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L.N. Smithee wrote: "What always kills me about 'Venus' is that she pronounced the word 'goddess' with an 'N'. Listen closely; 'The god-ness on the mountaintop...' "

Good catch, L.N. I always thought that I was the only one who heard it. :-)

Mariska Veres' native tongue was Dutch yet she spoke fluent English as do most people in the Netherlands.

From info I found in the mini-biographies on the fan sites, Mariska was also probably fluent in German.

You may also notice pronunciation differences in the music of other Dutch bands, such as Peter Tetteroo, lead singer of Tee Set singing "Ma Belle Amie," Golden Earring's "Radar Love" and The George Baker Selection's "Green Bag."

Also, if you are a fan of classical music, listen to André Rieu, the Flying Dutchman speaking English on his specials on PBS.

"The girls in Bananarama (one of which is married to Andrew Ridgely, the other guy in Wham!) ought to thank God every morning for "Venus" because it saved them from being a one-hit wonder."

Agree completely.

I prefer Shocking Blue's version. Mariska Veres had a very powerful voice, yet while she was lead singer in Shocking Blue, she seemed very understated, almost reserved about using her voice full force.

Mariska Veres' Father was also a musician and her first public singing experiences were with him in his bands.

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A Goddess on a mountain top
Was burning like a silver flame
The summit of Beauty in love
And Venus was her name

She's got it yeah, Baby, she's got it
Well, I'm your Venus, I'm your fire
At your desire

Her weapon were her crystal eyes
Making every man mad
Black as the dark night she was
Got what no-one else had
Wa!

She's got it yeah, Baby, she's got it
Well, I'm your Venus, I'm your fire
At your desire