Anton van Doornmalen releases his concert favourite “Federn lassen” on all major streaming platforms Growing older is often associated with loss: with fading strength, changes in the mirror and the growing awareness that life is finite. In his song “Federn lassen”, however, Anton van Doornmalen approaches this stage of life with calmness, warmth and a surprisingly light touch.
The song, which has long become a favourite among audiences at his concerts, will be released on 3 April on Spotify and all other major streaming platforms — in both a German and a Dutch version. With this release, van Doornmalen makes available a song that does not romanticise ageing, but does not mourn it either. “Federn lassen” describes the experience of noticing changes over the years, physically or mentally.
The German title refers to the image of “losing feathers” — a metaphor for the things we gradually have to let go of as we grow older. For the singer-songwriter, however, this process is not only about loss. It is also about insight, acceptance and the possibility of moving through life with gratitude and ease. Anton van Doornmalen found inspiration for the song in an invitation card for his 70th birthday. It contained a piece of wisdom about ageing that stayed with him: growing older, and yet continuing to float through life. Turning such a thought into music is typical of van Doornmalen’s work — personal, reflective and carried by a quiet sense of optimism. The song combines honesty with comfort. It does not hide the fact that ageing leaves its traces. At the same time, it asks how we choose to meet those traces: with resistance or acceptance, with fear or gratitude.
Musically and lyrically, van Doornmalen chooses the latter. His view of ageing is calm, reconciled and deeply life-affirming. “Federn lassen” is therefore more than a song about getting older. It is an invitation to value life in every phase — with love, serenity and the awareness that even in letting go, there can be a special kind of freedom.
- And here you will find his new songs:
Spotify, DE
Spotify, NL