List of Singaporean patriotic songs
This article contains a list of Singaporean patriotic songs
A patriotic song is one which inspires feelings of pride in one's country. The list has both traditional folk songs that have special meaning to Singaporeans, 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.
Generally speaking, there may be said to be two types of Singaporean 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 Malay song "Di Tanjung Katong", Mandarin song "Tong Yao", and 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", "Count On Me, Singapore" and "One People, One Nation, One Singapore". In 1998, there were 2 National Day Parade theme songs, "Home" and "City For The World" and one of them was reused for National Day Parade in 2004. Then in 2007 they used two National Day Parade theme songs, "There's No Place I'd Rather Be" and "Will You?".
As for the National Day Ceremony song, My People My Home, it was conducted by Dr Lee Tzu Pheng, it came out in the late 1990s and was reused for National Day Parade 2012, together with Love at First Light which is sung by 27-year-old singer, Olivia Ong.
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" by Dick Lee, "Where I Belong" by Tanya Chua, and "A Place in My Heart" by Kevin Quah. Local singers such as Taufik Batisah, Kit Chan and Stefanie Sun have performed songs in the Sing Singapore collection.
Critical reception
While some of these modern made-to-order patriotic songs have become popular in the country, 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". 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 "he spirit of patriotism is woven so well in the song". One correspondent to the Straits Times 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 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".
Apart from "There's No Place I'd Rather Be", earlier songs like "Shine On Me", "Where I Belong", and "We Will Get There" also do not mention Singapore by name.
The National Anthem
| Title | Date | Author | Copyright owner | Lyrics |
| Majulah Singapura | 1958 | Lyrics and music: Zubir Said | 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: 来吧，新加坡人民 让我们共同向幸福迈进 我们崇高的理想 要使新加坡成功 来吧，让我们以新的精神 团结在一起 我们齐声欢呼 前进吧，新加坡 前进吧，新加坡 来吧，让我们以新的精神 团结在一起 我们齐声欢呼 前进吧，新加坡 前进吧，新加坡 Tamil translation: சிங்கப்பூர் மக்கள் நாம் செல்வோம் மகிழ்வை நோக்கியே சிங்கப்பூரின் வெற்றிதான் சிறந்த நம் நாட்டமே ஒன்றிணைவோம் அனைவரும் ஓங்கிடும் புத்துணர்வுடன் முழங்குவோம் ஒன்றித்தே முன்னேறட்டும் சிங்கப்பூர் முன்னேறட்டும் சிங்கப்பூர் ஒன்றிணைவோம் அனைவரும் ஓங்கிடும் புத்துணர்வுடன் முழங்குவோம் ஒன்றித்தே முன்னேறட்டும் சிங்கப்பூர் முன்னேறட்டும் சிங்கப்பூர் |
National Day Theme Songs (by year)
| Year | Song | Singers | Composer | Lyricist | Music Director | Music Video Director | Chinese Version | Singers | - | - |
| 1984 | "Stand Up for Singapore" | Hugh Harrison | Hugh Harrison | - | - | |||||
| 1985 | "Stand Up for Singapore" | Hugh Harrison | Hugh Harrison | - | - | |||||
| 1986 | "Count on Me Singapore" | Clement Chow | Hugh Harrison | Hugh Harrison | - | - | ||||
| 1987 | "We are Singapore" | Jonathan Tan, Roslinda Baharudin, Anne Weerapass and Robert Fernando | Hugh Harrison | Hugh Harrison | - | - | ||||
| 1988 | "We are Singapore" | Jonathan Tan, Roslinda Baharudin, Anne Weerapass and Robert Fernando | Hugh Harrison | Hugh Harrison | - | - | ||||
| 1989 | "Five Stars Arising" | Lim Su Chong" | - | - | ||||||
| 1990 | "One People, One Nation, One Singapore" | Jeremy Monteiro | Jim Aitchison | - | - | |||||
| 1991 | "It's the Little Things" | - | - | |||||||
| 1995 | "My People My Home" | Dr Lee Tzu Pheng | - | - | ||||||
| 1996 | "Count On Me Singapore" | Clement Chow | - | - | ||||||
| 1997 | "Singapore Town" | The Sidaislers | - | - | ||||||
| 1998 | "Home" | Kit Chan | Dick Lee | Dick Lee | 家 | Kit Chan 陈洁仪 | - | - | ||
| 1998 | "City for the World" | Kit Chan | - | - | - | - | - | Kit Chan 陈洁仪 | - | - |
| 1999 | "Together" | Evelyn Tan & Dreamz FM | Ken Lim | Ken Lim | 心连心 | Evelyn Tan & Dreamz FM 陈毓云、梦飞船 | - | - | ||
| 2000 | "Shine on Me" | Jai Wahab | Jim Lim | Jim Lim | 星月 | Mavis Hee 许美静 | - | - | ||
| 2001 | "Where I Belong" | Tanya Chua | Tanya Chua | Tanya Chua | 属于 | Tanya Chua 蔡健雅 | - | - | ||
| 2002 | "We Will Get There" | Stefanie Sun | Dick Lee | Dick Lee | 一起走到 | Stefanie Sun 孙燕姿 | - | - | ||
| 2003 | "One United People" | Stefanie Sun | Joshua Wan | Joshua Wan | 全心全意 | Stefanie Sun 孙燕姿 | - | - | ||
| 2004 | "Home" | Kit Chan and JJ Lin The MTV versions were choral renditions performed by Young Voices, which comprises the Choirs from the Tanjong Katong Girls' School and Tampines Primary School. | Dick Lee | Dick Lee | 家 | Kit Chan and JJ Lin 陈洁仪、林俊杰 | - | - | ||
| 2005 | "Reach Out for the Skies" | Taufik Batisah and Rui En | Elaine Chan | Selena Tan | 勇敢向前飞 | Rui En 瑞恩 | - | - | ||
| 2006 | "My Island Home" | Kaira Gong | Joshua Wan | Joshua Wan | 幸福的图形 | Kaira Gong 龚诗嘉 | - | - | ||
| 2007 | "There's No Place I'd Rather Be" | Kit Chan | Jimmy Ye | Jimmy Ye | - | - | ||||
| 2007 | "Will You" | Janani Sridhar, Asha Edmund, Emma Yong, Lily Ann Rahmat, Jai Wahab, Shabir Mohammed, Sebastian Tan, Gani Karim | Jimmy Ye | Jimmy Ye | - | - | ||||
| 2008 | "Shine for Singapore" | Hady Mirza | Benny Wong | Benny Wong | 晴空万里 | Joi Chua 蔡淳佳 | - | - | ||
| 2009 | "What Do You See?" | Electrico | Electrico | Electrico | 就在这里 | Kelvin Tan 陈伟联 | - | - | ||
| 2010 | "Song for Singapore" | Corrinne May | Corrine May | Corrine May | - | - | ||||
| 2011 | "In a Heartbeat" | Sylvia Ratonel | Goh Keng Long | Haresh Sharma | - | - | ||||
| 2012 | "Love At First Light" | Olivia Ong and Natanya Tan | Iskandar Ismail | Paul Tan | - | - | ||||
| 2013 | "One Singapore" | 68-member choir "Sing A Nation" | Elaine Chan | Selena Tan | - | - | ||||
| 2014 | "We Will Get There" | Farisha Ishak, Fauzi Laili, Tay Ke Wei and Rahimah Rahim | - | - | ||||||
| 2015 | "Our Singapore" | Dick Lee & JJ Lin | Dick Lee | Dick Lee | - | - | ||||
| 2016 | "Tomorrow's Here Today" | 53A | Don Richmond | Don Richmond | Huang Junxiang | - | - | |||
| 2017 | "Because it's Singapore" | Jay Lim | Lee Wei Song | Jay Lim | Miso Tan | - | - | |||
| 2018 | We Are Singapore | Charlie Lim, Vanessa Fernandez, Aisyah Aziz, Shak'thiya Subramaniamm, Joanna Dong and THELIONCITYBOY | Charlie Lim, Hugh Harrison | Charlie Lim, Hugh Harrison | Dr Sydney Tan, Charlie Lim, Evan Low | Li Lin Wee | - | - | ||
| 2019 | Our Singapore | Rahimah Rahim, Jacintha Abisheganaden, Stefanie Sun. JJ Lin, Dick Lee, Kit Chan | Dick Lee | Dick Lee | Dr Sydney Tan | Royston Tan | ||||
| 2020 | Everything I Am | Nathan Hartono | Joshua Wan | Joshua Wan | Dr Sydney Tan |
Songs with English lyrics
| Title | Date | Author | Copyright owner | First verse and/or chorus |
| Count On Me, Singapore | 1986 | Lyrics and music: Hugh Harrison Commissioned by the Cultural Affairs Division, Ministry of Community Development | Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and the National Arts Council | 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 There is something down the road that we can strive for We are told no dream's too bold that we can't try for There's a spirit in the air, it's a feeling we all share We're going to build a better life, for you and me We can achieve, we can achieve Count on me Singapore, count on me to give my best and more 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 Together Singapore, Singapore! |
| ' | 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 Second verse: There are five stars arising, out of the stormy sea Each is a lamp to guide our way; a lamp for all to see Reach out for the stars above, savour freedom, truth and love There are five stars arising, out of the stormy sea Third verse: There's a new flag arising, out of the stormy sea Crimson as the blood of all mankind, yet white and pure and free Reach out for the flag above, savour freedom, truth and love There is a new flag arising, happy and proud are we Ending: There is a new moon arising, out of the stormy sea five stars arising, happy and proud are we |
| It's the Little Things | 1991 | 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 children's laughter everywhere, Over the years, I've grown And no matter where I'll be, You're always here for me |
| Moments of Magic | 1999 | Lyrics and music: Ken Lim | Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and the National Arts Council | Chorus: Let us celebrate this moment, Let us reach out for our dreams out there Moments of magic we will share Let us celebrate this moment, We will always be a city of friends Time will bring for us to share Moments of magic |
| ' | 1990 | Lyrics: Jim Aitchison Music: Jeremy Monteiro Commissioned by the Ministry of Information and the Arts | Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and the National Arts Council | "First verse": We've built a nation with our hands The toil of people from a dozen lands. Strangers when we first begun, now we are Singaporeans Let's reach out for Singapore. Join our hands forevermore 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 |
| Singapore Town | 1967 | Lyrics and music: The Sidaislers | First verse: You could take a little trip around 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 | |
| ' | 1962 | Translated from Indonesian version | MediaCorp Pte. Ltd. | First verse: Singapura, O Singapura Sunny island set in the sea Singapura, O Singapura Pretty flowers bloom for you and me |
| Song for Singapore | 2010 | Lyrics and music: Corrinne May | 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 Commissioned by the Ministry of Culture | 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. | |
| These Are The Days | 2015 | Lyrics and music: Lee Chin Sin | Chorus: These are the days To breathe and feel To touch the skies To name our dreams and make them real And never close our eyes We've fought the fears We've braved the years When all we could believe was all we had to give Now what we only dreamed is what we live | |
| ' | 1987 | Lyrics and music: Hugh Harrison Orchestration: Jeremy Monteiro 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 | Chorus: See the moon and the stars, Look around at our faces, With our hopes and dreams, 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.
- The song highlighted in green is the winner of SG50: The Gift of Song.
Songs with Malay lyrics
| Title | Date | Author | Copyright owner | First verse and/or chorus |
| ' | 2010 | - from Nusa Tenggara - | 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 |
| ' | Composer Osman Ahmad, musician in 1930s. Reference found in MUSIKA: Arena Muzik Silam di Malaya. NLB. | Copyright controlled. | First verse: Di Tanjung Katong, airnya biru Disitu tempatnya, dara jelita Duduk sekampung, lagikan rindu Kononlah pula nun jauh di mata | |
| Semoga Bahagia | Lyrics and music: Zubir Said | 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.
- Semoga Bahagia was designated as the official Children's Day song.
Songs with Mandarin lyrics
| Title | Date | Author | Copyright owner | First verse and/or chorus |
| 小人物的心声 | 1986 | Lyrics: Bok Sek Yieng Music: Tan Kian Chin | Touch Music Publishing Pte. Ltd. | First verse: 也许我一个人 不能成就一番大事业 但我尽力贡献一份微薄的力量 也许我自己 不能发出万丈光和亮 但我能为斗室带来足够的光芒 我从来都不在乎 自己不是一个大人物 因为平凡也是一种幸福 看到名人总是忙忙碌碌 我的时间由我控制 平凡日子一样会充实 |
Songs with Tamil lyrics
| Title | Date | Author | Copyright owner | First verse and/or chorus |
| 1966 | S. Jesudassan | 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 The lyrics in Tamil are: முன்னேறு வாலிபா முன்னேறி என்றும் தொடுவான் நோக்குவாய் கண் தெரியாத காரி ருளில் ஒளிரும் விண்மீனே தனிமை யாலே பயந்த நாடுகள் இருளில் ஒளிபெற உன்னை நாடும் மேல் நோக்கு வாலிபா என்றும் முன்னேறி தொடுவான் நோக்குவாய் தொடுவான் நோக்குவாய் The lyrics in English are: Forward o'youth forever advancing Look to horizons far Eyes do not grope in the depths of the night That look on a shining star Nations fearful in apartness Need your sight to light their darkness Look up o'youth forever advancing Look to horizons far... | |
| Engkal Singapore | 1966 | Lyrics: Peri Nela Palanivelan Music: L Krishna Samy | Not copyrighted | Lyrics: Engkal Singapore - ithu Engkal Singapore - inbam Engkum pongkum Engkal Singapore Oru nilaiyaana aatchi ulakil Uyarnthu oangkum naadu - engkal Orumaippaattinai vilakkum - ina Otrumai kanda naadu |
| Singai Naadu | 2012 | Composed & Performed by: Shabir Tabare Alam Lyrics: Shabir Tabare Alam | Copyright: Shabir Tabare Alam | Lyrics: Boomi, Unnai Azhaikkuthu Unnai Azhaikkuthu, Vaa Vaa Nam Naadu, Kural Ezhupputhu Kural Ezhupputhu, Vaa Vaa Pala Inangal Sera, Orumai Kondaade En Veedu Enthan Thaai Naadu Endru Sollu Pala Inangal Sera, Orumai Kondaade En Veedu Enthan Thaai Naadu Endru Sollu Singai Naadu, Enthan Veedu Singai Naadu, Enthan Veedu English Translation: The land is calling you, come home Our country is calling you, come home Many races come together to celebrate unity Say that this is your home and your Motherland Singapore My Country, My Home |
Notes
- Songs highlighted in yellow were designated as "community songs" by the National Arts Council.