List of Singaporean patriotic songs
Encyclopedia
This article contains a list of Singaporean patriotic songs. A patriotic song may be defined as one which inspires feelings of pride in one's country. The list has both traditional folk songs
that have special meaning to Singapore
ans, as well as modern songs composed specifically for national celebrations, particularly the National Day Parade
held on 9 August each year, Singapore's National Day
.
an patriotic songs. The first type are traditional folk songs
that have, over time, come to have special meaning to Singaporeans. Many of these are in vernacular
languages – Malay
, Mandarin
and Tamil
, for instance. Examples of such songs include the Malay songs "Chan Mali Chan" and "Di Tanjung Katong", and the Tamil song "Munnaeru Vaalibaa".
The second type are the comparatively modern songs, mostly in English
, that were composed specifically for national events – particularly the National Day Parade
held annually on 9 August – and for use in schools. Each year since 1985, the National Day Parade Executive Committee has designated one such song as a National Day Parade theme song. The song is usually broadcast on radio and television starting from a month before National Day, and is given prominence during the Parade itself. Examples of such songs include "Stand Up for Singapore" (1985), "Count On Me, Singapore" (1986) and "One People, One Nation, One Singapore" (1990). In 2007 there were two National Day Parade theme songs, "There's No Place I'd Rather Be" and "Will You?".
In 1984, the National Arts Council
inaugurated the Sing Singapore Festival, the aim of which was to discover and promote home-grown music and artistes. According to the Council, it also hoped to nurture a love for music and singing and cultivate a greater sense of togetherness amongst Singaporeans. The programme led to the creation of a number of new songs by Singaporean composers, some of which were selected for National Day celebrations. These included "Home
" (1998) by Dick Lee
, "Where I Belong" (2001) by Tanya Chua
, and "A Place in My Heart" (2003) by Kevin Quah. Local singers such as Kit Chan
and Stefanie Sun
have performed songs in the Sing Singapore collection.
asked: "How did such a dreadful song become the National Day song?", lambasting the melody as "uninspiring" and the lyrics as "insipid" – "it is quite obvious what the brief to [the composer] was: Write a song to persuade Singaporeans who have sought greener pastures to come home." The song's composer Jimmy Ye defended it, saying, "There's no need for it to be so in-your-face just because it's a National Day song". He noted that he had submitted the first draft of the song to the National Day Parade song committee, which had returned it with several changes. There was no mention of why "Singapore" got left out: "I guess the committee wanted to have a soft-sell approach too".
Notes
Notes
Notes
Folk music
Folk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
that have special meaning to Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
ans, as well as modern songs composed specifically for national celebrations, particularly the National Day Parade
National Day Parade
The Singapore National Day Parade is a national ceremony in Singapore that, as its name implies, includes a parade on Singapore's National Day on August 9, in commemoration of Singapore's independence that is usually held at the Padang , the National Stadium, various decentalized venues all over...
held on 9 August each year, Singapore's National Day
National Day (Singapore)
The National Day of Singapore is celebrated every year on 9 August, in commemoration of Singapore's independence from Malaysia in 1965. This holiday features a National Day Parade, an address by the Prime Minister of Singapore, and fireworks celebrations....
.
Types of songs
Broadly speaking, there may be said to be two types of SingaporeSingapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
an patriotic songs. The first type are traditional folk songs
Folk music
Folk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
that have, over time, come to have special meaning to Singaporeans. Many of these are in vernacular
Vernacular
A vernacular is the native language or native dialect of a specific population, as opposed to a language of wider communication that is not native to the population, such as a national language or lingua franca.- Etymology :The term is not a recent one...
languages – Malay
Malay language
Malay is a major language of the Austronesian family. It is the official language of Malaysia , Indonesia , Brunei and Singapore...
, Mandarin
Standard Mandarin
Standard Chinese or Modern Standard Chinese, also known as Mandarin or Putonghua, is the official language of the People's Republic of China and Republic of China , and is one of the four official languages of Singapore....
and Tamil
Tamil language
Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
, for instance. Examples of such songs include the Malay songs "Chan Mali Chan" and "Di Tanjung Katong", and the Tamil song "Munnaeru Vaalibaa".
The second type are the comparatively modern songs, mostly in English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
, that were composed specifically for national events – particularly the National Day Parade
National Day Parade
The Singapore National Day Parade is a national ceremony in Singapore that, as its name implies, includes a parade on Singapore's National Day on August 9, in commemoration of Singapore's independence that is usually held at the Padang , the National Stadium, various decentalized venues all over...
held annually on 9 August – and for use in schools. Each year since 1985, the National Day Parade Executive Committee has designated one such song as a National Day Parade theme song. The song is usually broadcast on radio and television starting from a month before National Day, and is given prominence during the Parade itself. Examples of such songs include "Stand Up for Singapore" (1985), "Count On Me, Singapore" (1986) and "One People, One Nation, One Singapore" (1990). In 2007 there were two National Day Parade theme songs, "There's No Place I'd Rather Be" and "Will You?".
In 1984, the National Arts Council
National Arts Council Singapore
The National Arts Council of Singapore was established in September 1991 "to nurture the arts and make it an integral part of life in Singapore.-History :...
inaugurated the Sing Singapore Festival, the aim of which was to discover and promote home-grown music and artistes. According to the Council, it also hoped to nurture a love for music and singing and cultivate a greater sense of togetherness amongst Singaporeans. The programme led to the creation of a number of new songs by Singaporean composers, some of which were selected for National Day celebrations. These included "Home
Home (1998 song)
Home , sung by Kit Chan, was composed by Dick Lee in 1998 as the first in a series of yearly songs commissioned for Singapore's National Day celebrations. It has English and Chinese versions, both sung by Kit. In 2004, it was remixed for three child soloists, one of whom was young actress and...
" (1998) by Dick Lee
Dick Lee
Richard "Dick" Lee Peng Boon is a Singaporean pop singer, composer, songwriter, and playwright. He is best known as a Singapore Idol judge, but often too as spokesperson for the New Asian generation....
, "Where I Belong" (2001) by Tanya Chua
Tanya Chua
Tanya Chua is a Golden Melody Award-winning Singaporean singer and songwriter.-Music career:A former business administration student at Singapore Polytechnic, Chua started out singing in English, releasing her first English album, Bored, in 1997...
, and "A Place in My Heart" (2003) by Kevin Quah. Local singers such as Kit Chan
Kit Chan
Kit Chan is a Singaporean singer.-Music:She was a member of the pioneer generation of Singaporean singers to successfully break into the international market, marked in particular by her breakthrough into the competitive and highly critical Taiwanese market with her hit Mandarin album Heartache ...
and Stefanie Sun
Stefanie Sun
Stefanie Sun was born Sng Ee Tze on 23 July 1978, and known to fans as 13姐 , is a Singaporean singer-songwriter. She has sold over 30 million copies of her albums during the span of her career thus far. She does the majority of her recording, and conducts most of her publicity events, in Taiwan,...
have performed songs in the Sing Singapore collection.
Critical reception
While some of these modern made-to-order patriotic songs have become popular, they have not received universal acclaim. They have been criticized as artificial and propagandistic, "National songs foisted on you from above" as opposed to "Singapore Songs arising from grassroots". A minor controversy also erupted over "There's No Place I'd Rather Be" (2007). Some people queried why the song does not mention Singapore by name, while others commented that the song was "touching" and that they related to it immediately, and that "[t]he spirit of patriotism is woven so well in the song". One correspondent to the Straits TimesThe Straits Times
The Straits Times is an English language daily broadsheet newspaper based in Singapore currently owned by Singapore Press Holdings . It is the country's highest-selling paper, with a current daily circulation of nearly 400,000...
asked: "How did such a dreadful song become the National Day song?", lambasting the melody as "uninspiring" and the lyrics as "insipid" – "it is quite obvious what the brief to [the composer] was: Write a song to persuade Singaporeans who have sought greener pastures to come home." The song's composer Jimmy Ye defended it, saying, "There's no need for it to be so in-your-face just because it's a National Day song". He noted that he had submitted the first draft of the song to the National Day Parade song committee, which had returned it with several changes. There was no mention of why "Singapore" got left out: "I guess the committee wanted to have a soft-sell approach too".
The National Anthem
| Title | Date | Author(s) | Copyright owner(s) | Lyrics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Majulah Singapura (Onward Singapore) |
1958 | Lyrics and music: Zubir Said Zubir Said Zubir Said was a Singaporean composer originally from the Minangkabau highlands of Indonesia who composed the national anthem of Singapore, "Majulah Singapura"... |
Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts | Official Malay lyrics: Mari kita rakyat Singapura Sama-sama menuju bahagia Cita-cita kita yang mulia Berjaya Singapura Marilah kita bersatu Dengan semangat yang baru Semua kita berseru Majulah Singapura Majulah Singapura Marilah kita bersatu Dengan semangat yang baru Semua kita berseru Majulah Singapura Majulah Singapura English translation: Come, fellow Singaporeans Let us progress towards happiness together May our noble aspiration bring Singapore success Come, let us unite In a new spirit Let our voices soar as one Onward Singapore Onward Singapore Come, let us unite In a new spirit Let our voices soar as one Onward Singapore Onward Singapore Chinese translation: Tamil translation: |
Songs with English lyrics
| Title | Date | Author(s) | Copyright owner(s) | First verse and/or chorus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count On Me,Singapore | 1986 | Lyrics and music: Hugh Harrison
|
Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and the National Arts Council | First verse: We have a vision for tomorrow, Just believe, just believe We have a goal for Singapore, we can achieve, we can achieve You and me, we'll do our part, stand together, heart to heart We're going to show the world what Singapore can be We can achieve, we can achieve Chorus: Count on me Singapore, count on me Singapore Count on me to give my best and more, count on me Singapore |
| Five Stars Arising | 1969 | Lyrics and music: Lim Su Chong |
Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and the National Arts Council | First verse: There's a new moon arising, out of the stormy sea Youthful and bright and bearing hope, and tranquil as can be Reach out for the moon above, savour freedom, truth and love There's a new moon arising, out of the stormy sea |
| It's the Little Things | Lyrics: Patrick Seet Music: Ivan Chua |
Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and the National Arts Council | Chorus: It's the little things that we share, the love and joy that's in the air The children's laughter everywhere, and all our favourite things Over the years, I've grown accustomed to your ways And no matter where I'll be, it warms my heart to know that You're always here for me |
|
| Moments of Magic | ?2000 | Lyrics and music: Ken Lim |
Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and the National Arts Council | Chorus: Let us celebrate this moment, a brand new day awaits Let us reach out for our dreams out there Moments of magic we will share Let us celebrate this moment, a brand new day awaits We will always be a city of friends Time will bring for us to share Moments of magic |
| One People, One Nation, One Singapore | 1990 | Lyrics: Jim Aitchison Music: Jeremy Monteiro Jeremy Monteiro Jeremy Monteiro Jeremy Monteiro Jeremy Monteiro (born June 20, 1960, Singapore, is a Jazz Pianist, Singer, Composer and Music Educator. He has performed and won critical acclaim in many parts of the world, in addition to numerous occasions in Singapore, where he has been dubbed "Singapore's King... Commissioned by the Ministry of Information and the Arts |
Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and the National Arts Council | Chorus: One people, one nation, one Singapore That's the way that we will be forevermore Every creed and every race, has its role and has its place One people, one nation, one Singapore |
| Shine for Singapore | 2008 | Lyrics and music: Benny Wong |
Chorus 1: Shine for Singapore This is your song Deep inside your heart where it belongs It'll always stay, strive for your goals. You will achieve with visions so bold. |
|
| Singapore Town | Lyrics and music: The Sidaislers |
First verse: You could take a little trip around Singapore town In a Singapore city bus To see Collyer Quay and Raffles Place The Esplanade and all of us Chorus: Because in Singapore, Singapore Their hearts are big and wide you'll find Because in Singapore, Singapore You'll find happiness for everyone |
||
| Singapura, Sunny Island | 1962 | Translated from Indonesian version | MediaCorp Pte. Ltd. MediaCorp Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making.... |
First verse: Singapura, O Singapura Sunny island set in the sea Singapura, O Singapura Pretty flowers bloom for you and me The original song in Malay has a different meaning which is much more patriotic. In any case, here are the Malay words which you can translate yourself through Google Translate: Singapura, O Singapura, Saya hormat selamanya. Singapura, O Singapura, Negeriku yang sangat permai. Tiap permuda sedia membelanya, Berkerja giat Bertekad bulat. Singpura, O Singapura, Saya hormat selamanya. One wonders why the original words about respecting, honouring and defending one's country were changed to lyrics that spoke of pretty flowers blooming.....the original translation was also far more pride inspiring, as will be remembered by those who sang the original translation during National Day at school in the '60s and '70s. |
| Song for Singapore | 2010 | Lyrics and music: Corrinne May Corrinne May Corrinne May is a Singaporean singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles.Corrinne composed and performed the theme song for Singapore's National Day 2010, titled "Song for Singapore"... |
Chorus: I want to sing Sing a song for Singapore With every generation there's more to be grateful for So come and sing Sing a song for Singapore You're my brother you're my sister I'm thankful for my Singapore My Singapore Singapore |
|
| Stand Up for Singapore | 1984 | Lyrics and music: Hugh Harrison
|
Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and the National Arts Council | First verse: Stand up for Singapore, do the best you can Reach out for your fellow man You've got to make a stand Recognise you can play your part Let it come right from your heart Be prepared to give a little more Stand up, stand up for Singapore |
| There's No Place I'd Rather Be | 2007 | Lyrics and music: Jimmy Ye |
Chorus: There's no place I'd rather be You'll always be a part of me And even though I've roamed the world It's still my home I long to see. |
|
| We Are Singapore | 1987 | Lyrics and music: Hugh Harrison Orchestration: Jeremy Monteiro Jeremy Monteiro Jeremy Monteiro Jeremy Monteiro Jeremy Monteiro (born June 20, 1960, Singapore, is a Jazz Pianist, Singer, Composer and Music Educator. He has performed and won critical acclaim in many parts of the world, in addition to numerous occasions in Singapore, where he has been dubbed "Singapore's King... Commissioned by the Cultural Affairs Division, Ministry of Community Development |
Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and the National Arts Council | First verse: There was a time when people said That Singapore won't make it But we did There was a time when troubles Seemed too much for us to take But we did We built a nation Strong and free Reaching out together For peace and harmony Chorus 1: This is my country, this is my flag This is my future, this is my life This is my family, these are my friends We are Singapore, Singaporeans |
| What Do You See? | 2009 | Lyrics and music: Electrico Electrico Electrico is a pop rock and indie Singaporean band originally formed in Singapore in 1996, which went by the name Electric Company in 1996. This band is still active with the present line-up which includes David Tan, Desmond Goh, William Lim Jr.- Electric Company: 1996-1997 :Electric Company was... |
Chorus: See the moon and the stars, look how far we have come Look around at our faces, they shine brightly in the sun With our hopes and dreams, imagine what tomorrow it may bring What do you see? What do you see? |
|
| Will You? | 2007 | Lyrics and music: Jimmy Ye |
First verse: Will you make this island Amazing in all ways? Surprises every corner, Delightful nights and days. |
Notes
- The song highlighted in blue was designated as the "millennium song" by the National Arts Council.
- The four songs highlighted in pink were designated as "national songs" by the National Arts Council.
- Songs highlighted in red are National Day Parade theme songs.
- Songs highlighted in yellow were designated as "community songs" by the National Arts Council.
Songs with Malay lyrics
| Title | Date | Author(s) | Copyright owner(s) | First verse and/or chorus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chan Mali Chan | 2010 | Indonesian Folk Song - from Nusa Tenggara - video with original indonesian lyrics | Not copyrighted | First verse: Di mana dia anak kambing saya? Anak kambing saya yang makan daun talas Di mana dia buah hati saya? Buah hati saya bagai telur dikupas Chorus: Chan mali chan, chan mali chan, Chan mali chan, ketipung payung (twice) |
| Di Tanjung Katong | Folk song | Not copyrighted | First verse: Di Tanjung Katong, airnya biru Disitu tempatnya, dara jelita Duduk sekampung, lagikan rindu Kononlah pula nun jauh di mata |
|
| Semoga Bahagia Semoga Bahagia Semoga Bahagia is a Malay song composed by the famous composer Zubir Said. Zubir Said also composed many other songs, among them Majulah Singapura which was adopted as the National Anthem of Singapore.... (May You Achieve Happiness) |
Lyrics and music: Zubir Said Zubir Said Zubir Said was a Singaporean composer originally from the Minangkabau highlands of Indonesia who composed the national anthem of Singapore, "Majulah Singapura"... |
First verse: Sama-sama maju ke hadapan Pandai cari pelajaran Jaga diri dalam kesihatan Serta sopan-santun dengan kawan-kawan English translation: Together we progress Clever at seeking knowledge Take care of your health And be courteous to your friends |
Notes
- Songs highlighted in yellow were designated as "community songs" by the National Arts Council.
Songs with Mandarin lyrics
| Title | Date | Author(s) | Copyright owner(s) | First verse and/or chorus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Xiao Ren Wu De Xin Sheng) (Voices from the Heart) |
2006 | Lyrics: Bok Sek Yieng
|
Touch Music Publishing Pte. Ltd. | First verse: [Perhaps I, as only one person, can't take on a large task But I can work hard and contribute a decent effort.] |
Songs with Tamil lyrics
| Title | Date | Author(s) | Copyright owner(s) | First verse and/or chorus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Munnaeru Vaalibaa | [unknown] | Folk song | Not copyrighted | Lyrics: Munnaeru vaalibaa munaeri endrum Thoduvaan noakkuvaai Kann theriyaatha Kaari rulil Olirum vinmeenae Thanimaiyaalae payantha naadugal Irulil oli pera unnai naadum Mael noakku vaaliba endrum munnaeri Thoduvaan noakkuvaai thoduvaan noakkuvai |
Notes
- Songs highlighted in yellow were designated as "community songs" by the National Arts Council.
See also
- Music of Singapore – National Day songs
- National Day Parade – Theme songs