It also entered at #1 in The Netherlands in 1967 and stayed there for 5 weeks. It was only the second time after The Beatles' We Can Work It Out/Day Tripper that a song entered the charts at the #1 spot.
Interestingly it re-rentered the Dutch charts in 1972 when the song was re-released as a maxi single and reached the #1 spot again for 3 weeks.
Are you familiar with Boudewijn de Groots' Avond? Just an incredible song and consistently the top rated Dutch language song on the list.
I translated the lyrics into English for the sake of my family. A bit rushed, but I'm half way pleased with the result. I did not go so far as to match the meter; I just wanted to convey the meaning.
No need to pull on your heavy coat,
Or check that the (bicycle) lamp is in good order.
The storm winds rage in the dark;
But here is warmth and light and good.
Hand in hand, we'll watch as the rain falls outside;
I see the fire of hope and of doubt in your eyes
And I know your deepest fears.
(Because) nothing is certain, and everything will pass.
But I believe, I believe, I believe,
I believe, I believe in you and me.
I'm with you when you awake in the morning,
Maybe I've already made your tea.
If the sun is shining we'll head outdoors and walk through the dunes
But if it's raining we'll head back to bed.
Waking gradually, drifting through the hours,
I see the light streaking through the curtains
and realize, there's no certainty to the past,
Nothing is certain, and everything passes,
But I believe, I believe, I believe,
I believe, I believe in you and me.
(So) I turn out the lights and the living room darkens,
What light there is comes from the street lamp.
All the things in the room are old friends that now fall asleep,
Tho' the chairs will stand to wait 'till breakfast comes.
Tomorrow I'll wake to the scent of bread and honey,
The sunlight golden in your hair once more,
Now I say goodnight to the room, and all the things within,
Tonight we'll rest,and we'll see what the morrow will bring.
All the things in this room would just be lifeless things
Without you.
Nothing is certain, and everything passes,
But I believe, I believe, I believe,
I believe, I believe in you and me.
I believe, I believe, I believe,
I believe, I believe in you and me.
Nothing is certain, and everything passes ...
Hard to argue with de Groot's own rendering, but I did like this cover.