Holland, 1945

About this song

Jeff Mangum has said in concerts that the song was mainly inspired by the diary of Anne Frank, in keeping with much of the album. The song was originally titled "Untitled" and was the last track to be named on In the Aeroplane Over the Sea. Its final title came from two names Chris Bilheimer suggested while working on the album's broadsheet-style lyric sheet, and Mangum kept both.

What it's about

The song explores Mangum's love and admiration for Anne Frank and imagines different ways her legacy lives on. It uses the kaleidoscopic imagery found across the album.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 5 other songs, like “SAPPYBUNNY MEGAMIX by RAWINTHEVOID”.
• Covered 2 times, including “Holland, 1945 by Kevin Devine”.
• Written by Jeff Mangum.
• Produced by Robert Schneider.
• Recorded at Pet Sounds Studio (Denver.