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

TitleDateAuthorCopyright ownerLyrics
Majulah Singapura
1958Lyrics and music:
Zubir Said
Ministry of Information, Communications and the ArtsOfficial 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)

YearSongSingersComposerLyricistMusic DirectorMusic Video DirectorChinese VersionSingers--
1984"Stand Up for Singapore" Hugh HarrisonHugh Harrison --
1985"Stand Up for Singapore" Hugh HarrisonHugh Harrison --
1986"Count on Me Singapore"Clement ChowHugh HarrisonHugh Harrison --
1987"We are Singapore"Jonathan Tan, Roslinda Baharudin, Anne Weerapass and Robert FernandoHugh HarrisonHugh Harrison --
1988"We are Singapore"Jonathan Tan, Roslinda Baharudin, Anne Weerapass and Robert FernandoHugh HarrisonHugh Harrison --
1989"Five Stars Arising"Lim Su Chong" --
1990"One People, One Nation, One Singapore" Jeremy MonteiroJim 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 ChanDick LeeDick LeeKit Chan
陈洁仪
--
1998"City for the World"Kit Chan-----Kit Chan
陈洁仪
--
1999"Together"Evelyn Tan & Dreamz FMKen LimKen Lim心连心Evelyn Tan & Dreamz FM
陈毓云、梦飞船
--
2000"Shine on Me"Jai WahabJim LimJim Lim星月Mavis Hee
许美静
--
2001"Where I Belong"Tanya ChuaTanya ChuaTanya Chua属于Tanya Chua
蔡健雅
--
2002"We Will Get There"Stefanie SunDick LeeDick Lee一起走到Stefanie Sun
孙燕姿
--
2003"One United People"Stefanie SunJoshua WanJoshua 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 LeeDick LeeKit Chan and JJ Lin
陈洁仪、林俊杰
--
2005"Reach Out for the Skies"Taufik Batisah and Rui EnElaine ChanSelena Tan勇敢向前飞Rui En
瑞恩
--
2006"My Island Home"Kaira GongJoshua WanJoshua Wan幸福的图形Kaira Gong
龚诗嘉
--
2007"There's No Place I'd Rather Be"Kit ChanJimmy YeJimmy Ye--
2007"Will You"Janani Sridhar, Asha Edmund, Emma Yong, Lily Ann Rahmat, Jai Wahab, Shabir Mohammed, Sebastian Tan, Gani KarimJimmy YeJimmy Ye--
2008"Shine for Singapore"Hady MirzaBenny WongBenny Wong晴空万里Joi Chua
蔡淳佳
--
2009"What Do You See?"ElectricoElectricoElectrico就在这里Kelvin Tan
陈伟联
--
2010"Song for Singapore"Corrinne MayCorrine MayCorrine May --
2011"In a Heartbeat"Sylvia RatonelGoh Keng LongHaresh Sharma --
2012"Love At First Light"Olivia Ong and Natanya TanIskandar IsmailPaul Tan --
2013"One Singapore"68-member choir "Sing A Nation"Elaine ChanSelena Tan --
2014"We Will Get There"Farisha Ishak, Fauzi Laili, Tay Ke Wei and Rahimah Rahim --
2015"Our Singapore"Dick Lee & JJ LinDick LeeDick Lee --
2016"Tomorrow's Here Today"53ADon RichmondDon RichmondHuang Junxiang --
2017"Because it's Singapore"Jay LimLee Wei SongJay LimMiso Tan --
2018We Are Singapore Charlie Lim, Vanessa Fernandez, Aisyah Aziz, Shak'thiya Subramaniamm, Joanna Dong and THELIONCITYBOYCharlie Lim, Hugh Harrison Charlie Lim, Hugh Harrison Dr Sydney Tan, Charlie Lim, Evan LowLi Lin Wee --
2019Our Singapore Rahimah Rahim, Jacintha Abisheganaden, Stefanie Sun. JJ Lin, Dick Lee, Kit ChanDick LeeDick LeeDr Sydney TanRoyston Tan
2020Everything I AmNathan HartonoJoshua WanJoshua WanDr Sydney Tan

Songs with English lyrics

TitleDateAuthorCopyright ownerFirst verse and/or chorus
Count On Me, Singapore1986Lyrics 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!
'1969Lyrics and music:
Lim Su Chong
Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and the National Arts CouncilFirst 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 Things1991Lyrics: Patrick Seet
Music: Ivan Chua
Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and the National Arts CouncilChorus:
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 Magic1999Lyrics and music:
Ken Lim
Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and the National Arts CouncilChorus:
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
'1990Lyrics: 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 Town1967Lyrics 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
'1962Translated from Indonesian versionMediaCorp 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 Singapore2010Lyrics 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 Singapore1984Lyrics and music:
Hugh Harrison
Commissioned by the Ministry of Culture
Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and the National Arts CouncilFirst 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 Be2007Lyrics 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 Days2015Lyrics 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
'1987Lyrics 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 CouncilFirst 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?2009Lyrics 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 you2007Lyrics and music:
Jimmy Ye
First verse:
Will you make this island
Amazing in all ways?
Surprises every corner,
Delightful nights and days.

Notes
TitleDateAuthorCopyright ownerFirst verse and/or chorus
'2010- from Nusa Tenggara -Not copyrightedFirst 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
TitleDateAuthorCopyright ownerFirst verse and/or chorus
小人物的心声
1986Lyrics: 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

TitleDateAuthorCopyright ownerFirst verse and/or chorus
1966S. JesudassanNot copyrightedLyrics:
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 Singapore1966Lyrics: Peri Nela Palanivelan
Music: L Krishna Samy
Not copyrightedLyrics:
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 Naadu2012Composed & Performed by: Shabir Tabare Alam
Lyrics: Shabir Tabare Alam
Copyright: Shabir Tabare AlamLyrics:
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