Does any fellow Singaporean remember the rare but very real burst of national pride come every 9 August back in primary and secondary school? Every year for National Day celebrations in schools, we would wave our flimsy little flags about, be dressed in mandatory red T-shirts for the half-day event and belt National Day songs out with spirit.
There’s just something about the National Day songs of yesteryear that make them so memorable and enjoyable to sing during the festivities. While some of the last few years’ songs, by popular consensus, haven’t seemed to have made the mark, we take a look at some of the best and most beloved National Day songs that will, quite certainly, stay with us for decades to come.
1984: Stand Up for Singapore
An easy favourite – marked most prominently by the annoying tendency of people to continue with “… for Singapore, do the best you can!” whenever someone said “Stand up”. You’ve probably been guilty of it too. And can we just take a moment to appreciate the music video? Though it was a remake filmed in 2001, the old-school vibes are something kids of the 1980s and 90s will enjoy.
1986: Count On Me Singapore
A shining example to all future composers that the simplest lyrics stick:
Count on me, Singapore
Count on me, Singapore
Count on me to give my best and more,
Together, Singapore, Singapore.
There are literally only 11 words in that chorus – but that didn’t make it any less of a hearty song to sing in unison.
1990: One People, One Nation, One Singapore
Probably one of the most cheerful songs on the list, this tune makes for a nice track to drape arms around each other, sing as One Singapore, and sway mechanically from left to right.
1998: Home (by Kit Chan)
“Home” is the island’s crowning glory of all patriotic songs. It’s hard to believe that Home is only 17 years old, when it feels like we’ve been singing along to this song forever. Truly the song to represent Singapore, “Home” has become quite the anthem for many Singaporeans working and studying abroad, and has brought tears to many a Singaporean when singing it. It is an undisputable favourite – so much that it’s been reprised three times over the years.
2001: Where I Belong (by Tanya Chua)
Admit it, you have confused this with “We Will Get There” by Stefanie Sun.
That aside, it’s a great dancey tune that has become one of the most recognised (and memorised) National Day songs for all Singaporeans. Plus it’s catchy to boot.
2002: We Will Get There (by Stefanie Sun)
The National Day committee was clearly on a roll, pumping out three national hits in five years. Primary schoolers of the 2000 era will definitely remember dancing along to Stefanie Sun’s strong vocals, while forcefully yelling, “Deep in my HEAAAAAART I just know…”
2003: One United People (by Stefanie Sun)
Unfortunately, the peak of Singapore’s best National Day songs seemed to pass with “We Will Get There”. While “One United People” is still a pretty characteristic song, it’s a lot less catchy, and you probably wouldn’t recognise it until the chorus hits.
2005: Reach Out For The Skies (by Taufik Batisah and Rui En)
2005 took us all by surprise, because who knew Rui En could sing? That said, it turned out she made a pretty good pairing with 2004 Singapore Idol Taufik Batisah in putting out this light-hearted and fun song. And who can forget the excitement of doing the dance steps (and the wave!) in complete synchronisation?
2006: My Island Home (by Kaira Gong)
Wipe that look of confusion off your face and fast-forward to 1:10. Yup.
2010: Song for Singapore (by Corrinne May)
The last acceptable song of the decade! In our humble opinion, at least. This homegrown artist’s sweet and silky vocals brought something fresh to the usual vibe of National Day songs, and though this song isn’t the easiest to remember and regurgitate word for word, it’s certainly a pleasing song to add to our list of favourites.
And so marks the end of an era. Perhaps what makes these songs so memorable and well-loved is simply that they are sincere and to-the-point. A promising sign, though, for future National Day songs is bringing veteran homegrown artists like Dick Lee back onto the scene. We can’t wait to see what else the National Day committee has in store after SG50, but for now, you need this list. Otherwise you’d still be thinking Stefanie Sun sang “Home”.
Have a Happy National Day, everybody!
This article was contributed by Amanda Chai from local startup ShopBack Singapore.
