National Day Parade (NDP) songs have been an integral part of our national identity reflecting the collective personality, values and spirit that has evolved with each generation – serving as a time capsule for Singapore.
“Stand Up for Singapore” ,introduced in the 1980s, was a particular favourite among my grandparents’ and parents’ generation. Beyond its uplifting lyrics, it was also a beacon of hope during a time when Singapore was facing economic challenges and struggling to find its footing as a young nation. It offered comfort and inspiration to those who were persevering through difficult times, reminding them that better days were ahead.
As my parents fondly reminisce about the days of young adulthood, this song always stands out as an iconic representation. It was especially significant for my dad since it was a time when he was just starting out in his career and could relate to the heart of the song. With the opportunity to participate in the NDP as part of the union alongside his colleagues, I could see his eyes light up with a warm nostalgic glow as he recalls waving the Singapore flag and marching in unison with thousands of others around him. In the electric atmosphere of the National Day Parade, the energy was palpable as he sang with one accord with many fellow Singaporeans:
“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”
It was as though these words were a collective promise to strive for excellence and make a difference together, be it in the workplace or in the family. Though decades have passed, humming along to this song still brings back memories for my dad whereas for me, it reminds me of how my friends and I would stand up literally and sing with pride and conviction during the National Day assembly. It demonstrates how each NDP song can evoke unique memories for individuals from all walks of life, yet we’re all connected by a common thread – a shared sense of pride and purpose.
Back in Primary 5, I fondly remember the NDP song “What Do You See” resonating through our school hallways in the days leading up to National Day. My friends and I had learnt the song together in rooms adorned with Singaporean elements, and soon it became an anthem we could sing by heart. It wasn’t until the day of the National Education (NE) show at the Marina Bay Floating Platform that the song really hit home. Surrounded by a sea of red and white with NDP tattoos on our faces, we waved our light sticks as we sang the song in unison. There was a surge of pride and hope singing the 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?”
Looking back, those lyrics at 11 years old opened my eyes to dream of the endless possibilities of my future.
Fast forward to today, this year’s National Day Parade (NDP) theme, “Together, As One United People”, is all about celebrating our shared journey and the strength in diversity.
As we come together to celebrate this significant milestone, this year’s NDP song, “Not Alone”, beautifully pays tribute to the people who’ve gone before us and the spirit of community that makes Singapore feel like home. By incorporating familiar lyrics from past classics like “Home”, it takes us on a journey from our humble beginnings to the thriving city we know today.
“Not Alone” starts with a heartfelt question: “How do I reach for the skies if I’m feeling low? Don’t know where to go” – conveying the emotional struggle to find hope and motivation. However, it takes an uplifting turn: “But then I come to the river that runs through my town, where our fathers and mothers have watered the ground” which shifts our focus from our individual struggles to the collective strength of those who’ve gone before us – a reminder that we’re not alone but we stand on the shoulders of giants through their sacrifices and legacy.
This resonates deeply with me as I reflect on my parents’ selflessness in working tirelessly behind the scenes during my formative years, sacrificing their own comfort and desires to provide the best of us. For one, music was a passion they never had much opportunity to nurture so it became a gift they encouraged us to explore. They sacrificed the weekends to send us to and fro for music lessons and cultivated an environment at home that was conducive for us to practice and express ourselves.
Listening to this year’s NDP song as a Zillenial, I must say that this could very much be in my Spotify playlist. With a tinge of nostalgic references to Backstreet Boys and modern indie tunes, the subtle approach to patriotism is a refreshing change. Instead of the usual clichés where there is a deliberate mention of the word “Singapore”, the message of shared experiences and heritage were metaphorically and artfully conveyed.
Staying relevant and nostalgic at the same time, its soothing melody also took my parents on a trip down memory lane, reminding them of everyday moments from their past – working, playing, learning, and living together. They appreciated how it showcases Singaporeans of all ages and nods to the past even with the vintage dressing like singlets and bell bottom jeans. It’s a beautiful way to connect the dots between then and now. Singaporeans also took it online to share how it was a “very meaningful and relatable song” that was easy to sing-along to. Even the usual skeptics were swayed upon listening to it, ‘Wait, this is actually good”.
The release of NDP songs every year is more than just a tradition but a cultural timestamp to look back on our collective journey, transcending individual preferences and generational differences. It helps us to witness the transformation of our nation and people and the shared experiences and emotions that define us as Singaporeans.
As we celebrate another year of our independence, let us remember the people who make our house feel like home – the bus drivers, hawkers, our neighbours, and our loved ones. They are truly the fabric of our society, and it’s their stories and contributions that make Singapore home. Here’s to Singapore’s birthday – may it be filled with joy, unity, and pride!