Donker om je heen was originally released in 1983 by the Dutch band Braak, but only became a hit when André Hazes recorded the song in 1984. It was written by Hazes, Willem Velema and Hans Kosterman. Hazes' version, produced by Tim Griek, was the opening track of the album Jij en ik and reached number 11 in the Nationale Hitparade. It is a levenslied, a Dutch ballad, about being left behind after a loved one's departure. This release brings both renditions of the song together.