Sander Berendsen: ‘This is where my heart lives’

Ter ere van Koningsdag 2025 presenteert muzikant, docent en tekstschrijver Sander Berendsen zijn nieuwe lied ‘Hier woont mijn hart’: een ode aan de Achterhoek. Het nummer dat, samen met Doetinchemmer Maurits Boegman en oud Achterhoeker Marc Hijink, vorm heeft gekregen, vangt in tekst én melodie de ziel van de regio Achterhoek: een plek van verbondenheid, rust, innovatie en traditie. 

With poetic lyrics and a melody that you hum along before you even realize it, the song invites everyone to reflect on what “home” really means.
This is where my heart lives’ brings to life the places that are truly meaningful to people in the Achterhoek, whether in front of the main stage of De Zwarte Cross, at school, at work, along the Oude IJssel river, cycling through the countryside or at home.

Video clip featuring people and moments from the region

The music video came about thanks to intensive cooperation with regional companies and networks such as Regio8, De Feestfabriek, ROC Graafschap College, VVV Achterhoek, Achterhoek in Beweging and many others. Together they bring the Achterhoek to life in a colorful and human portrait.

A song for everyone

Berendsen deliberately chose an open, recognizable text, without the familiar regional words. The refrain consists of a humming melody-a subtle reference to the Achterhoek culture, in which contentment is often expressed without many words. This makes the song universal and accessible to anyone who feels connected to a place or region.

Watch the music video or listen via Spotify.

During the Royal Walk through Doetinchem, the song will be performed live as the final piece in the chapter: “Art and Culture.