The children’s song ‘Deze vuist op deze vuist’ is about building something together and cooperation. It is often sung in toddler and preschool groups to stimulate motor skills, a sense of rhythm, and group bonding.

In the song, you place your fist on someone else’s, then add your other hand, and so on. In the end, you create a kind of tower of hands that grows taller and taller. It is often done with several children, making it a playful way to connect and work together. The essence of the song is: together we are stronger and can create something bigger than on our own.

The song is known as a classic of Dutch children’s culture. The lyrics were written by Willem Wilmink and the music by Harry Bannink, both well-known Enschede natives. The piece was specially composed for the children’s program “De film van Ome Willem”, in which Edwin Rutten always sang this cheerful song as the closing number.

Although Wilmink actually found the lyrics a bit too simple, Bannink’s catchy melody turned it into a real sing-along! A funny detail is that on the words “en zo klim ik naar boven” (“and so I climb up”), the melody actually goes downward. A perfect example of Harry Bannink’s playful musical humor!

It is a song you can quickly pick up, and it sticks in your mind. It is also easy to join in, whether you speak the language or not. The movements are simple. I worked as a primary school teacher, and this is a great song for calming down a group of children. They quickly join in, and you can vary the rhythm. And when you stop, the group is silent. This works for all ages in primary school. I can play a little bit of guitar, and together with the group's movements and singing, it creates a really nice atmosphere.

My name is Thomas Schulte. I am the principal of De Zonnewijzer primary school in Enschede and have worked in primary education in Enschede for 20 years. I started as a teacher, then special needs coordinator, and I have been principal for several years now.