Laafde comes from the verb laven, which means to quench one's thirst or to refresh oneself, often in a poetic or slightly archaic sense. It's not an everyday word like 'drinken' (to drink), making it more interesting and memorable.
In the song, the lyrics describe "Het howling van de paters / Die zich laafte aan drank" (The howling of the monks / Who quenched themselves with drink). This paints a vivid, almost medieval picture of monks indulging, adding a unique historical and slightly mischievous flavor to the song's narrative about the city of Ghent.
Pack your curiosity and step into the cobblestoned charm of Ghent. In this dreamy duet, Diggy Dex and Linde Schöne wander through the Belgian city’s winding streets, letting its centuries-old buildings, lively squares, and riverside views wash away everyday worries. The song paints an in-the-moment adventure where tomorrow does not exist, the sky feels cloud-free, and the past whispers through brick façades that have seen countless stories. Amid the hum of locals, closed cafés, and the echo of church bells, the pair hold hands and drift through the night, celebrating the magic that people—not just places—bring to life.
Beneath the sightseeing lies a deeper journey: after ten years together, they rediscover how much more love still “sits in the barrel.” The city becomes a canvas for reflection on time, memory, and connection. By the end, Ghent is both far away and wonderfully close, a symbol of how shared experiences can make us feel weightless on the waves of the present while gently erasing pain from the past.