Dutch public reject anthem for new king due to song's 'imbecilic' lyrics

Dutch organisers were scrambling yesterday 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.

Thousands of Dutch citizens have voiced their dismay since the song was unveiled on Friday, trashing the anthem which is an unlikely combination of traditional, rap and choir music.

An online petition rejecting the "imbecilic" tune has been signed by more than 38,000 people. The song is performed by 51 Dutch artists, many of them stars in the Netherlands.

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)."