The Hague: Dutch organisers were scrambling Sunday to find a new song to mark the upcoming enthronement of the Netherlands' new king after a serenade written especially for the inauguration attracted a storm of criticism for its "imbecilic" lyrics.
"Dear compatriots, after having to block yet another insult on my Twitter account, I am now totally done," Dutch-British composer John Ewbank wrote on his Facebook page late on Saturday.
"My apologies to those who found it an appropriate song... but I hereby withdraw the Koningslied (King's Song) and wish you plenty of success" in singing one of the unofficial songs written for the inauguration of the new Dutch monarch, Willem-Alexander, on April 30.
An online petition rejecting what is described as an "imbecilic" tune has been signed by more than 38,000 people.
They belt out much-mocked lyrics such as: "I build a dyke with my bare hands and keep the water away" and "three fingers in the air, come on, come on. That's the W (sign) for Willem, the W which represents being wakeful and eating 'stamppot' (a traditional Dutch dish made from vegetables and a sausage)."
The plan was for all the artists to come together for a concert in Rotterdam on April 30 when the country will be holding nationwide celebrations to mark the royal handover.
"The intention remains to serenade the king on April 30. Together with the Dutch public broadcaster the committee will seek a solution," national news agency ANP quoted the committee as saying.
In his message, Ewbank himself suggested alternatives including a catchy tune called "You're the king," written by two students from the central university city of Utrecht.
In a reference to Willem-Alexander's hugely popular Argentine wife Maxima, who will soon be crowned Queen, the students sing: "What a matchless wife you have, the ideal companion. If I was king, I would have known it as well."
Sociology professor Johan Heilbron said the song written by Ewbank - an award-winning composer -- had fallen victim to what he termed intellectual "populism."
"Many of its fiercest critics are from the highly-educated sector of Dutch society. They believe the song is below the standards of what is acceptable and that's a bit of a pity," he told AFP.
Willem-Alexander, currently crown prince, will be the Netherlands' first king in more than a century when he takes over from his 75-year-old abdicating mother, Queen Beatrix.
The 45-year-old has promised to be a traditional king, though one seen as approachable and not a "protocol fetishist".
"Dear compatriots, after having to block yet another insult on my Twitter account, I am now totally done," Dutch-British composer John Ewbank wrote on his Facebook page late on Saturday.
"My apologies to those who found it an appropriate song... but I hereby withdraw the Koningslied (King's Song) and wish you plenty of success" in singing one of the unofficial songs written for the inauguration of the new Dutch monarch, Willem-Alexander, on April 30.
An online petition rejecting what is described as an "imbecilic" tune has been signed by more than 38,000 people.
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They belt out much-mocked lyrics such as: "I build a dyke with my bare hands and keep the water away" and "three fingers in the air, come on, come on. That's the W (sign) for Willem, the W which represents being wakeful and eating 'stamppot' (a traditional Dutch dish made from vegetables and a sausage)."
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The plan was for all the artists to come together for a concert in Rotterdam on April 30 when the country will be holding nationwide celebrations to mark the royal handover.
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"The intention remains to serenade the king on April 30. Together with the Dutch public broadcaster the committee will seek a solution," national news agency ANP quoted the committee as saying.
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In his message, Ewbank himself suggested alternatives including a catchy tune called "You're the king," written by two students from the central university city of Utrecht.
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In a reference to Willem-Alexander's hugely popular Argentine wife Maxima, who will soon be crowned Queen, the students sing: "What a matchless wife you have, the ideal companion. If I was king, I would have known it as well."
Sociology professor Johan Heilbron said the song written by Ewbank - an award-winning composer -- had fallen victim to what he termed intellectual "populism."
"Many of its fiercest critics are from the highly-educated sector of Dutch society. They believe the song is below the standards of what is acceptable and that's a bit of a pity," he told AFP.
Willem-Alexander, currently crown prince, will be the Netherlands' first king in more than a century when he takes over from his 75-year-old abdicating mother, Queen Beatrix.
The 45-year-old has promised to be a traditional king, though one seen as approachable and not a "protocol fetishist".
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