and there she walked and so I ran
                                towards beyond like one who can
                                
                                and there she stood and so I ran
                                the look, the smile, touch of her hand
                                
                                and there she lay and so I ran
                                into the void of no refrain
                                
                                and then she called and so I ran
                                she tried to tell me, 'want no man'
                                
                                but I recall that night of kissing tenderly
                                (hold back Lorraine)
                                like Cygnus kissed the deserts, flying on his wings of love
                                
                                cloud number nine and so I ran
                                I lost myself in someone else
                                
                                she tried to tell me but I ran
                                beside myself, out of my hands
                                
                                and where she went I would have run
                                from Gandara under the sun
                                
                                across the empire down to Thrace
                                I would have faced it all with grace
                                
                                (words & music written by Bram Strijbos
lyrics written Aug 3, 2008)
who we are never stops changing untill we drop
                                somehow that is comfort, soothing too
                                right now you are still too young to sit on your mommy's throne
                                to deal with what comes and while you may
                                the one who is fucking up all my fantasies of you
                                will meet his end like it's destiny
                                
                                for he will not live to see the greatness that you possess
                                in all its true forms and shapes to come
                                I think you must know by now that what I say here to you
                                will be like a dream within a dream
                                the things that will come to pass, they shall lead to it at last
                                that you will be here right next to me
                                
                                we both can feel in the air - we've always known that it's there
                                some others most likely saw it too
                                right now all that we can do is sit and wait here for you
                                to realise there's no other way
                                
                                I will be waiting until you arrive
                                to welcome you to your new place in the hive
                                
                                (words & music written by Bram Strijbos
lyrics written Jan. 3, 2009)
there you're looking straight at me
                                you have a devious smile
                                you can get anything done
                                it only takes you a while
                                
                                I wear the face of the undefeated
                                I wear the face of the undefined
                                it is a phase not to be repeated
                                it is a phase not to be declined
                                
                                you, watching me teasingly
                                guilty look in your eyes
                                you know you're messing my mind up
                                you and your devious smile
                                
                                I wear the face of the undeleted
                                I wear the face of the undefined
                                is it a phase not to be completed?
                                is it a phase not to be denied?
                                
                                (words & music written by Bram Strijbos
lyrics written Jan. 2, 2009)
tonight, not you or me
                                only memory, you see
                                for tomorrow we'll be gone
                                there's no chance for holding on
                                
                                like a life I've lived before
                                won the battle - lost the war
                                although it's you that I adore
                                I'll let the silence sound like roar
                                
                                if it's bitter at the start
                                it must be sweeter in the end
                                and if the truth shines from your eyes
                                we won't ever need pretend
                                
                                (words & music written by Bram Strijbos
lyrics written Oct 17, 2009)
when you dream that you're awake
well are you truly sleeping?
                                then you woke up on the wrongs side
of the worst of nightmares
                                and the world was shattered
as life fell apart in shambles
                                all cried out, your eyes are dry
because there's no more tears left
                                
                                darkness but light will pierce through
                                life will seem strange but renewed
                                time now for me and for you?
                                
                                pushed so close up to the edge,
amazing you're still standing
                                take your time and sort out
all your thoughts and all the anguish
                                strength in you to move on
like you'd never have expected
                                let it all just wash away and
life will do the rest
                                
                                there's an angel over there
I'd like to take her wings off
                                stroke her hair, just one caress
wish I could hold you closer
                                time will heal us
                                lift up, spirits rise
                                
                                (words & music written by Bram Strijbos
lyrics written 20090111)
he gets out and starts to walk to work
                                just like he does every day
                                thinks about her, knowing there's no way
                                just another boring day
                                
                                only get one chance each time
                                determine, don't ask why
                                make your choice in a split second
                                while time is rushing by
                                
                                stop light, stand still, unaware
                                just like he does every day
                                passing cars, unnoticed, racing by
                                think about what she would say
                                
                                (words & music written by Bram Strijbos
lyrics written July 27, 2007 and Sept. 6, 2008)
pain
                                hurt
                                lies
                                hope
                                
                                fear
                                want
                                lust
                                feel
                                
                                touch
                                urge
                                warmth
                                love
                                
                                (words & music written by Bram Strijbos
lyrics written July 9, 2008)
I was sure I heard you crying
                                but I woke alone last night
                                and you weren't there beside me
                                guess I never got it right
                                
                                only doubt is what remains now
                                not much left of my new pride
                                'cause your note caught me off balance
                                and it turned my day to night
                                
                                how could I
                                let you get away
                                away from me
                                
                                and the truth may never be known
                                for it sleeps inside us all
                                and the hope that still surrounds it
                                finds our weakness
                                hence the call
                                
                                and what I regret especially
                                that you never gave a chance
                                to what we might have become
                                when you'd been open for romance
                                
                                in the end
                                happiness is real
                                only when we share it
                                only when we care
                                only when there is us
                                only when you try me
                                or can you resist?
                                
                                (words & music written by Bram Strijbos
lyrics written between March 17 and April 17, 2009)
funny how
                                what do you mean now
                                funny how
                                asked you a question
                                
                                no, you relax
                                he's a big boy and he knows
                                what he said to me
                                
                                maybe it's me
                                let me understand this
                                what do you mean
                                when you say funny
                                I don't know how
                                you said I'm funny
                                funny how
                                am I a clown now
                                or am I here
                                to entertain you
                                to make you laugh
                                or to amuse you
                                
                                you stuttering prick
                                I almost had you
                                tell me, was he shaking?
                                you may fold at questioning
                                you may fold
                                you
                                
                                (words & music written by Bram Strijbos
lyrics written Oct 7, 2007)
just found out it's over
                                been going on too long
                                forget that four-leaf clover
                                just sing this empty song
                                
                                I thought I was so brave, oh
                                and you thought I was mad
                                though I was doing great, yeah
                                but why was I so sad
                                
                                just found out there's nothing
                                nowhere for me to hide
                                life was one of a stranger
                                who had one lousy ride
                                
                                I got to be and old man
                                how many nights I've cried
                                I guess I gave up giving
                                no longer tried to fight
                                
                                I could not raise my children
                                my rights were all denied
                                but I was good for breeding
                                those little guys did fight
                                
                                (words & music written by Bram Strijbos
                                lyrics written May2, 2008)
 
                
                With Never Wanted to Begin, his second solo album released in 2013, Bram Strijbos builds on the sound he established with his debut, but with a more refined and introspective approach. This album clearly demonstrates growth in both songwriting and production, featuring songs that balance melancholy with hope.
The tracks on Never Wanted to Begin breathe a mix of indie, pop, and alternative rock, with Strijbos’s distinctive voice and melodic guitar parts taking center stage. The lyrics are personal and reflective, touching on themes of loss, longing, and the struggle to move forward. The album carries an intimate and at times darker character compared to his debut Greatest Hits (2010), while still offering moments of light and subtlety.
With a runtime of 40 minutes and 12 carefully arranged tracks, Never Wanted to Begin shows that Strijbos is following his own artistic path. This album is an essential chapter in his musical journey and serves as a bridge to the fuller sound found on Out of the Picture (2025).
tune out, log off
                                don't wait up *
                                
                                intercept messages
                                desparate     who
                                
                                sad conclusion
                                scattering follows
                                
                                lies and loneliness
                                request a backup
                                
(words & music written by Bram Strijbos)
patience is nice but gets us nowhere
                                blinds us for what we can't embrace
                                tragedies just waiting to happen
                                hear them all crumble, trying to fade
                                
                                watch bodies moving
                                feast on acuteness
                                can't shake the feeling
                                this is where we meet
                                
                                modesty's fine but leads to nothing
                                feel like the man who dies every day
                                what makes life frightning's you don't own it
(because it owns you)
                                maybe you're praying to the wrong gods
                                
                                watch bodies moving
                                feast on acuteness
                                can't stop believing
                                this is where she'll be
                                
                                I scream, just take her out for ice cream
                                distorted mind says here you'll meet her
                                you wonder too - at night you hide
                                you want her to be by your side
                                maybe you're praying to too young gods
                                while others drink and dance alone
                                
(words & music written by Bram Strijbos)
all I need
                                more than this
                                hunting high and hunting low
                                trail of tears
                                
                                perfect day
                                only you
                                is there something I should know
                                wicked game
                                
                                you and me
                                speed of sound
                                rage in eden
                                love is noise
                                
                                golden brown
                                fade to black
                                only happy when it rains
                                suffer well
                                
                                turn it on
                                one caress
                                damaged people
mercy street
                                free your mind
                                
                                mystify (downside up)
                                simple creed (I will be there)
                                sweet surrender (you showed me)
                                all around (human nature)
                                
                                hurry home
                                afterglow
                                sound of thunder
purple rain
                                almost there
                                
                                now I'm here
                                back for good
                                true believers
world machine
                                let it be
                                
(words & music written by Bram Strijbos)
old cars rusting nearby
                                wind is moaning and keeps wearing down
                                this empty old house
                                part of abandoned desire out here
                                
                                these signs are of change
                                ground littered with forgotten towns
                                some telephone rings
                                the ones to pick up are long gone
                                
                                land swallows you whole
                                (it swallows you whole)
                                endless sweep of the grass and wheat fields
                                (of grass and wheat fields)
                                nature reeks of life
                                (oh it reeks of life)
                                everything starts as a promise bequeathed
                                (starts as promises)
                                
                                some cash and move out
                                (some cash and move out)
                                those left behind grow old and they are
                                (grow old and then they die)
                                numb in a vanishing world
                                (in a vanishing world)
                                living debris of abandoned lives
                                (our own sorry lives)
                                
                                (home)
                                can’t watch, yet can’t look away
                                
                                where does society go
                                drought and deprived hesitation makes
                                all power drain from within
                                when all hope and pride has vanished
                                
                                time renders all of us lonely
                                obilivious to surroundings
                                death comes round one of these corners
                                indifferent to emotions
                                
                                through the ages
                                everything must fade
                                
(words & music written by Bram Strijbos)
he’s going nowhere in a hurry
                                trying to avoid too much trouble
                                
                                she walks in the room
                                takes all thoughts away from what he was doing
                                he’s totally mesmerized
                                he does not see the trap
                                
                                she singles him out
then starts dangling him
                                he hardly fights back
                                here the trouble comes
                                
                                it works every time
                                when she is bored and needs somebody to play
                                can he react fast enough
                                to try to go on his way?
                                
                                I have nothing to lose but everything to gain
                                so life is a game
                                won’t you please take my hand
                                take me to a place far away from here
                                
                                pride - strangest emotion of man
                                pride - strongest emotion of men
                                
(words & music written by Bram Strijbos)
In Schwanenflügel hülle ich dich das Licht in deinen Augen.
Wenn ich das sehe atmet das Land, die Nebel schwinden, Tropfen verdunsten.
Frühes Leuchten liegt im Grünen Zauber junger Blätter; es duftet in meinem Herzen.
Und unerklärliche Freude liegt in der Glut meiner Hand wenn sie reicht nach deiner.
(music written by Bram Strijbos, lyrics written by Derek Strijbos)
ik loop langs witte singels
                                niemand anders hier vannacht
                                een kat vlucht gauw naar binnen
                                stilte aan de Nieuwegracht
                                
                                achter de Sint Pieter
                                vroeger scheen hier ooit de zon
                                nu krijg ik stenen voeten
                                duik diep in m'n capuchon
                                
                                ik ga nu door de Voorstraat
                                de bioscoop is al op zwart
                                het loopt al tegen 2en
                                vol verwachting klopt mijn hart
                                
                                van het rode schijnsel
                                in de Hardebollenstraat
                                is het maar een stukje
                                naar de Lange Lauwerstraat
                                
                                winterkou of sneeuw of ijzel
                                houden mij niet in bedwang
                                al vriest het 40 graden
                                ik miste jou al veel te lang
                                
                                zou ze nog wel op zijn
                                zou ze slapen als een roos
                                als ik zo laat aanbel
                                wordt ze blij of wordt ze boos
                                
                                ik zie nog lampen branden
                                in mijn hart begint het feest
                                daar staat zij al te lachen
                                mijn reis is niet voor niets geweest
                                
                                winterkou of sneeuw of ijzel
                                houden mij niet in bedwang
                                al vriest het 40 graden
                                ik miste jou al veel te lang
                                
                                (music written by Bram Strijbos
                                lyrics written by Jan Michielsen)
the sky is dark, warm and humid
                                got long thin legs, gets in position
                                
                                be my host tonight
let me under your skin
I’m cutting in
deeper and deeper… I’m in
                                rain season is here
                                
                                head down low, bring the tools out
a cutting blade and a feeding tube
                                
                                be my host tonight
let me under your skin
I’m cutting in
deeper and deeper… I’m in
                                let the games begin
                                
                                ride the wave, we ride the bloodstream
                                to the factory, that’s our only stop
                                
                                be my host tonight
let me under your skin
I’m cutting in
deeper and deeper… I’m in
                                clouds gather, downpour erupts
                                
                                we’re in the blood, we hack the network
                                something’s wrong, so wrong indeed
                                
                                be my host tonight
let me under your skin
I’m cutting in
deeper and deeper… I’m in
                                they hatch, it surges
                                
(words & music written by Bram Strijbos)
I do not know
                                what do I do
                                where do I go
                                is it with you
                                
                                should I begin
                                to let you go
                                or stay within
                                I do not know
                                
                                what will you say
                                if I tell you
                                will you walk away
                                or stay with me do
                                
                                I have no clue
                                whether you'll go
                                when I tell you
                                that I love you so
                                
(words & music written by Bram Strijbos)
they close the hatch
the descent starts, I'm going down
                                climb in the capsule
I am ready
                                all that awaits is darkness and they dwindle and fade
                                behind they stay
                                
                                going down again
                                to the world that is under the sea
                                
                                another hour is passing
still I'm descending
                                the temperature outside is falling below
                                as water pressure builds up slowly
can it be
                                thriving life appears
                                
                                going down again
                                to the world that is under the sea
                                end is in sight
there is nothing there
                                yet we're going down
                                
                                if a leak appears, it's game over
                                water will drill in like laser beams
                                must not think about those things right now
                                
                                while we're going down again
where we cannot be
                                and we're going down again
where the landscape's an alien sight
                                and we're going down again
and the darkness is all that I see
                                
(words & music written by Bram Strijbos)
for Anke
go to sleep now
                                set your mind free
                                next to me now
                                warm it will be
                                
                                oh but it’s cold and
                                dark is the night
                                let’s keep the world far outside
                                
                                every time that
                                we meet in this song
                                you can tell me
                                all that is wrong
                                
                                will you not be alone
                                inside your nightmares
                                let me in now
                                to lay by your side
                                
                                drifting together
                                succumbing to sleep
                                the night lingers on and on and on
                                
(words & music written by Bram Strijbos)
 
                In 2016, Bram Strijbos joined forces with Jasmijn Steiner for RAAS, a atmospheric and multi-layered EP that holds a unique place in his discography. While his earlier solo albums primarily focused on introspective songwriting and minimalist arrangements, RAAS offers a broader musical palette thanks to the chemistry between the two voices and a more expansive approach.
Jasmijn Steiner, who had previously contributed vocals on several tracks of Never Wanted to Begin (2013), takes on a full-fledged role on this EP as both a vocalist and a musical collaborator. Their harmonies create a dreamy, sometimes cinematic atmosphere, with the songs ranging from subdued and melancholic to engaging and dynamic.
With RAAS, Strijbos explored new production possibilities and a richer sound that would later influence his solo projects. This EP remains a special moment in his musical journey—a collaboration that feels both familiar and refreshingly innovative.
ik zie dingen
dingen in m'n hoofd
                                eerst goed denken
want dat is waar ik in geloof
                                
                                ik zeg dingen
dingen met m'n hart
                                veel te snel soms
voorbij nog voor ik was gestart
                                
                                ik denk dingen
dingen in m'n hoofd
                                misschien heb je
heb je mijn hart geroofd
                                
                                ik hoor dingen
(het) brengt me van de wijs
                                niemand kent ze
misschien breekt dan te snel het ijs
                                
                                laat, laten we gaan
                                je ziet me ooit wel weer
                                geniet nog even van wij twee samen
                                we zijn hier maar één keer
                                tijd stond even stil
                                
                                ik raad dingen
die er soms niet zijn
                                soms heel groot maar
nog veel te vaak ook echt heel klein
                                
                                ik wil dingen
dingen die ik voel
                                snap er niets van
misschien is dat nou juist het doel
                                
                                ik krijg dingen
doe mij geen verdriet
                                laat me wachten
tot ik de samenhang weer zie
                                
                                ik zwijg dingen
dingen liever dood
                                wat te doen nu
ik bloos en langzaam donkerrood
                                
                                laat, laten we gaan
                                je ziet me ooit wel weer
                                geniet nog even van wij twee samen
                                we zijn hier maar één keer
                                tijd stond even stil
                                
                                tekst/muziek: Jasmijn Steiner / Bram Strijbos
                                tekstuele ondersteuning: Jan Michielsen
                                lyrics written september 2013)
ik weet niet waar het heen gaat
vier kwartier
                                mijn droom zweeft weg
                                ontwaak ik in leegte
                                en seconden die glijden verder
                                
                                het is nog niet te laat
                                het uur dat niet bestaat
                                de tijd die verder slaapt
                                het uur dat niet bestaat
                                
                                en van achter naar voren
vier kwartier
                                de klok vult zich
                                daalt neer in de ruimte
                                en de tikken die klinken luider
                                
                                het is nog niet te laat
                                het uur dat niet bestaat
                                de tijd die weer ontwaakt
                                het uur dat weer bestaat
                                
(words & music written by Bram Strijbos & Jasmijn Steiner november 2013)
kom nou mee naar buiten
                                voel de zon en breek de dag
                                pak me vast, we dansen
                                ook als het eigenlijk niet mag
                                
                                kom ga mee naar buiten
                                pak me vast en blijf bij mij
                                kijk ons nou eens stralen
                                ik van jou en jij van mij
                                
                                avond vol van sterren
                                na die eindeloze dag
                                alles komt nu samen
                                dans en drank en ons gelach
                                
                                wij gaan nog niet slapen
                                alles broeit en fluistert na
                                loom de zomeravond
                                je denkt toch niet, dat ik nog ga
                                
                                alle uren tellen
stop met denken, allebei
                                alle uren tellen
het is zomaar weer voorbij
                                
tekst: Jasmijn Steiner / Bram Strijbos (met dank aan Jan Michielsen) muziek: Bram Strijbos / Jasmijn Steiner)
sinds je weg bent lig ik wakker
                                wachtend op een woord van jou
                                kom naar hier en kruip dichtbij me
                                droom met mij hier ver vandaan
                                
                                beelden vullen mijn gedachten
                                uren dagen nachten lang
                                de mooiste blijf ik maar bewaren
                                oud geluk, ik berg het op
                                
                                tranen zijn niet meer te stoppen
                                stromen, rollen naar jou toe
                                met hen mee reis ik het liefste
                                de wereld draait toch voor ons twee
                                
                                onbegrensd blijf ik maar dromen
                                niemand om me heen grijpt in
                                berg en dal moet ik trotseren
                                om weer met mezelf te zijn
                                
                                waar ben jij - waar ben je m'n liefste
                                waar ben jij - nu ik je zo mis
                                waar was jij - waar was jij je handen
                                schoon van schuld - ging jij op de vlucht
                                
(words & music written by Bram Strijbos & Jasmijn Steiner november 2013)
de streling van de zomerzon
                                glijdt weg met ieder vallend blad
                                geel, rood en bruin ik dwarrel mee
                                en waar ik heen waai geen idee
                                
                                Ik wou dat het weer lente was
                                toen wij nog samen en verliefd
                                maar dat was toen dat is voorbij
                                nu ga ik weg en waar ben jij?
                                
                                de regen op het balkon
                                ik gaap en mis de zon
                                ik slaap en draai me om
                                en nog eens om en nog eens om
                                
dwarrel weg, dwarrel terug
                                ik denk aan nieuw en hemelsblauw
                                waar wij weer dromen hand in hand
                                maar takken, mos en modderplas
                                maken geen plaats voor groen en gras
                                
                                eenzaam reis ik mee met de wind
                                straks komt er winter, donker, ijs
                                maar ik waai naar het lentelicht
                                dan kus ik zacht weer jouw gezicht
                                
(muziek: Jasmijn Steiner / Bram Strijbos tekst: Jasmijn Steiner / Jan Michielsen / Bram Strijbos)
pluis pluis pluis zat voor het raam
                                keek naar buiten zag het aan
                                geen mens met wie hij ruzie had
                                geen kat die aan zijn eten zat
                                scharrelde wat rond en toen pardoes
                                kreeg hij rake klappen, die lieve poes
                                boem pats zoef Pluis die moest daar weg
                                niets gedaan maar toch weggepest
                                
                                wat bleek Pluis liep hand in hand
                                daarom nu in het asiel beland
                                geen idee hoe het begon
                                dacht dat je dat wel maken kon
                                met je liefde in een roes
                                niet in het land van de taboes
                                harde straf - niet langer met z'n twee
                                hij ging weg - een bootje op de zee
                                
                                (niet) pluis pluis pluis in het asiel
                                waar een zware schaduw viel
                                hij was veilig maar gestrand
                                had-ie moeten blijven in z'n eigen land?
                                kijken waar hij blijven kon
                                [de] deur bleef dicht zonder pardon
                                waar nu heen - muurvast in het systeem
                                heel alleen - zijn ziel een molensteen
                                
                                steek die kop maar in het zand
                                hier is nooit iets aan de hand
                                
(music written by Bram Strijbos words written by Jasmijn Steiner and Bram Strijbos)
 
            This album marks a significant evolution in his musical journey, presenting a richer and fuller sound than his previous works. This sonic depth is achieved not only through his growth as a songwriter but also by choosing to have the album professionally mixed instead of handling it himself. The result is a carefully produced, well-balanced sound that has certainly paid off.
Out of the Picture features a mix of personal songs and reflections on the current zeitgeist during its creation. Notably, the track “Exodus” originated during the sessions for his previous album RAAS (2016), though it only made it as a demo back then. Two singles from the new album have already been released: “Everyone There,” a Christmas hit, and the more recent “5000 Days.” Moreover, the album is mixed in Dolby Atmos, allowing listeners on supported streaming platforms to enjoy an immersive audio experience.
For those interested in exploring his earlier work, Bram Strijbos’s first two albums—Greatest Hits (2010) and Never Wanted to Begin (2013)—are available on various music streaming platforms.
no pain is no gain
                                no love is no shame
                                done with pretending
                                this isn't a game
                                
                                flame bright as sunlight
                                fighting the good fight
                                loneliness crept in
                                as well as some spite
                                
                                nobody budging
                                so I started judging
                                bigger and bigger
                                became my begrudging
                                
                                BeReal or it's befake
                                be gone with the heartache
                                finally realised
                                which step I should take
                                
                                added some distance
                                no more non existance
                                I let my guard down
                                let go of resistance
                                
                                no fire is no flame
                                no more guilt to blame
                                out of the picture
                                and into the frame
                                
                                some time has (now) gone by
                                we got to say bye bye
                                in came perspective
                                remembrance selective
                                
                                I've framed you on my wall
                                I'm open for your call
                                to gather as old friends
                                but for now it's the end
                                
music/lyrics: Bram Strijbos 20220427 - 20230213
energy leaking somewhere
                                it took me a while to see
                                felt like a swim against the tide
                                
                                first we learned how to bear it
                                only then could I overcome
                                
                                for all the response it got me
                                we might not have occupied
                                the very same moment here in time
                                
                                people just keep on leaving
                                still no one wants to see the signs
                                
                                for 9 months and 18 years
                                I rallied for all your cheers
                                some choices that didn't feel like mine
                                
                                it's really a waste of talent
                                to do things which are repellent
                                to any self worthiness in life
                                
                                how will you keep things together
                                or will it disintegrate in time
                                
                                tumbling down
                                almost drowned
                                leaving town
                                
                                the spirit of people changes
                                the exodus has begun
                                turns out I'm not the only one
                                
                                yet through all the disappointment
                                the memories we made still linger on
                                
and on
lyrics: Bram Strijbos 20220428 - 20230213
dew drops on leaves
weather deceives us
                                here comes the storm
the crowd, they swarm
                                we’re gonna break the mold
don’t want us to grow old
                                see here comes the big one
now the chant has begun
find me the rules of the game
and see me inside
                                come,ride the wave of fame
cast all doubt aside
the scene tranquil
discard blue pill
                                when the winds blow
we steal the show
                                the way we sound is raw
life deals us, then we draw
                                efforts are all compiled
wait till the mood gets wild
so find me the rules of the game and see me inside
                                (find me the rules of the game tonight)
                                come, ride the wave of fame
cast all fear aside
                                (come ride the wave of our fame with pride)
so find me the rules of the game and see me inside
                                (find me the rules of the game tonight)
                                come, ride the wave of fame
cast all fear aside
                                (come ride the wave of our fame with pride)
                                find me the rules of the game and see me inside
                                (find me the rules of the game tonight)
                                come, ride the wave of fame
cast all fear aside
                                (come ride the wave of our fame with pride)
(find me the rules of the game tonight)
                                (come ride the wave of our fame with pride)
                                (find me the rules of the game tonight)
                                (come ride the wave of our fame with pride)
got off the train, destination: your place
                                can’t wait to see you, the smile on your face
                                counting the steps until we can embrace
                                turning a corner, it won’t be long now
                                snow slowly falling, remembering how
                                we left things last year, what was that about?
                                
                                time spent together with everyone there
                                thinking about all the people who care
                                
                                nice and cold outside but inside it’s warm
                                gathering clouds well here comes the storm
                                should make up quickly, the mood is reformed
                                what really matters: who will show up
                                if everyone’s there then we’ll raise a new cup
                                drink to the future, to no more disrupt
                                lessons were learned, time now to reconstruct
                                
                                time spent together with everyone there
                                thinking about all the people who care
#ZoLo
wish I could see who will follow me into the dark
                                I envision who will spring from me beyond the spark
                                cross that street and then just plant the seed
                                please take good heed
                                my turn this time say why not indeed
                                why not me
                                
                                thinking of those who preceded me makes me feel hollow
                                what are people but a memory of those who follow
                                come to terms with what life dealt to me
                                our time is now
                                you are near I am waiting
                                days on end
                                
                                I am you, you are me
                                let it be us, recuperate us
                                all this fear, don’t want to hear
                                let it be us, no time to discuss
                                you are there, I am here
                                let it be us, supplicate us
                                oh so close and yet so far away
                                let it be us, adorable much
                                cannot deny it
                                why don’t we try it
                                
                                leaving all that was behind me when I start anew
                                (closer to you)
                                try avoiding errors from my past: what I should do
                                (closer to you)
                                get on your feet, let’s move to the beat
                                rhythm repeat (closer to you)
                                and I’ll show you my heaven
                                dance with me
for Anke
sun is rising, the breaking of day
                                future brighter, anchors aweigh
                                over 5.000 days
                                and counting ever since
                                
                                took some guts with ideas preconceived
                                (will not deny)
                                built a home, we feel well received
                                (no more we cry)
                                didn’t crush it, the flower conceived
                                (take wings and fly)
                                
                                half way 10.000 days
                                didn’t even flinch
                                100.000 hours
                                flew by - it’s been a cinch
                                
                                (don’t cry)
                                (we fly)
                                (get high)
                                (get by)
                                (touch sky)
                                (sky high)
                                
                                (new day is here)
                                (year after year)
                                
                                more than 5.000 days
                                still feels like it begins
just try to breathe
                                can not believe
                                not really sure where you are
                                what’s going on
                                so just take it in
                                realise where you’ve been
                                relax do your best
                                and then wait for the rest
thought I had it figured out, this grown up life charade
                                turns out tiny humans rewrite every single day
                                bedtime stories used to be a distant, hazy dream
                                now I’m making monster voices with a tired scream
                                
                                doubts in my mind
                                in the pale morning light
                                am I doing alright
                                
                                spit-up on my shoulder and a symphony of cries
                                but a tiny hand reached out, the sleep just left my eyes
                                used to set my own time, made my own plans every day
                                now priorities have changed, routines all gone astray
                                
                                thoughts in my mind
                                in the pale morning light
                                are we doing alright
                                
                                remember nights out on the town, dancing ‘til the break
                                never thought I’d miss a beat, for bedtime stories’ sake
                                now the lullabies I hum, tunes I’ll improvise
                                feel my little one relax, the comfort it provides
                                
                                sure in my mind
                                in the bright morning light
                                yeah we’re doing alright
one more moonrise
                                complete, no surprise
                                bright day end of june
                                teach me this tune
                                
                                times change growing up
                                welcome, join the club
                                flawless afternoon
                                teach me this tune
                                
                                1 star 2 heart
                                3 moon never apart
                                loudly fill the room
                                teach me this tune
six to seven million days and nights ago
                                different shoreline; 1-2-0 meters low
                                everlasting landscapes, nothing turned out quite less so
                                how many people living there we’ll never know
                                sunk and forgotten, none are left in Doggerland
                                tide kept rising, vanished from their hands
                                
                                flash forward, time is running out again
                                all this depletion ending the known world of men
                                sowing doubts for no one wants to slow it down
                                careless reckless we’re ignoring all the sounds
                                sunk and forgotten, none are left in Doggerland
                                tide kept rising, vanished from their hands
                                
                                wine me dine me then please sixty-nine me
                                sue me fine me kiss my tiny hiney
                                conflict of interests, no one seems to really care
                                monster awoken, no longer sleeps in its lair
                                sunk and forgotten, none are left in Doggerland
                                tide keeps rising, vanishing from our hands
                                
                                none left none left none left none left
                                none left none left none left none left
                                
                                sunk and forgotten, none are left in Doggerland
                                tide keeps rising, vanishing from our hands
                                
                                sunk and forgotten, none are left in Doggerland
                                tide keeps rising, vanishing from our hands
                                
                                none left none left
                                none left
you feel lonely if you dare to speak your mind
                                I feel the same when I’m trying to be kind
                                what it must feel like to turn me down right now
                                sense of powering will is hiding in that frown
                                never looking up from ever glowing screen
                                should I try forever? no, although I’m keen
                                give it quite the rest already, let it show
                                then I’ll be your Huckleberry when I go
                                
                                dream a dream that’s twice your size, it’s quite alright
                                if you wake up then just call it your stage fright
                                the faint glow of a white dwarf is all I see
                                dark and empty void is all surrounding me
                                let’s get to it there’s no more time left to waste
                                wish it was as simple as a copypaste
                                give it quite the rest already, let it show
                                then I’ll be your Huckleberry when you go
                                
                                locked the world out of our homes, we were afraid
                                but there were times when we thought it pretty great
                                it’s our sin we let some people cause divide
                                shouldn’t be a reason anyone should hide
                                thumbs out of your asses, come on get to work
                                at least try to refrain from going berserk
                                give it quite the rest already, let it show
                                then I’ll be your Huckleberry when we go
 
         
         
        