ANTON GOOSEN RELEASES TIK TOK (DIE BALLADE VAN KLASIE FRIK VAN STADEN)
South African music icon Anton Goosen, also known as Liedjieboer, is proud to announce the release of his new single, TIK TOK (DIE BALLADE VAN KLASIE FRIK VAN STADEN), from his latest album, Sirkels.
Goosen, who has been one of the most influential figures in the Afrikaans music scene, continues to captivate audiences with his powerful storytelling and emotive music.
TIK TOK is a poignant ballad that tells the story of Klasie Frik van Staden, a man who spent 40 years working alone at a railway station near Pampoenkraal in the vast Karoo. Day after day, Klasie watches the clock tick away, marking the passage of time in his isolated life. The song reflects themes of time, loneliness, and the subtle melancholy that defines Klasie’s existence, serving as a metaphor for a broader human experience.
The inspiration for this ballad comes from a true event that was shared with Goosen by a former journalist in the 1990’s. While the original story took place elsewhere in the Karoo, Goosen adapted it into a fictionalized version, setting it at a station near De Aar, with a few changes to names and locations. Klasie’s sole companion over the years was the railway clock, which he would gaze at endlessly as it ticked away the minutes and hours of his life. On his last day of work, Klasie takes a fateful dramatic step.
Goosen comments: “This song is an exploration of the theme of time. For Klasie, the ticking clock symbolized both his work and his lonely existence. But on his last day, he does something that changes everything.”
TIK TOK explores the emotional landscape and pathos of Klasie Frik van Staden’s life, touching on feelings of isolation, resignation, and the passage of time. Despite decades of routine, Klasie experiences brief moments of connection, such as when the milk train would arrive. However, the overarching theme of monotony and silence permeates his life. The song builds to a dramatic climax when Klasie, driven to despair, uses his Beretta pistol to destroy the railway clock—a symbolic act of defiance against the unyielding march of time. The court proceedings following his actions unfold with a surprising twist.
This ballad is the fifth single from Goosen’s latest album, Sirkels (Circles), which explores the central theme of time and its effect on all of us. The album promises to offer a mix of compelling narratives and deeply introspective tracks that continue to define Goosen’s distinctive style.
The album Sirkels was produced by Anton Goosen and his long-time music engineer and friend, Peter Pearlson. Goosen’s trusted musical collaborators also feature prominently on the album, including:
Lise Swart, who has been Goosen’s backing vocalist for 23 years
Schalk Joubert, the bassist with whom Goosen has worked for 27 years
Kevin Gibson on drums and percussion
Illimar Neitz, Goosen’s longtime electric guitarist of 9 years
TIK TOK (DIE BALLADE VAN KLASIE FRIK VAN STADEN) is now available on all major streaming platforms, and the official lyric video will be released on YouTube on 7 March 2025. The video was produced by André Calitz of Blixem Productions and edited by Marique Seymore.
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/5sh1lxCb6TA?si=dSlWuyP3LvlfQ44U
Fans can also catch Anton Goosen in two exclusive radio programs later this month on Pretoria FM, hosted by Pieter Smith, which are part of the Die Storie van Afrikaanse Musiek series to celebrate Afrikaans as one of the official languages, in South Africa in its 100th year.
In March, Goosen will also be featured in a music documentary by Ettienne Ludick on RSG, airing on 6 March 2025. Additionally, Goosen and Illimar Neitz will be performing a select number of exclusive shows in the coming months, although his first quarter of 2025 is primarily focused on the restoration and building project of Laventelhuisie (Lavender house) in Gansbaai.
Previous singles from Sirkels:
Bly by My, (my lief
Gigi
Dear Henry (featuring Zolani Mahola)
Luka
With a career spanning nearly 50 years, Anton Goosen remains one of South Africa’s most celebrated musical figures. Known for his powerful storytelling and evocative songwriting, Goosen’s contributions to the Afrikaans music landscape are immeasurable. His songs have shaped the sound of generations, and his ability to capture the heart of human experience through music has earned him a devoted following. Sirkels marks another chapter in his remarkable career, continuing his legacy as one of Afrikaans’s most influential songwriters.
Download TIK TOK here: https://linktr.ee/antongoosenliedjieboer