Love them or hate them, Singapore’s National Day songs are here to stay. It’s the one thing that defines each year’s National Day Parade other than the exuberant performances, large-scale displays, and spectacular fireworks. Sometimes cheesy, sometimes cringe-worthy, but sometimes also ridiculously catchy, these melodies hit big on the nostalgia factor, and they never fail to remind us that we're Not Alone, or that our loved ones will be there for us In a Heartbeat. This year, we ask our team to share some of their favourite National Day Songs of all time, and these are their top picks.
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"This particular song holds great significance to me. I can still vividly recall listening to it during my early childhood. And now everytime it plays, it instantly takes me back to those carefree days where life was simpler. Not to mention, this song is also a good reminder of the trying times and to appreciate how far we've come as people, and as a nation."
– Mingli Seet, Art & Culture Writer
“Not gonna lie, I had chills the first time I listened to 2019’s NDP song, Our Singapore. The nostalgia of Stefanie Sun’s We Will Get There performed by legends like Rahimah Rahim and Jacintha Abisheganaden combined with the vocals of new-kids-on-the-block – and actual children – never fail to pull at the heartstrings. Seeing everyone come together to pull this off reminds me that we are indeed one people, one nation and one Singapore.”
– Nicole-Marie Ng, Regional Content Director
"I want to say Home by Kit Chan, but this song is pretty underrated. I was 17 years old in the year that this was released as the National Day theme song, and I remember appreciating that it was not overly saccharine. The music video is a predictable montage of everyday life in Singapore to tug at the heartstrings, but I can't resist Corrinne May's heavenly vocals, so all is forgiven."
– Cheryl Sekkappan, Deputy Editor
"Corrinne May's voice is really nice, the music video was really nice, and it was just really touching."
– Deanna Teng, Editorial Assistant
“Out of all the NDP songs, I like the tune of this one the most. And it came out around the time I attended the parade in Primary 5, so it's also my most memorable NDP song. I'd consider it quite an upbeat song for that generation — the previous years' were more mellow and emotional and this just had more hype. Plus, I like Rui En."
– Liqin Lau, Lead Designer
"It's my favourite song just because of Taufik Batisah. I remember learning the dance in primary school and performing it. In fact, I was such a big fan of Taufik that I went to his very first meet and greet and signing event at IMM for his debut album. I also listened to his CD everyday on my Walkman. So safe to say, this particular NDP song stuck with me for a long time."
– Farah Adilah, Campaign Executive
"This song came out when sentiments were at an all-time high as we've just gone through the worst of COVID as a nation. It's not your typical singalong parade anthem, and hearing Linying croon "we did it before, and we'll do it again" definitely made me feel some typa way. The lyrics are poetic and relevant to the times without being the least bit corny, and can we talk about how the line "where the garden always grows toward the light" in the bridge is possibly one the most beautiful National Day song lyrics to have ever been written? Oh, the music video had really cute illustrations too. Given the filming constraints then due to the pandemic, I thought it was a smart choice to go for a fully animated video."
– Adira Chow, Food & Drink Writer
“Cover songs are either a hit or miss, and this modern take on the 1987 classic by Charlie Lim fares better than the original. Don’t get me wrong – it’s still quite forgettable compared to previous NDP songs but the diversity in both song and video makes up for it. Plus, extra brownie points for the cats. Oh, and rapping the Singapore pledge? What a time to be alive."
– Cam Khalid, Branded Content Editor
“Dick Lee’s surprisingly relatable song has probably hit home (pun absolutely intended) at some point in our lives, especially for those who are away from Singapore for an extended period of time. Whether we’re homesick for the efficient transport system, fuss-free kopitiam culture, mouthwatering local cuisine, or the weather, this song reminds us that sometimes we do take our sunny island for granted.”
– Dewi Nurjuwita, former Art & Culture Editor
“Every year, like a routine, we get a new shopping mall, a Jack Neo movie and a National Day theme song – that we never asked for. None of them has drawn any strong reactions from me except maybe 2001's NDP theme song Where I Belong. Yes, I agree there can be nothing as great, wholesome and mainstream as Home but this is a close second. Besides, as a history enthusiast, I appreciate the vintage footage of the Singapore skyline in the music video."
– Delfina Utomo, former Editor
“This song is truly a ~magical~ bop. It’s also our official millennium song that brought together an epic trio of Fann Wong (homegirl can sing!), Tanya Chua and Elsa Lin. And since we probably won’t live to hear the next millennium NDP song, this one’s all we’ve got.”
– Fabian Loo, former Food & Drink Writer
"With all the events that have happened in 2020 and 2021 (yes Covid-19, we mean you mostly), the song entitled Everything I Am is mellower and more emotional than the clap-along anthems that have rolled out in the previous years. In it, Hartono sings "Show me how I should be strong / Teach me that I can be weak" – perhaps some of the more tender lyrics we've seen in a National Day song, which usually focus on success, victories and being the very best. Still, what's an NDP song without the corny bits like referring to Singapore as a "precious jewel in my hand" – but we'll take it."
– Delfina Utomo, former Editor
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